Materials

Through its research into advanced materials and processes, the “Materials Research and Technology” (MRT) Department with is 170 researchers and engineers, to the emergence of enabling technologies that underpin the innovation processes of local and international industry. MRT’s activities hinge on three thematic pillars: nanomaterials and nanotechnology, sustainable composite materials and manufacturing and process technologies, including scientific instrumentation.

Research units

The department also features two high- tech platforms, one focusing on composites and one providing characterization and testing. Both platforms are open to LIST research staff as well as other Luxembourgish stakeholders. Lastly, the department leverages its charged particle beam expertise through the development of new nano-imaging and nano-analysis technologies.

LIST’s Advanced Instrumentation for Ion Nano-Analytics (AINA) focuses on the development of scientific instruments based on charged particle beams and correlative workflows taking advantage of these instruments. AINA’s R&D activity covers fundamental investigations, instrument development and application development. The targeted fields of application for the instrumentation and methodologies developed by the technology line are nano- imaging, nano-analysis and in-situ process control for nano-fabrication. 

Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology  / Sustainable Polymeric & Composite Materials  /  Advanced Instrumentation for Ion Nano-Analytics 

Priority areas 

• Sensors and actuators,
• Photocatalysis and energy harvesters,
• Transparent electronics and smart nanocomposites,
• Modelling and design of structures and multifunctional composites,
• Bio-based polymers and composites,
• Adhesion and compatibilization of fibres/matrix,
• Process engineering and advanced manufacturing,
• Functional Coatings.

Equipment and facilities

LIST’s Process Engineering and Prototyping Platform offers a unique variety of expertise and pools cutting-edge equipment for coating, thin films, particle engineering, nano-fabrication, prototyping and functional measurements. The Materials Characterization and Testing Platform offers a wide range of standardized and made-to-measure services in: 

• Molecular analysis
• Surface and elementary analysis
• Structure, morphology and topography
• Mechanical testing and accelerated ageing
• Thermo-physical analysis