Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (IPF)

The Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (IPF) is one of the largest polymer research facilities in Germany. As an institute of the Leibniz Association, the IPF is committed to carrying out application-oriented basic research and receives its base funding in equal parts from the federal and state governments.

The focus of activities at the IPF are directed toward the advancement of basic scientific knowledge for the development of functional polymer materials and polymer materials with new or improved characteristics. In addition, emphasis is also put on combining material development with innovative and sustainable production and processing technologies.

Advanced materials are necessary and create a driving force for the development of new technologies and system solutions in medical engineering, modern communication technology, data storage and processing,and transport and energy technology. In their endeavours, the researchers at the IPF work towards understanding the effects of interfaces and the utilization of interface design in material development, in which nanotechnological aspects as well as interfaces to biosystems are of great importance.

The combination of competences in natural and engineering sciences, for which the IPF is known, as well as state-of-the-art technical equipment, allows a holistic approach to material science research. This extends from synthesis and modification of polymer materials to characterization, theoretical penetration, processing, and testing to controlling characteristics of polymer materials, biomaterials, and composites by selective interface design. In this way, it is possible to deal with problems and requirements on new and improved polymer materials until they are transformed into an industrially utilized product.

The Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (IPF) is one of the largest polymer research facilities in Germany. As an institute of the Leibniz Association, the IPF is committed to carrying out application-oriented fundamental research and receives its basic funding in equal parts from the federal and state governments.

The approach is holistic, covering synthesis and modification of polymer materials, their characterization and theoretical investigation, up to processing and testing. A special feature of the institute’s activities is the close cooperation of scientists and engineers and a broad range of modern instruments and methods are available including pilot plants allowing material and technology development under industry-relevant conditions.

The research focus is on materials problems and needs which can be approached by control of interface-related properties as well as interactions at interfaces and surfaces. A deep understanding of techniques and processes as well as of underlying physical aspects shall provide the basis to develop long-term concepts for technological implementation and applications of new polymer materials.

The topics dealt with at the institute are highly future-oriented. They include development of materials, technologies, and systems which are crucial to guarantee the strength of Germany’s economy also in future and to ensure both quality of living and sustainability. The polymer materials address innovations for further development in, e. g., medicine, transport and mobility, as well as energy efficiency and advanced communication technologies.

The institute's profile is determined by four strategic topics that are approached in close collaboration of all departments of the institute.

Based on these topics the IPF is linked with leading research groups in Germany and worldwide, but, first of all, it is part of the powerful network of research institutions in Dresden and a very active member of DRESDEN concept.