The "Physical and Chemical Analysis of Polymers" department is concerned with the study and targeted adaptation of the mechanical, chemical, electrical and optical properties of natural and synthetic polymer systems on the smallest scale. The aim of investigating and manipulating these microscopic properties is to gain a fundamental understanding of their relationship with the macroscopic behavior of the material. This is particularly important in order to adapt and optimize materials for a wide range of applications.
Furthermore, hybrid methods are applied and further developed. These include atomic force microscopy combined with infrared nanospectroscopy and other chemically sensitive methods, broadband dielectric spectroscopy and specific heat spectroscopy, as well as thermogravimetric analysis coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TED-GC/MS).
Projects:
- DFG: Functional polymer and nanocomposite 3D architectures using multi-photon laser structuring for advanced microdevice applications
- DFG: Ionic liquid crystals in nanoporous solids: self-organization, molecular mobility and electro-optical functionalities
- PlasticTrace - Tracing Micro and NanoPlastics in Food and Environment: Metrological traceability of measurement data from nano- to small-microplastics for a greener environment and food safety
- POLYRISK - Understanding human exposure and health hazard of micro- and nanoplastic contaminants in our environment
