The centre has expertise in non-metallic inorganic materials (ceramics) and hybrid, inorganic-organic polymers and develop new
materials and optimize existing ones.
This material engineering, including the requisite manufacturing technology, and the characterization of materials
and surfaces at are of interest to a great variety of industries, especially in the fields of optics, traffic
engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, packaging, glass and ceramics.
Preliminary products are created, preferably through processes of chemical synthesis. One point of focus is the
synthesis of materials from liquid precursors (sols) with a defined composition. Hybrid sols for example are
used for coatings, with which wear and corrosion protection, barrier effects (packaging) and decoration are
achieved. With functional ceramic layers, ionic and electronic conductivity and ferro- and piezoelectric effects can
be utilized. Sols with a high proportion of solid material are used to produce functional and structural ceramic
fibers, compact materials (especially for applications in medical technology) and composite materials.
The material technology facilities are equipped with industry-compatible equipment for coatings and fibre
extrusion. Analysis of the characteristics of materials is performed to shed light on the relationship between
structure and characteristics, and serves as a tool for the optimization of materials. The Institute is equipped with
all necessary physical and chemical processes. A major focus of work, with the aim of process optimization, is on
in-situ measurement of changes in the properties of materials during sintering and melting processes. The
Technology Centre for Surface-refined Products (T_O_P) was established to enable the results of development
work on inorganic and hybrid coatings to be converted efficiently into industrial applications.
