Overview

Research-Initiatives

SOFT CONTROL Switching Surface Properties with Stimuli-responsive Soft Matter

Intelligent synthetic films consist of macromolecules that react to external stimuli such as light or electrical or magnetic fields, for example by making dynamic, reversible changes to their form or structure. If these molecules are applied to interfaces in very thin layers, they can be used in a targeted manner to switch the surface properties of substrate materials. The LOEWE research cluster SOFT CONTROL is conducting investigations to find out which polymers can be switched as homogeneously, quickly and efficiently as possible through external stimuli and hence to explore new application possibilities – for example, in printing technology, the management of chemical reactions or in medicine. SOFT CONTROL’s objective is to continue its research in a DFG Collaborative Research Centre and will be preparing a full proposal in 2015.

LOEWE Research Cluster

Partners

  • Technische Universität Darmstadt
  • Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences
  • Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability (LBF), Darmstadt

Fields of study

  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Biotechnology

Funding period

2011 to 2014

Project Coordinator

  • Prof. Dr. Markus Biesalski,
    Technische Universität Darmstadt

Locations

  • Darmstadt

More Information