Project Area A:
Quasi-self-similar hierarchical materials systems

A1: Synthesis, characterization and surface modification of shape-controlled nanoparticle systems

In this project titanium dioxide and iron oxide nanoparticles of various sizes and shapes will be synthesized. Read more...

A2: Copolymers as building blocks for hierarchical materials

Functionalized oligomers and functionalized polymers will be synthesized. The functionalized oligomers will be used to assemble nanoparticles into agglomerates of the first hierarchical level. The functionalized polymers decorate such agglomerates as well as agglomerates of higher hierarchical levels. Read more...

A3: Fabricating of higher hierarchical levels of material systems with the fluidized bed spray granulation and Discrete Element Modeling of materials

In this project a new miniaturized spouted bed granulation plant will be constructed and used to produce higher hierarchical levels of composites with improved mechanical properties. Read more...

A4: Ab-initio-based modeling and control of mechanical properties of hybrid interfaces

The modeling of hybrid interfaces is of major importance for their better understanding. The simulations are realized here in a quantum mechanical framework by employing, for example, density functional theory. Read more...

A5: Multi-scale modeling of the mechanical behavior of composite material systems with hierarchical microstructure

Within this project the deformation and damage processes of nanoparticle based hierarchical material systems are modelled and simulated using numerical methods. Read more...

A6: Synthesis and characterization of hierarchical, multifunctional ceramic/metal-polymer materials systems

The aim of this project is the synthesis and characterization of a hierarchically structured material consisting of hard (ceramic, metal) and soft phases (polymer) at low temperatures < 200 °C. Pre-structured composite particles received from projects A1, A2, and A3 will be consolidated to a material of higher hierarchical levels via high-pressure torsion-assisted hot-pressing. Read more...

A7: Adsorption of fatty acids on oxide surfaces and nanostructures

In this project the interaction of carbonic acids with Fe3O4 and TiO2 surfaces and nanoparticles will be investigated on the atomic scale. The results will be a prerequisite for the tailored fabrication of composite materials with novel mechanical and electrical properties. Read more...

A8: Molecular dynamics simulation of the self-assembly of polymer coated metal/ceramic nanoparticles

In this subproject, molecular dynamics simulations will be used to investigate the crystal growth of ceramic nanoparticles, the properties of the surface functionalization on nanoparticles, and the self-assembly of super crystals in order to support experimental work on a tailor-made hierarchical material system. Read more...