Research Group Thermo-controlled Reactions

Fields of Work

The focus of the group's work is on the holistic, application-oriented and cross-scale development of functional polymer materials, additives and composites (e.g. self-stratifying, self-healing, low-friction, wear-resistant, antistatic) based on natural and bio-based as well as petrochemical raw materials. The aim is that the materials (e.g. multi-functional powder coatings, thermosets, functional additives) can be produced using sustainable technologies (e.g. reactive extrusion, electrostatic powder application).

In parallel, innovative, resource-saving and lean process chains for processing the new polymer materials into semi-finished products and component structures are being developed in interdisciplinary collaboration with research partners, which satisfy the current requirements with regard to Industry 4.0.

Topics

Multi-functional (powder) coatings

(Multi-) functional (powder) coatings for coating metals and less thermo-stable substrates
(Multi-) functional (powder) coatings and thermosets based on bio-based resources
Substances and technologies for the additivation of plastics, wood-based materials and (powder) coatings (e.g. antistatic, conductivity, scratch resistance, IR absorption)

Wear-resistant anti-friction materials

Tribo materials, sliding lacquers and oils based on radiation- and chemically modified and chemically coupled PTFE as a solid lubricant

Sustainable, lean process chains

Interdisciplinary material, technology and process chain development for sustainable and resource-saving redesign of processes (e.g. for material-bonded metal-plastic or plastic-plastic hybrids using powder coatings as latent reactive adhesives)

Kinetic studies by (flash) DSC

Crystallization investigations and kinetics for fast processes using (flash) DSC
Determination of reaction kinetic parameters and simulation of processing conditions for duromer systems (e.g. two-step curable powder coatings)

Biobased resins/polymers

(Multi-) functional (powder) coatings and thermosets based on bio-based resources
Substances and technologies for the additivation of plastics, wood-based materials and (powder) coatings (e.g. antistatic, conductivity, scratch resistance, IR absorption)