Institute of Polymer Nanotechnology

We deal with the functionalization of plastics by means of micro and nano-structuring of surfaces, chemical modification or additives.

We are a multi-disciplinary institute at the interface between polymer engineering and nanotechnology. An interdisciplinary team is devoted to developing new materials, processes and applications. Functionalization or functional integration in polymer systems is always the focus of the work.

The Institute of Polymer Nanotechnology is a shared facility with the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI which gives access to clean-room technology and large research facilities. We collaborate closely with the FHNW Institute of Polymer Engineering.

Competencies

Surface texturing

We make use of micro- and nanostructures to provide polymers with an additional function without changing their composition. For this purpose, we develop tools and processes for high fidelity replication of functional surface structures and use them in applied R&D projects.

Surface functionalization

The Surface functionalization group deals with the chemical modification of polymer surfaces and interfaces to achieve tailor-made properties. In particular, coatings, electron beam induced (grafting) reactions and surface pretreatment methods are applied.

Clean-room technology

The group at the Paul Scherrer Institute deals with the production of complex surface topographies up to the two-digit nanometre range.

Selected projects

Production of a violin support with functional surfaces

Plastics experts at the FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland developed an injection-moulding production process for a violin ...

to Production of a violin support with functional surfaces

Multi-purpose functionalisation of non-woven materials by means of an e-grafting process

Researchers at the FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland are developing a non-woven material with an innovative combination of ...

to Multi-purpose functionalisation of non-woven materials by means of an e-grafting process