Functional Polymer Systems

We explore materials with special optical and electronic properties as well as processes and designs for custom applications. The spectrum ranges from the development of materials with semiconducting properties to chromogenic, phototropic and light-emitting polymers, which are processed into OLEDs. We use printing methods, for example to produce organic solar cells inexpensively. In the field of polymeric surfaces we have competencies in plasma treatment, functionalization as well as the deposition of thin layers.

Our OLED activities at a glance

In the departments Functional Materials and Devices and Polymers and Electronics we are dealing with the development of materials and technologies for organic light-emitting diodes - from lab to industry-related scale. For our partners and customers, we develop customized OLED applications - such as for signage, displays and lighting concepts.

OLED materials | Details

Construction of organic components such as OTFTs, OLEDs and OPV | Details

Technology development for organic electronics | Details

Our OPV activities at a glance

For applications of organic photovolaics (OPV) the departments Functional Materials and Devices and Polymers and Electronics develop materials and technologies - from lab to industry-related scale.

Polymers for organic photovoltaics | Details

Construction of organic components such as OTFTs, OLEDs and OPV | Details

Process development for organic photovoltaics | Details

We develop custom applications in the field of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic photovoltaics (OPV), organic electronics, sensors and actuators. We need materials with predictable and reproducible properties. With the help of anisotropic functional layers elements for liquid crystal displays such as color filters can be produced. Using thermochromic materials, colors and color intensities can be controlled effectively. In addition, many new areas are opened up by adjusting the surface properties of polymers. Printing methods we use for example, to produce organic solar cells inexpensively.

Material development

• materials, technologies and components for organic electronics
• thermochromic and photochromic materials
• polymeric nanocomposites and quantum dots
• optical functional elements
• semiconducting materials
• piezoelectric and pyroelectric materials
• liquid crystalline polymers
• rapid prototyping by laser structuring
• hybrid and organic sensors and actuators
• surface functionalization and analysis

Application examples

• organic light-emitting diodes and displays
• photovoltaics
• organic electronics
• optical components
• organic and hybrid sensors and actuators
• surface functionalization and analysis

Thinner, lighter, more efficient − these days, technical equipment must meet increasing demands. Conventional technologies such as semiconductor electronics often reach their limits. Plastics, however, have great potential here. Materials and technologies for displays (organic light-emitting diodes, OLEDs), for power generation and conversion (organic photovoltaics), for sensors and actuators, and for optical components are developed at the research division Functional Polymer Systems.

The Fraunhofer IAP's Application Center for Innovative Polymer Technology offers us the opportunity to realize products and processes on a pilot scale under industrial conditions − a crucial requirement for the conversion into commercial products. The relevant quantities of materials needed for industrial application tests can be created, here. Also, we can perform industry-related technology developments, for example organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) or solar cells.