A distinctive feature of materials science is the search for
useful relations between the structure (on different levels) and
material properties. In the case of polymeric materials, the processing
technique chosen has a very strong influence on the structure of the
material and thus on its performance in a given application.
These aspects constitute together the basis for the activities within
the research group “Polymeric materials and composites”. The research
is often of an interdisciplinary character and covers both fundamental
and more applied issues.
The research activities include:
- The effect of processing on the properties of polymeric
components, including the role of melt rheology. Special emphasis on
surface properties and appearance.
- Development of composite materials, including nanocomposites,
and corresponding manufacturing techniques, with new or improved
functional properties.
- Find potential routes to use and process polymeric materials
based on non-fossil resources and recycled material. Assess quality
status and long-term behaviour of such systems is of substantial
importance.
Our goals
We aim to be a leading group nationally in the area of physical
properties and processing of polymeric materials and composites.
- To further advance a scientific platform for developing new or
improved materials and processes within the polymer field together with
other parts of the academia and with industrial partners.
- To educate undergraduate and postgraduate students that can take
part in or lead development work involving advanced materials and their
processing.
- To take an active role in the development of the global
scientific and engineering community and thereby be an attractive
partner for cooperation within projects of the highest international
quality.
Materials science is interdisciplinary by nature and applications
can be found in most industrial sectors, such as the automotive,
building, chemical, medical, electrical, pulp and paper industries. Most
of the projects are carried out in close cooperation with other
universities and industry, both nationally and internationally. Examples
of specific projects are surface engineering for improved optical
properties, reinforcing thermoplastics with cellulosic fibres,
processing of thermoplastic starches and similar biobased materials,
enhancing the performance of composites using carbon nanotubes, reducing
damage in mechanically loaded high performance composites, etc.
Staff
Mikael Rigdahl, Professor
Roland Kádár, Senior lecturer
Mats Stading (Adj. Prof)
Bengt Hagström (Adj. Prof)
Post-docs
Johannes Thunberg
Karolina Gaska
Thomas Gkourmpis (Borealis)
Research students
Kristina Karlsson
Abhijit Venkatesh
Lilian Forsgren
Muhammad Waqas (RISE, Gbg)
Alberto Vega (RISE, Gbg)