Particle filled thermoplastic polymers with defined nanostructured particle geometry

• Applicants: Professor Dr.-Ing. Hans-Peter Heim; Professor Dr. Hartmut Hillmer
• Subject Area: Polymeric and Biogenic Materials and Derived Composites
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 541311394

In order to produce thermoplastic composite materials with defined properties, fillers and reinforcing materials (e.g. fibers) are used in the area of polymer technology, which can lead to an increase in mechanical characteristics. Particles, e.g. wood flour, are additionally used to reduce costs. Former investigations have shown that fibre length, stiffness and fibre-matrix adhesion have enor-mous impact on the mechanical behavior and failure of thermoplastic polymers. For fillers additionally size and form have to be taken into account. With 2-photon polymerization, optical and nanoimprint lithography it is possible to produce complex particles with precisely defined geometric properties (size and form). Derived from the state of research and additionally from own investigations it may be assumed that with precisely defined fibers and particles custom made mechanical properties of thermoplastic composites may be achieved. This should enhance the importance of micro- and nanoparticles more and more. The objective in this research project is the production and characterization of defined nanostructured particles, which are integrated into a polymer matrix (e.g. polypropylene) by compounding. Following this, tensile test samples will be produced by injection moulding and examined regarding their mechanical properties. The stability of the particles plays an important role. An optimized parameter selection (temperature, screw speed, retention time) will provide low-damage processing. A stable fiber-matrix bonding is also an important point in the project, which is why the particle surfaces are supplemented by subpattern. During the project period, the quality and complexity of the particles that are produced (dimensional order from 2D to 2.5D and 3D) will be continuously improved and further miniaturized. In order to analyze the complex correlation between form, size and mechanical behavior of the particles and the matrix, the particles themselves as well as the composite matrix will be examined in detail.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants