Suche
Mein Konto
New momentum for polymer research: BTU strengthens with two professorships!
On April 30, 2025, Prof. Nephew and Prof. Rosencrantz took over new specialist areas at the BTU Cottbus and promote sustainable polymer research.
New momentum for polymer research: BTU strengthens with two professorships!
On April 30, 2025, a significant step in polymer research was taken at the Brandenburg Technical University (BTU) Senftenberg. Prof. Axel Nephew took over the management of the newly established organic chemistry department with a focus on polymers. In his inaugural lecture, he highlighted the potential of modern polymer-based materials for important areas of application in medical technology and the energy industry. This field is supported by the Institute of Materials Chemistry at the Faculty of Environment and Natural Sciences (Faculty 2).
At the same time, Prof. Ruben R. Rosencrantz presented his research in the new field of biofunctional polymer materials and in the research area of life science and bioprocesses at Fraunhofer IAP. His focus is on bio-based and biofunctional polymers, which open up potential perspectives for sustainable materials in biomedicine and environmental technology. Rosencrantz particularly emphasized the need for collaboration between basic and applied research to develop innovative solutions.
Research and innovation
The inaugural lectures by both professors offered those present valuable insights into the current developments in polymer research at the BTU. Students, colleagues and guests had the opportunity to exchange ideas about the latest trends and technologies. After the lectures, a social get-together took place to make contacts and promote networking.
The appointment of Prof. Nephew and Prof. Rosencrantz is a significant contribution to strengthening the BTU's professorial profile in materials science. This not only promotes interdisciplinary research in the natural sciences, but also combines different research approaches to develop innovative solutions.
Sustainable material development
A pioneering project in the field of polymer-based materials is SUBI2MA (Sustainable Biobased and Biohybrid Materials), which focuses on the biotransformation of plastics technology. The aim is to integrate biological components into the development of new materials that are not only biobased but also biodegradable.
SUBI2MA follows a modular approach that includes various material solutions, including new bio-based high-performance polymers with specific molecular functionalities. These include, among other things, bio-flame protection and targeted hydrophilization or hydrophobicization. These approaches are particularly relevant for target groups such as the plastics industry, the chemical industry and follow-on markets such as construction chemicals, the automotive industry and healthcare. The project is part of the national and global sustainability strategies and aims to respond flexibly to future challenges across plastics technology.
Overall, the combination of excellent research at the BTU and projects like SUBI2MA strengthens the region's innovation potential. This could make a significant contribution to solving pressing ecological challenges and advance sustainable polymer development.