The share of polymers in the overall use of functional and engineering materials in technical applications is rising constantly, as are the requirements imposed in terms of quality and durability.

Here in the Technical Properties of Polymeric Materials division, we contribute to ensuring that polymeric materials are used safely by means of research, development, consulting, testing and analysis, as well as with the production of reference materials.

We generate data on performance (stability, durability, degradation, fire behaviour), on mechanisms & phenomena (oxidation, hydrolysis, pyrolysis, swelling), and on structure-property relationships under various external conditions (UV exposure, weather exposure, fire). We investigate gas transport properties (permeation, sorption), conduct thermal analyses and spectroscopic studies on ageing and decomposition, and also perform smoke gas analyses and fire simulations. We test the reaction to fire of building materials and the technically relevant properties of elastomers.

Priv.-Doz. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Bernhard Schartel, Head of Division Technical Properties of Polymeric Materials, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM)

Contact Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Bernhard Schartel