New professor

Sustainable polymers: the future of plastic

30.08.2024|10:30 Uhr

Plastics consist mainly of macromolecules, i.e. polymers. Robert Göstl, the new Professor of Sustainable Macromolecular Chemistry at the University of Wuppertal, is researching how functional materials can be developed from them in a resource-saving manner.

Prof Dr Robert Göstl // Photo Friederike von Heyden

He and his research group work at the interface of organic synthesis chemistry, polymer chemistry, photophysics and materials science. The aim is to understand and utilise the interactions of mechanical stress with polymer materials. In other words, the 37-year-old wants to develop early warning systems that indicate mechanical overload through colour changes. On the other hand, he aims to develop new synthesis methods that use mechanical force to produce polymers with completely new properties.

Robert Göstl studied chemistry at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, where he completed his doctorate in 2014. He then worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands and, from 2017 until his move to Wuppertal, as a research group leader at the DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials and Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry at RWTH Aachen University, where he also completed his habilitation.

Link to the website of the Sustainable Macromulecular Chemistry working group

A brief interview with the new additions

In our "Meet the Prof" video series, our newest professors give you a glimpse into their academic journey, their research areas and their personal side in short, concise interviews. Learn more not only about their passion for knowledge and teaching, but also about their interests and stories outside the lecture hall.

You can find Prof Dr Robert Göstl 's video on the University of Wuppertal's YouTube channel.

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