1968 - 1974

studies of physics
University of Frankfurt am Main

1971

German Academic Exchange Service
stay at Bristol University in England for one year

1974

diploma in solid state physics

• topic: "Mean square vibrational amplitudes and lattice dynamics of Rb-halogenides"
  (measurements of neutron diffraction and calculation of lattice dynamics)

1975 - 1979

Ph.D. studies
Institute of Physical Chemistry of the University of Mainz

• supervisor: Prof. Dr. E.W. Fischer
• topic: "Investigation of the conformation of polymer molecules with neutron scattering and magnetic birefringence"
  (measurements of neutron scattering at the Institute "Laue-Langevin" and magneto-optical measurements at the CNRS/MPI high-field magnetic laboratory in Grenoble/France)
• stay at CNRS/Max-Planck Institute for Solid State Physics in Grenoble for three years

1977

examination in economics
Mainz University

1987 - 1993

habilitation in physical chemistry
University of Mainz

• topic: "Investigation of polymer surfaces and interfaces with nanometer resolution"
  (different interfacial techniques with nanometer resolution, neutron reflectometry, ellipsometry and ion beam techniques)

1993 - 1999

lecturer
Mainz University

1979 - 1985

staff scientist
Institute of Solid State Research in Jülich
(small-angle neutron scattering, chain conformation, preparation of polymers, conductive polymers)

1984 - 1985

visiting scientist
Brookhaven National Laboratory in the United States
(neutron reflectometry, polymer interface investigations, interdiffusion studies)

1985 - 1999

staff scientist and project leader
Max-Planck Institute of Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany
(interfaces between polymers, structure and conformation, phase transitions, development of scattering techniques)

since 1999

professor of Physical Chemistry of Polymeric Materials
Technische Universität Dresden

head of the IPF Institute of Physical Chemistry and Physics of Polymers
Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden

2004

International Belgien Polymer Group Award

The main area of activity is directed to the physical chemistry of nanomaterials, polymer materials with some emphasis on polymer interfaces and scattering techniques. At IPF the following main topics are investigated:

• nanostructured materials
• polymer interfaces and thin films
• structure-properties relationships
• surface and interface characterization

In particular the following topics are currently under investigation:

• preparation and characterization of nanostructured materials
• formation of polymer nanostructured thin films by self assembly
• switching of surface properties by grafting of polymer brushes
• nanotemplates by copolymer microphase segregation
• ordered magnetic nano-arrays for data storage
• effect of surface structure on bioactivity and protein adsorption
• correlation between interface width and adhesion
• chain conformations and manipulation of single molecules at surfaces
• single molecule based electronics
• polyelectrolyte adsorption and surface structure
• nanohybrid materials with copolymers
• wetting and dewetting of thin polymer film
• control of movement of motor proteins on surfaces
• formation of nanotubes by rolling technique
• friction and adhesion of functional surfaces
• interaction forces between surfaces
• conducting thin organic films for solar cell applications
• nanocomposites with (multi-)functional / magnetic nanoparticles
• structure - properties relationships of polymer materials
• effect of chain architecture on blend and adsorption behavior
• development of surface analysis and nano fabrication techniques

participation in many national and international projects including

• Network of Excellence (EU) NANOFUN POLY

• recent publications
• complete list of publications