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TU-Clausthal Institute of Physical Chemistry

Research

We deal with the production, description and application of functional surfaces and coatings. Heterogeneous materials and gradient films play a special role here. In terms of production, we are interested in the drying of latex films. Sensor technology plays a major role in the functions.

Modulation QCM

QCM modeling

QCM modeling with the finite element method

FRET for the investigation of film formation

Shear wave resonators

High-frequency contact mechanics with the oscillating quartz microbalance

Fouling in emulsion polymerization

Latest updates

  • The multifrequency lockin amplifier (MLA) enables fast QCM measurements. For example, you can track the drying of small drops from the 3D printer.
  • If the fast measurement is combined with a modulation and the QCM response is accumulated and averaged over many cycles, the frequency accuracy can be in the mHz range. The stimulus of the modulation can be the electrical potential of the electrode.The "modulation EQCM" achieves a frequency accuracy of 7 mHz and a time resolution of 1 ms. In this way, electrogravimetry becomes as meaningful as cyclic voltammetry.
  • We use the Lattice-Boltzmann method to model QCM experiments. A special variant is used, namely the "frequency-domain LBM" (FD-LBM). The FD-LBM can also deal with viscoelasticity.
  • We use FRET experiments to investigate polymer diffusion in drying latex films and are currently particularly interested in the influence of branching.

 

Here you can find selected publications of the institute