Head of Department
"The collaboration of various disciplines is what fascinates me most about polymers. Chemistry is equally important as physics. The composition of formulations and the chemical modifications are as crucial as the interactions between the compounds. The smallest particles or the substitution of functional moieties may have enormous impacts. We aim at understanding and utilizing the structure-property relationships of polymers and additives. By combining and modifying materials of different resources, we want to contribute to the progress towards sustainability and alternative materials."
ADVANCED POLYMER SYSTEMS
Currently, the work of our department focuses on three subjects. On the one hand we are coupling polymers of synthetic and biological origin in a suitable way with each other (polymer-analogous implementation, reactive spacer groups, block copolymers). Synthesis of special polymers is also intended. On the other hand we are thoroughly investigating the role and the effect of surface active agents in stabilising aqueous polymer dispersions as advanced coating materials. We would like to understand them better than to date, in order to influence film or layer formation in a targeted way. Thirdly, we are modifying the properties of polymers using functional additives such as plasticisers and flame retardants. Here above all we focus on bio-based systems. In this regard we can already draw on a wealth of experience. In addition, methods for characterising the molecular structure of polymers are gradually established.
Our Services
In the field of polymer chemistry and characterisation we offer the following services:
development work for testing and optimising formulations and processing procedures in the fields of dispersions, plasticisers and flame resistance,
viscosity measurements and rheological investigations,
dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis