Powder synthesis and characterisation
Nanoparticles
Nanomaterials for medical applications
Colloidal behavior of suspension
Sintering
Technical ceramics

The Powder Technology Laboratory (LTP) research is focused on various aspects of particles and powders including synthesis, characterisation, and surface functionalization. The aim of the research is to understand a) the fundamental steps of powder processing especially colloidal chemistry, powder packaging and consolidation and b) the physical and chemical basic behind these various technologies to improve the processing routes for materials of technological and economical importance.
Special emphasis is given to the development of new nanostructured particles and their processing to multifunctional materials for medical, biological, electronic, and sensor application. Nanosized inorganic powders are synthesized by precipitation from aqueous solutions, performing an excellent control of powder characteristics, which is needed to produce materials with optimal performance. One of the specialties at LTP is the synthesis of polycrystalline particles based on the controlled agglomeration or assembly of primary nanoparticles. This allows tuning physical properties like magnetic strengths, optical absorption and electrical conductivity of the material.
Another field of interest is the biological functionalisation of nanoparticles for drug and gene delivery and to use these innovative methods as delivery platform for implants, in particular for stents and prostheses. Nanostructured materials and coatings provide novel properties and functions to biomaterials which are not achievable with bulk material. To process nanosized ceramic powders for coating structures with controlled porosity with a size range of 20 nm to 40 micro meter between the smallest and largest pore. This leading edge technology is based on long term fundamental research activities at LTP in the field of ordered arrangement of nanosized particles at surfaces. LTP has established the knowledge of processing particles smaller than 10 nm at large scale, a key competence to achieve that goal.
The powder technology research is done in the area of compaction and sintering of inorganic powders. LTP's special interest is the research of the colloidal behaviour of suspension with inorganic particles. One focus of activity is the development of bioresorbable materials for bone filling and skeletal reconstruction, which could substitute conventional bone grafts (autografts, allografts and xenografts). Pastes with various consistencies of such materials (Calcium-Phosphate Hydraulic Cements, CPHC) can be prepared and are able to consolidate in vivo. A combination of injectable polymers with heatable iron oxide nanoparticles for hyperthermia in vertebroplasty has recently been patented.
Beside the synthesis und processing of various nanoparticles and powders, their characterization and that of the suspension is another main activity. LTP has a long term knowledge in characterizing especially nanoparticles by using sophisticated and well matured methods. This guarantees the highest quality of research and development in this field and enables the researchers at LTP to gain a complete picture of the particle and suspension properties. The projects undertaken at LTP are in most cases a translation from basic findings into the industrial applications. Therefore many of them are implemented in very close contact with industrial partners.