The laboratory of Advanced Fibers combines know-how and competences from various disciplines such as Chemistry, Physics, Biomaterials, Surface and Materials Science as well as Plasma- and Nanotechnology. This combination of expertise is prerequisite for the development of advanced fibers with novel properties.

Our research activities

• Polymers & Processing

We develop advanced synthetic fibers using synergistic materials to achieve improved or novel properties. Therefore, we make use of our pilot melt spinning plant or other spinning techniques. The resulting multi-component or (nano-)composite fibers are produced in quantities that allow industrial testing and prototyping. The fibersf geometrical shape can be modified during spinning; alternatively, microstructures can be imprinted onto the fiber surface in post-processing.

• Plasma & Coating

Low pressure plasma technology is used to modify fiber and textile surfaces. Processes like activation, cleaning, cross-linking, plasma-polymerization, plasma-metallization and combinations thereof can be far better controlled in low pressure plasmas. As a clear-cut advantage of plasma coatings, the original textile properties (i.e., flexibility, processability, haptics) are not altered. With our plasma reactors and pilot plants we can address a wide range of issues from research all the way to industrial applications.

• Additives & Chemistry

We focus on the synthesis of new additives that can be used in polymer processing or surface coatings. Therefore, we maintain a synthesis laboratory and work with comprehensive chemical analytics that are also available to our external clients.

• Surfaces & Interfaces

This research activity is a collaborative effort between different institutions within the ETH domain. With very sensitive instruments we study the molecular order, phase-behavior and molecular dynamics and interactions near surfaces. Our main partners are at the ETH Zürich and at the PSI.

Our services

Besides the above mentioned research activities we provide services in the area of micro- and nano-analytics (SEM, XPS, AFM, IR, chromatography), we offer you to use our pilot plants (plasma reactors, spinning plants), and we help you with our Know-how to solve your material problems. We gladly advice you about the most adequate method to use for responding to your material questions in a quick and beneficial way. Contact: Dr. Patrick Rupper, +41 58 765 75 59, analytiksg@empa.ch