KeyLabs
The main strategic element of the Bavarian Polymer Institute are central key laboratories (KeyLabs). The KeyLabs, which are located at the three locations of the BPI (Bayreuth, Erlangen-Nürnberg and Würzburg) build a joint research infrastructure accessible to all members of the BPI as well as to external researchers, visiting scientists and industrial partners. Currently, 14 KeyLabs are located in the facilities of the BPI.
Distinguished professors in their respective field coordinate the KeyLabs. Experienced scientists with long-lasting experience in polymer synthesis, characterization and computation are responsible for the scientific day-to-day business of the laboratories. The KeyLabs provide access to state of the art facilities and equipment as well as cutting edge research infrastructures offering excellent conditions for scientists, early career researchers, PhD candidates and visiting scientists. This modern infrastructure is also available for regional and national companies and enterprises.
Overview of the KeyLabs of the Bavarian Polymer Institut:
Synthesis and Molecular Characterization
University of Bayreuth
The Keylab combines the expertise and equipment for the synthesis of functional polymers and their characterization. Reactors ranging from 0.05 – 10 L are available for polymer synthesis from the gram to the kilogram scale. ...more
Supramolecular Polymers
University of Würzburg
The Keylab Supramolecular Polymers applies non-covalent forces such as hydrogen bonding, π−π-stacking and metallosupramolecular interactions to give colloidal assemblies, hydro- and organogels as well as liquid crystalline functional materials.. ...more
Theory and Simulation
University of Bayreuth
Simulations using the power of present-day supercomputers have become an indispensable tool in all areas of modern science. Using a variety of computational methods the Keylab Theory & Simulation investigates macromolecular and other organic structures on different length and time scales. ...more
Electron and Optical Microscopy
University of Bayreuth
The Keylab Electron and Optical Microscopy combines scientific expertise in different areas of modern microscopy to study the structure and morphology of advanced polymer materials. ...more
Mesoscale Characterization: Scattering Techniques
University of Bayreuth
The KeyLab Mesoscale Characterization: Scattering Techniques provides state-of-the-art X-Ray Scattering infrastructure for the characterization of complex structures and in-situ structure formation processes of matter on length scales from 1-250 nm. ...more
Surface and Interface Characterization
University of Bayreuth
The Keylab Surface and Interface Characterization utilizes various surface analytical techniques to obtain quantitative information about interfacial properties of inorganic, polymeric or composite materials. ...more
Device Engineering
University of Bayreuth
Advanced polymer systems are essential for energy conversion and storage, lighting and information technology. In the Keylab Device Engineering novel organic solar cells (OSCs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic field effect transistors (OFETs) and batteries are developed. ...more
Small Scale Polymer Processing
University of Bayreuth
The Keylab Small Scale Polymer Processing is specialized on shaping polymers on a 1 to 100 g scale to fibers, films, and injection molded parts, as well as the incorporation
of additives and fillers. ...more
Polymer Properties under Processing Conditions
University of Erlangen-Nürnberg
The optimisation of processes and component properties requires analytical knowledge of thermomechanical material behaviour with adequate consideration of the boundary conditions specific for each process. ...more
Polymer Additives and Fillers
University of Bayreuth
Additives are essential to make polymers processable and to improve and assure their end-use properties. Changes in processing conditions, production techniques, new appli-cations and aspects related to health, safety, and environment require continuous research and development of novel additives and fillers for polymers. ...more
Highly Filled Polymers
University of Erlangen-Nürnberg
By addition of individual additives, new perspectives for innovative applications and processes can be opened. Highly filled polymers will be investigated and developed for future-oriented production processes and applications. ...more
Advanced Fiber Technologies
University of Erlangen-Nürnberg
The Keylab Advanced Fiber Technologies develops novel fibers for applications in different technology fields including medicine. ...more
Polymers for Medicine
University of Würzburg
The Keylab Polymers for Medicine interfaces polymer science and technology with a clinical
environment and the Fraunhofer translational center Würzburg. ...more
Adaptive Biomanufacturing
University of Bayreuth
The Keylab Adaptive Biomanufacturing is focused on the production and characterization of 3D polymer scaffolds for medical engineering applications. ...more