Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V.

The Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V. (Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, IPF) pursues a holistic approach in polymer materials research ranging from synthesis, modification, characterization and theoretical investigation of polymer materials up to processing and testing. A special feature of the institute’s activities is the close cooperation of scientists and engineers.  Together with the broad range of modern instruments and methods available, including pilot plants, this allows material and technology development under industry-relevant conditions.

The research focus is on materials problems and needs which can be approached by control of interface-related properties as well as interactions at interfaces and surfaces. A deep understanding of techniques and processes as well as of underlying physical aspects shall provide the basis to develop long-term concepts for technological implementation and applications of new polymer materials in branches like automotive, electronics, packaging, optics, and medicine.

The institute’s scientists develop – often in cooperation with partners from industry - functional polymers, plastics materials, biomaterials, and composites as well as the respective processing technologies. This gives rise to innovations in many fields, e.g., extreme light weight construction with fibre-reinforced composites, efficient thermoplastics processing and surface finishing technologies, and optimized rubber materials (incl. tires), and it contributes to the development of novel methods of energy generation and storage, organic electronics, smart systems with sensors for real-time and structural health monitoring, as well as novel diagnostic systems and regenerative therapies in medicine.