Fields of Impact
The DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials develops materials with dynamic properties and active functions, following the example of living materials in nature. In order to realize this mission, research at DWI is organized in such a way as to promote the convergence of different scientific disciplines. Scientists from currently five Competences Areas join forces within interdisciplinary research projects that are associated to DWI’s two Fields of Impact, each of them addressing central societal needs: Biomedical Materials and Sustainable Materials.
The excessive use of natural resources available to us each year threatens the climate, the environment, and human well-being. Polymers and materials based on petroleum or natural gas further contribute to environmental pollution. The development of sustainable materials is therefore more important than ever: we need new materials that are specifically designed for use in a circular economy and can be produced in accordance with the principles of green chemistry, using bio-based building blocks and waste-free, energy-efficient synthesis processes.
With a unique combination of scientific expertise in molecular design and synthesis, processing, and energy conversion, DWI holds a leading position in the field of programmable, interactive, and sustainable materials. The focus is not on the conversion of biomass or the development of biodegradable polymers, but rather on the design and fabrication of efficient functional materials that enable new recycling technologies and enhance the performance of bio-based products. DWI aims to develop sustainable materials with improved or entirely novel properties.
DWI’s research particularly focuses on programmable additives for controlling adhesion mechanisms, which enable innovative recycling concepts through external stimuli such as light, temperature, pH, or ultrasound. In addition, (stress-)induced actuators, agents for interfacial separation and surface modification, mass (de-)crosslinkers, and new technologies for 3D printing are being investigated. The results of these research activities contribute, among other things, to the development of environmentally friendly adhesives, bio-based flame retardants, and water- and weather-resistant plant and seed coatings.
A flagship project in this research area at DWI is its participation in the Bio4MatPro Competence Center for the Biological Transformation of Materials Science and Production Engineering. This large-scale project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education, Research and Space Technology (BMBFTR) as part of the Model Region for the Bioeconomy in the Rhineland District initiative. More than 60 partners from academia and industry are collaborating to explore and implement the biological transformation of industrial sectors such as textiles, plastics, industrial biotechnology, and lightweight construction, as well as the production technologies required for this transformation.