Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden
The Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e. V. (IPF) is one of the largest polymer research facilities in Germany. As an institute of the Leibniz Association, the IPF is committed to carrying out application-oriented basic research and receives its base funding in equal parts from the federal and state governments. The focus of activities at the IPF are directed toward the advancement of basic scientific knowledge for the development of functional polymer materials and polymer materials with new or improved characteristics. In addition, emphasis is also put oncombining material development with innovative and sustainable production and processing technologies. Advanced materials are necessary and create a driving force for the development of new technologies and system solutions in medical engineering, modern communication technology, data storage and processing, and transport and energy technology. In their endeavours, the researchers at the IPF work towards understanding the effects of interfaces and the utilization of interface design in material development, in which nanotechnological aspects as well as interfaces to biosystems are of great importance.
The combination of competences in natural and engineering sciences, for which the IPF is known, as well as state-of-the-art technical equipment, allow a holistic approach to material science research. This extends from synthesis and modification of polymer materials to characterization, theoretical penetration, processing, and testing to controlling characteristics of polymer materials, biomaterials, and composites by selective interface design. In this way, it is possible to deal with problems and requirements on new and improved polymer materials until they are transformed into an industrially utilized product.