Preparation, characterization, and effect of suboxidic particles at the nanoscale in polymeric matrices

Physical Chemistry (research group Niedner-Schatteburg) shall put into operation an available magnetron sputter source to synthesize suboxidic nano particles for subsequent  deposition onto suitable  substrates.  Discharge parameters determine aggregation rate and final size distribution of the nano particles which is to verify via high resolution mass spectrometry.  The institute of surface and thin film analysis IFOS (wg Kopnarski) shall analyze stoichiometry and mophology of the nano particles when deposited. In parallel, Composite Engineering cCe (research group Schlarb) and IFOS (research group Kopnarski) will prepare particular substrates for particle deposition. It is planned to adapt a new method of ultra thin film drawing to semi-crystalline polymers for the first time. These films will be loaded with particles, stacked and compacted by thermal compression molding. The resulting test bars will be characterized regarding their morphology and their reological and mechanical behavior. Eventually, it is planned to clarify the affect of nanoparticles on the deformation mechanisms of semi-crystalline polymers. Modelling and simulation is part of the research work as well. In the long run, polymer based nanocomposites for different applications, e.g. for medical technology, shall be developed. The project is featuring the linkage of fundamental aspects in preparation and characterization of nanoparticles and of nanocomposites. This will lead to a resilient cornerstone in materials development from empiricism to systematic understanding.

Principal Investigators:

Prof. Dr. Michael Kopnarski (IFOS GmbH)

Prof. Dr. Gereon Niedner-Schatteburg(Department of Physics, TU Kaiserslautern)

Prof. Dr. Alois Schlarb (Department of Mechanical & Process Engineering, TU Kaiserslautern)