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Organisation
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Organisation Chart
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Materials Engineering
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Polymer Matrix Composites
The Polymer-Matrix Composite (PMC) division conducts multi-scale research on process-structure-property relationships of high-performance PMCs. Our goal is to generate fundamental understanding at the molecular and fiber-matrix level and how this relates to macroscopic properties, with the aim of extending mechanical lifetimes and safety in real-world applications. Current emphasis is given to performance enhancement via smart intrinsic design and to the development of recyclable high-performance PMCs.
Within these two main research directions, we conduct advanced thermo-mechanical and structural materials characterization from the nano- to the macro-scale, develop novel failure detection methods, or design innovative repair concepts. These experimental competencies are combined with numerical simulations and molecular science to understand fundamental damage mechanisms and to generate the required knowledge for life-time predictions and life-time enhancements.
Being experimentally mainly rooted at the meso and macro-scale, we ensure a complete scale-bridging approach down to the atomic scale via close collaboration with our partner divisions in the department for Materials Chemistry.
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Fields of expertise
- Static and dynamic mechanical properties of polymers and fibre-reinforced composites
- Fatigue strength of fibre-reinforced composites
- Microscopic and molecular damage processes
- Damage accumulation using X-ray refraction
- Fracture mechanics, dynamic fracture toughness
- Thermal and spectroscopic analysis of polymers
- Fibre/polymer matrix adhesion
- Local material properties using micro and nanoindentation
- Degradation of polymer materials under the influence of media
- Multi-axial failure of fibre-reinforced composites
- FEM simulation
- Fracture surface microscopy
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Main activities
- Mechanical properties of polymers and fibre-reinforced composites under static/dynamic loads as well as under long-term and temperature change stresses
- Component testing for the wind energy, aviation and automotive industries
- Degradation of polymer materials under the influence of media
- Material characterisation and microscale investigation of failure mechanisms
- Damage analysis, damage assessment
- Research projects on the technical safety of fibre-reinforced composites
- Development of specific testing methods
- Standardisation, establishment of rules, consulting
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Range of services/technical equipment
- Servohydraulic and electromechanical test machines up to 500 kN
- Servohydraulic tension/torsion test machine, 250 kN / 2,000 Nm with climate-controlled chamber)
- Microtension/pressure test facilities 10 mN / 5 N
- Laboratory X-ray facilities
- Scanning probe microscope
- Adhesion measurement
- Pendulum impact tester with instrumentation
- Testing facility for creep under tension under contact with media
- Thermogravimetric analysis, combined with decomposition gas analysis
- Infrared spectroscopy
- Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
- CAD and FEM
- Laser scanning microscope
- Flow test device for MFR and MVR
- Hydraulic slab press
- Cryomicrotome, sanding and polishing equipment
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Publications of the division
