The Institute of Lightweight Structures with Hybrid Materials (ILH) is expanding its research capacities with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art high-speed atomic force microscope (HS-AFM), which was sponsored by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The new device, a JPK NanoWizard® Ultra Speed 3 (Bruker), enables high-resolution surface analyses. Thanks to a scan rate of up to 1400 lines per second, the microscope allows detailed analyses of material surfaces under various loading conditions.
Compared to conventional AFM systems, the JPK NanoWizard® Ultra Speed 3 offers a significantly higher scanning speed and therefore more efficient data acquisition. This enables the investigation of dynamic processes on the nanometre scale in real time, which is of crucial importance for many research questions.
With the acquisition of this microscope, the ILH is taking a decisive step towards expanding its research infrastruture. The new device will play a key role, particularly in analysing alloy and polymer surfaces as well as composite materials under corrosive conditions or - with the addition of a tension rod - under mechanical stress.
The microscope was applied for by Prof. Grundmeier and Prof. Lindner. The interdisciplinary use of the device emphasises its relevance for various research areas within the ILH.
The new HS-AFM will be used in a variety of research projects that deal with highly topical issues in materials science. These include, among others
- DNA nanotechnology
- Electrografting (electrochemical coating of surfaces)
- Fatigue processes and crack formation
- Corrosion and chemisorbed monolayers
- Investigation of copolymers and metal-polymer composites
- Battery research
- Development of barrier layers and vapour deposition
With this new technological achievement, the ILH is consolidating its position as a leading research institute in the field of materials science and setting new standards for the analysis and optimisation of hybrid materials.
Contact: Dr. Adrian Keller
