New departments at Empa
Focus on nanostructures and functional polymers
With the setting up of two sections for nanotechnology and functional polymers, EMPA is underscoring the importance of these specialized fields in its materials science research. EMPA’s activities in nanotechnology focus on the creation of nanostructures, nanotubes as electron sources and quasicrystalline layers. Work on functional polymers concentrates on exploring new development techniques and searching for innovative applications.
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Section nanotech@surfaces With its newly established nanotechnology section Empa is taking a major step forwards in the creation of nanostructures using supramolecular chemistry, a branch of research that will acquire major significance in the future. Systematic research and investigation into nanotubes for use in field emissions is another important activity for the future. And in its third forward-looking field of research, the section is investigating quasicrystalline layers to reduce surface friction, a pan-European initiative launched by Louis Schlapbach, the head of Empa. Collaboration with leading European research institutions is already well established. |
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nanotech@surfaces is the second Empa specialist section to be based in Thun. The potential synergies with the nanotechnology and surface technology activities already based there are significant. External funding has already been obtained for projects, and this will account for a large percentage of the section’s financing. The section is headed by Pierangelo Gröning, who is also a senior assistant at the University of Fribourg’s Institute of Physics. |
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Section Functional Polymers Empa has been involved in construction materials and metallic materials for decades. With the founding of the functional polymers section it is now systematically expanding its activities in this highly promising class of plastics. The development of functional polymers and their use for versatile innovative applications will be a perfect fit for Empa’s existing activities in mechanical polymer characterization, engineering applications or useful life analysis of plastic structures, to name but a few. Functional polymers are polymers with special electrical, optical and biological properties. They are used as active elements in semiconductor technology, for example, as LEDs or LCDs, and for membrane, catalysis or sensor applications. They are increasingly important in electrical and energy engineering, communication and information technology, but of particular significance in medical technology. Christiane Löwe is the interim head of department.
Technical information: Dr. Pierangelo Gröning, Section nanotech@surfaces, Tel. +41 (0)26 / 300 90 68, e-mail: pierangelo.groening@empa.ch Dr Christiane Löwe, Section Functional Polymers, Tel. +41 (0)1 823 44 99, e-mail: christiane.loewe@empa.ch |
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