Micro-/Nanotechnology
The basis for the design of micro- and nanostructured, multifunctional materials is molecular organization. It encompasses multi-component materials as well the hierarchical, geometric structure of molded bodies. In our “Micro-/Nanotechnology” department, we pursue experimental approaches in the areas of manufacturing processes and physical characterizations as well as concepts for predicting functions using multiscale models. Structural function, movement and adaptivity through the reinforcement of nano-effects at the macroscopic level thereby facilitate, among other aspects, multifunctional, shape-changing or bioinspired materials.
Our generic approach aims to create plant inspired actuators, artificial muscles and smart textiles by creating new material recipes, varying geometry and structural function with a library of materials.
Profile
Photo: Hereon
A key step towards the application of polymeric materials in medical technology, robotics and textiles, is their processing into a wide variety of embodiments. We therefore concern ourselves with various polymer processing technologies starting from the polymer melt (e.g. extrusion, injection molding, compression molding) or the polymer solution (e.g. electrospinning). This includes the processing of polymers, blends and composites thereof to simple semi-finished products such as films, monofilaments or tubes and the manufacture of porous foam structures or microparticles as well as the production of very complex components and demonstrators consisting of several materials.
In addition to the processing of plastics we develop methods for modification of polymer components with additional new features, such as shape-memory effects triggered by various stimuli, e.g. heat, moisture, pH, electricity and alternating magnetic field. Upon selection of thermo-mechanical treatments, we can control whether a plastic can memorize one or more shapes, the desired stimuli and its range, at which the change in shape takes place and whether it should be reversible or not. In this context, the basic research into the structure-property relationships of polymers on different length scales of the molecular structure to the component is of particular importance for us.