Synthesis and Polymer Technology

Microcapsules consist of a solid, liquid or gaseous nucleus of active substance and a polymer shell of varying permeability or density. Matrix particles are solid spheres of one or more polymers. The physical structure of matrix particles can range from dense to highly porous. We vary the molecular and macroscopic properties of the particles to tailor the geometric and morphological structure and functionality to specific requirements. Microcapsules and matrix particles can be produced both by non-reactive polymer dripping processes and by reactive processes from suitable monomers or low-molecular-weight prepolymers.

Proven applications include:

• Controlled-release systems for pharmaceutical, cosmetic or agrochemical active ingredients
• Compatibilization of plastics additives
• Microparticles with sensor functionalities
• Microparticles for applications in electroplating

Tailored materials with defined requirement profiles often consist of composites made from different material classes. To replace metals by lightweight, stable, easily processable polymer materials, the matrix reinforcement of plastics must be improved. Research work worldwide is concentrating on replacement of glass fibers by organic polymer fibers. Our optimized polymer fiber reinforcement attains the strength of glass-fiber-reinforced materials. In this way, component weight and wear and tear on compounding and processing machines can be reduced. Waste disposal is also simplified. Through reactive compounding, it is possible to integrate chemical modification into the extrusion process. In equipment with high mixing efficiency, the heat deflection resistance and modulus of thermoplastics can be increased by reactive compounding with network-forming polymers such as amino or phenolic resins. With heterochain polymers such as polyesters, polyamides or polycarbonates, we also use reactive compounding to produce non-random copolymers.

Industrial polymerization and modification processes are optimized with the help of reaction and process analysis, theoretical models and simulation methods. We have developed special know-how on polycondensation processes and polysaccharide derivatization. Examples include:

• Production of polyesters and polyamides
• Polylactic acid
• New amino resin products
• Hydrophobically modified starches
• Polymer-fiber-reinforced composite materials