Particle Processing Group

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The particle processing group is a research group of the Institute of Interfaces and Particle Technology (IPT) at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU). It was established in July 2011 as the additive manufacturing (AM) group of the institute then known as Institute of Particle Technology (LFG) with a focus on development of scalable processes towards production and functionalization of feedstock powders for AM processes such as selective laser sintering or selective laser melting and the development of approaches for characterization of AM powder feedstocks. In the context of feedstock development, process-property-relationships and structure property-relationships along the whole AM process chain are thoroughly investigated for formulation of tailored particle systems. These investigations are carried out with collaboration partners from academia and industry. In recent years, the research focus widened and projects on e.g. the formulation and characterization of particle systems for printing and coating applications, emulsion-based drug delivery systems, hetero-aggregates of nanoparticles for (photo-)catalysis and energy applications, comminution of soft matter, recycling and sustainable materials were started. The following four pillars summarize our research:

Dispersed systems and functional materials

Our primary research revolves around the controlled production of dispersed systems with tailored properties, such as particle size, shape, and surface chemistry and emphasizes the development of novel methods to produce micro- and nanoparticles for applications in manufacturing, catalysis and for pharmaceutical applications. We apply a variety of methods for particle production and functionalization including top-down approaches (dry and wet comminution, melt emulsification) combined with classification, precipitation, agglomeration and gas phase processes.

Additive manufacturing and particle-based processes

A significant portion of our work is dedicated to additive manufacturing, particularly within CRC814 “Additive Manufacturing” at FAU. This interdisciplinary initiative focuses on advancing additive maufacturing technologies by integrating various scientifc disciplines including particle technology. Our contributions include development of particle-based AM feedstocks and optimizing their powder properties for laser-based AM processes.

Sustainable materials and processes

We also emphasize sustainability in materials engineering and product formulation. We investigate eco-friendly production processes and study the opportunities in using biogenic feed materials.  Moreover, approaches for recycling of thermoplastic powders are investigated.

Interdisciplinary applications and knowledge-based material development

Our research bridges particle technology, chemical engineering, materials science, colloid and surface sciences and polymer processing fostering collaborations across disciplines. We are interested in a fundamental understanding of the interactions in dispersed systems and the exploitation of the gained knowledge in process development and process optimization. The sketched research philosophy addressing both fundamental scientific questions and practical engineering challenges lays the foundation for knowledge-based material and process development.