Johan Foster
Group Leader, Polymer Chemistry and Materials
CONTACT
Adolphe Merkle Institute
University of Fribourg
Rte de l'Ancienne Papeterie
PO Box 209
1723 Marly 1
Switzerland
Email: johan.foster@unifr.ch
Phone: +41 26 300 92 81
Fax: +41 26 300 96 24
EDUCATION
2002 B.Sc in Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Canada
2006 Ph.D Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Canada (w. Prof. V. Williams)
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Our experimental research program targets the design, synthesis, processing, inves¬ti¬gation and application of a variety of bio-inspired polymer nanocomposites with stimulus-responsive mechanical properties. We have shown some of the first adaptive materials, in which a chemical stimulus causes a significant and reversible stiffness change. In addition to our ‘smart' nano-materials based research, we are also looking into utilizing the unique properties of nanowhisker networks as reinforcing fillers for a variety of materials. Our research seeks to develop broad new design approachs. It is envisioned to adapt the new design concept to create a range of "smart" materials that respond to different stimuli in pre-programmed ways and promise to enable a plethora of technologically relevant applications.
