Department of Polymer Networks and Mechanical Properties

Head: Libor Matějka, PhD                 (phone +420-296 809 -281 (285), e-mail matejka@imc.cas.cz)

Research
In the last 15 years, the research of the Department concentrates on synthesis, characterization and structure-formation-property-relationship of nano-structured polymers. An important research goal is the study of the evolution of molecular and phase (heterogeneities) structure of reacting systems during nanocomposite preparation.
Our interest is directed towards the following systems:

• organic-inorganic hybrid polymers and interpenetrating networks, including:
  • Nanocomposite epoxy networks
  • Siloxanes and silsesquioxanes as inorganic component
  • Self-ordering systems
  • Highly resistant coatings
• nanocomposite hydrogels displaying a fast response to environmental stimuli (temperature, pH)
• organic-inorganic nanocomposites containing well-defined inorganic building blocks
• synthesis and modification of well-defined inorganic nanoparticles (especially POSS)
• linear polymers, as well as networks filled with montmorillonite nano-fillers
• semicrystalline polymers and blends, nucleation of semicristalline polymers, morphology (domains sizes and structures) effect on macroscopic properties
• novel polyurethane systems (segment structure, self-ordering)

A significant part of product characterization is performed in our department:

• melt rheology
• rheology of polymerizing systems (chemorheology)
• dynamic-mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA)
• tensile / compression / flexure testing
• fracture mechanics
• dielectric analysis
• molecular mass analysis by means of GPC

The informations reflect the personal composition of the department from 1.1.2009 onwards:

Send your comments to:
matejka@imc.cas.cz