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Revolution in microelectronics: New material system for the future!
The research team at UNI TU Ilmenau develops innovative polymer-based materials for microelectronics and sustainable technologies.
Revolution in microelectronics: New material system for the future!
Innovative developments are imminent in the field of microelectronics, which are being initiated by a research project at the Technical University of Ilmenau. An interdisciplinary team has created a novel material system made of polymers that is intended to make a significant contribution to improving electronic components. This material system consists of three key components: an electrically conductive polymer, a catalyst to detect and repair oxidation damage, and a monomer that acts as a molecular patch. The combination of these elements has the potential to significantly increase the efficiency and longevity of electronic components, such as tu-ilmenau.de reported.
The project is led by Prof. Robert Geitner, an expert in physical chemistry and catalysis. Geitner is particularly concerned with the chemical analysis of material properties. He is supported by Prof. Christian Dreßler, who, as a theoretical solid-state physicist, simulates the reaction behavior of molecules. This interdisciplinary connection between theory and practice is reinforced by doctoral student Henrike Zacher, who is developing functional material systems for laboratory tests. The team's long-term goal is to create a more sustainable alternative to classic materials in microelectronics.
Supporting technologies and challenges
The research aims not only at improving existing materials, but also at developing new organic functional materials suitable for solution-based processing processes. According to information from iap.fraunhofer.de A special focus here is on the synthesis of defect-free polymers. This requires minimizing impurities down to the ppm range as well as optimizing the purification processes during monomer production.
In addition, new dielectric polymers are being developed in the area of electroactive polymers. These have the potential to increase the efficiency of actuators. For example, electro-mechanical coupling in soft capacitors enables large deformations that can be useful in a variety of applications, including miniaturized pumps and optical alignment devices. iap.fraunhofer.de emphasizes that the associated challenges, in particular the high switching voltages, can be addressed by new methods to increase permittivity and reduce the modulus of elasticity.
A new process for the chemical modification of silicone-based elastomers makes it possible to covalently bond organic dipoles to the silicone matrix. This method prevents agglomerations and ensures homogeneous films that are optimized for the requirements of current technologies. Examples of applications for these materials include future-oriented systems such as artificial muscles and actuators with improved stretching capabilities.
Outlook for the future
The objectives of this research are promising. They could not only revolutionize microelectronics, but also set new standards for the production and functionality of materials in the field of robotics and automation. A sustainable approach to the development and use of functional polymers promises not only economic benefits, but also an environmentally friendly production method.