Polymer Chemistry, Physics and Self-Organization

In our group, research activities are centered on molecular design, synthesis, and the study of self-assembly processes in polymeric systems. Block copolymers, both linear and branched, serve as the main building blocks for investigating how phase separation and molecular connectivity can be tuned to yield specific morphologies. A major application area is the 3D structuring of materials, with a particular emphasis on tomographic 3D vat printing. This technique employs multi-directional light patterning and multi-wavelength illumination to achieve high-resolution architectures with tunable properties.

Our core competence lies in identifying and synthesizing polymers that meet specific functional requirements, often in collaboration with researchers from other disciplines. Self-organization in these systems arises from a delicate balance between separation forces and molecular connections—an interplay reminiscent of natural processes. We use block copolymers — linear and branched — in the study of the fundamental principles governing self-organization. By fine-tuning molecular building blocks and operating close to phase transition conditions, the group explores new routes to self-organized materials.

We engage in interdisciplinary collaborations to identify new applications for their materials, with particular interest in biomedical and soft robotic systems, and other advanced technologies where precision-structured polymers can play a transformative role.

Research Highlights:

Block copolymer Self organization:

Macromolecules, 25 (1992); Macromolecules, 28 (1995); PRL, 65 (1990); J Polymer Science 56 (2018)

Extensional Flow in polymer melts:

Macromolecules, 36 (2003); PRL, 120 (2018)

Polymer Degradation:

Polym. Degradation and Stability 83 (2004)

Structured surfaces:

Nano Research 7 (2014); ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 8 (2016)

2008- Professor in Polymers in micro- and Nanotechnology

2003-2007 Head of Department, Danish Polymer Centre, Risø National Laboratory

1989 PhD in Polymer Chemistry, University of Copenhagen

1985 MSc in Physical Organic Chemistry, University of Copenhagen

Elected member of the Danish Academy of Natural Sciences (DNA, 2002).

Elected member of the Danish Academy of Technical Sciences (ATV, 2012).

Recipient of the 2012 ATV|Elastyren Prize