Experimental Polymer Physics Group

Research Group Exp. Polymer Physics MLU Halle-Wittenberg
Head of the group
Research interests
In our research we investigate the properties, the microscopic structure and the crystallization process of semicrystalline polymers. We are interested to understand the mechanism of interface induced crystallization and crystal nucleation, to find out which processes control the crystallinity of polymers, and how the structure of functional polymers in thins films can be controlled and optimized. As experimental methods we mainly use different X-ray scattering techniques, AFM, rheology and calorimetry. Please explore our webpage to find out more about our research interests and results.
Recent publications
- Wang, Z.; Schaller, M.; Petzold, P.; Saalwächter, K.; Thurn-Albrecht, T.; How entanglements determine the morphology of semicrystalline polymers, PNAS, 120 (27) e2217363120 (2023)
- Saalwächter, K.; Thurn-Albrecht, T.; Paul, W.; Recent Progress in Understanding Polymer Crystallization, Macromol. Chem. Phys., 2200424 (2023)
- Dolynchuk, O; Thurn-Albrecht, T.; On Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Interface-Induced Crystallization in Polymers, Macromol. Chem. Phys. 2200455 (2023)
- Yu, Q.; Anuar, A.; Petzold, A.; Balko, J.; Saalwächter, K.; Thurn-Albrecht, T.; The Semicrystalline Morphology of Polybutylene Succinate Supports a General Scheme Based on Intracrystalline Dynamics, Macromol. Chem. Phys. 2200459 (1-9) (2023)
- Schulz, M.; Schäfer, M.; Saalwächter, K.; Thurn-Albrecht, T.; Competition between crystal growth and intracrystalline chain diffusion determines the lamellar thickness in semicrystalline polymers, Nat Commun 13, 119 (2022)