Polymers, Soft Matter & Sustainable Materials

Polymers, Soft Matter & Sustainable Materials

THE RESEARCH GROUPS

POLYMERS AND SOFT MATTER

The general scientific objective of the activity program of this group is to achieve a fundamental understanding of the interplay between structure and dynamics at different length and time scales (micro, nano, meso, macro) in materials of increasing complexity based on polymers, glass-forming liquids and soft matter, in particular: polymers with different architectures, single-chain polymer nano-particles, multi-component, nano-structured and biopolymer systems. These materials exhibit complex dynamics and rheology and, in many cases, show hierarchical relaxations over many different length- and time-scales, which need to be unravelled. This in turn affects the processing and properties of the final materials. In order to rationally design appropriate materials and processes for various technological applications, a rigorous knowledge of the interplay between structure and dynamics at different length and time scales is demanded.

Taking inspirations from classical polymer physics, soft matter physics and the physics of condensed matter, the Polymers and Soft Matter group has developed over last years a robust and pioneering methodology to carry on this program. This methodology is based on the combination of different experimental relaxation techniques with neutron, XR and light  scattering methods, molecular dynamics simulations and chemical synthesis oriented to polymers. The organization of the group is in fact driven by this methodology and the staff of the group (scientists belonging to the CSIC, the UPV/EHU and Ikerbasque) is composed by experts in different techniques/methods, all of them being involved in the scientific objectives defined at any time.

QUANTUM BEAMS AND SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

The “Quantum Beams and Sustainable Materials” group makes extensive use of beams of quantum particles like neutrons or photons in tandem with computational materials modelling to interrogate, understand, and design novel functional materials for energy applications and sustainability. This research program is underpinned by the development of new techniques and methodologies for materials discovery, in close collaboration with leading neutron and X-ray laboratories from around the globe. Current areas of focus include hybrid organic-inorganic materials for photovoltaics & photonics, or carbon-based nanostructured media for the storage of chemical and thermal energy.

RESEARCH FACILITIES