Ass.Porf. Dr. Sabine Bodner researches complex phase transformations in metallic and intermetallic high-temperature materials. Her goal is to develop customized microstructures for technological innovations through a deep understanding of these mechanisms. To achieve this, she combines classical characterization methods with state-of-the-art in-situ diffraction studies using neutrons and high-energy synchrotron radiation at international large-scale research facilities. A central application area of her work is the development of extremely heat-resistant, lightweight titanium aluminide alloys—pioneering high-tech materials that open up new possibilities for energy-efficient internal combustion engines and aircraft turbines. >more<

Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Thomas Griesser, Head of the Chair of Chemistry of Polymeric Materials, is dedicated to the pioneering development of light-reactive and intelligent polymer systems. At the center of his internationally recognized research are photopolymerization and the additive manufacturing (3D printing) of plastics. His team develops tailor-made, biocompatible, and biodegradable photopolymers that are used, for example, in the production of innovative medical devices such as orthopedic splints or dental aligners. In addition, he researches high-temperature-stable resins for the 3D printing of injection molding tools as well as smart materials for printed electronics. With his profound expertise in macromolecular chemistry, he not only drives university research forward but, as a co-founder of spin-offs, also directly transfers these state-of-the-art material innovations into successful, marketable industrial applications. >more<

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Daniel Kiener heads research projects in the field of micro- and nanomechanics at the Montanuniversität Leoben. One technological focus is on the use of the Nanoscribe Photonic Professional GT2. This system enables the high-precision production of complex 3D structures in the submicrometer range using two-photon polymerization. The working group uses this technology to develop functional surfaces and micro-architectured materials. Mechanical properties and surface functions are optimized on a very small scale through targeted geometric designs. Dr. Markus Alfreider plays a key role in this work, documenting the experimental results as the author of numerous publications. His work focuses in particular on investigating the deformation and fracture behavior of these printed structures. This combination of high-resolution additive manufacturing and micromechanical characterization forms the basis for novel material concepts in sensor technology and materials science. >more<

Dr. Alice Lassnig is dedicated to the development and modification of polymeric surfaces for pioneering high-tech applications. Her focus lies particularly in the field of printed electronics as well as targeted surface characterization. Through innovative processes, she develops tailor-made, polymer-based coatings that enable entirely new functionalities, such as flexible conductivity or sensory properties. This in-depth research into functional polymer surfaces rapidly drives industrial innovation and paves the way for the seamless integration of smart electronics into the next generation of everyday products. >more<

Dipl.-Ing. Stephan Schuschnigg heads the Extrusion & Additive Manufacturing research group at the Chair of Polymer Processing. His area of expertise is material development for filament extrusion and advanced 3D printing via Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). An outstanding technological feature of his work is the additive manufacturing of metals and ceramics using highly filled, polymeric binder systems (Material Extrusion, MEX). By testing and processing extremely abrasive materials and developing precisely tailored simulation models for the melting process, he pushes the previous boundaries of 3D printing. In doing so, he paves the way for the tool-free and mold-free production of massive, industrial high-tech components. >more<