kau fak2 eng forskningskatalog a5 webb pdf 14949

7/28/2019 Kau Fak2 Eng Forskningskatalog a5 Webb PDF 14949

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The FaculTy oF Technology and Science

ouR ReSeaRch


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The FaculTy oF Technology

and Scienceprovides education and research in the fields of technology

and natural sciences at Karlstad university.

The faculty offers around thirty engineering degree programmes and a wide range of natural

science options. Most programme courses are open to non-programme students. The faculty

also offers ten Master-level programmes, primarily in technology. Cooperation with external

partners and across disciplines and faculties is integral to our education and research. Faculty

activities mainly take place on campus in the technology building, Lake Vnern, but also in

suitably equipped facilities in building no 9.

Science and technology in cooperation is the overarching faculty research strategy.

The strongest areas are in materials engineering, forestry renewal, and energy engineering, but

there is also established research in applied modelling. Energy, environmental and sustainable

development issues are ongoing aspects of many faculty research fields. One objective of

the joint strategy and the three research areas is to strengthen our cooperation with external

partners. Faculty research is geared towards cooperation and there are established contacts with

clusters, companies and schools in the region. Research is also pursued in conjunction with

other faculty disciplines, especially in the service and health care fields.

The faculty hosts two research centres: Paper Surface Centre (PSC) and The Centre of Science,

Mathematics and Engineering Education Research (SMEER).

Cover illustration: Images of equations


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p: u p o, K 2012

e.: i d, d.t.

o

www.kau.Se/en


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OUR RESEARCH, The FaculTy oF Technology and Science 1

Table of conTenTs

Frwr,Jan Van Stam, Dean3T Ft f T S 4or Rsr Strt Brf,sa Bergenheim, Vice-Chancellor 5

ReSeaRch aRea: Mtrs S,Jens Bergstrm 6ReSeaRch aRea: Frst istr Rw er er, Ulf Germgrd7ReSeaRch aRea: app M, Claes Uggla8

Department of Enery, Enironmental And Buildin Technoloy 9Sstb Pk dvpmt, Fredrik Wikstrm 10Rsr grp fr dr-Rt Sts, Trkfrsk,Jonas Berghel11evrmt-Fr Prt f h-Qt Bf Frm W, Karin Granstrm 13Rsr grp fr dr-Rt Sts, Trkfrsk, Lars Nilsson 15dr Ptz Tqs, Roger Renstrm 17

Department of Physics And Electrical Enineerin 19gr Rtvt Tr Qtm csm, Claes Uggla 20Sf-orst Mr SmtrsFr opttr appts, Ellen Moons 21

Srf Smtr Pss, Hanmin Zhang23hm-Fr Rbts Ps ctv Rbts itt Ms,Jorge Solis25cfrm Qtm F Tr,Jrgen Fuchs27nrsts, Kjell Magnusson 28M etr Prprts of nstrtrs, Krister Svensson29lw-dms Srf Strtrs Mrlrs Sm-ctrs, Lars Johansso 31System Identication, Automatic Control Sttst S Prss, Magnus Mossberg 33Trt h-er Pss, Marcus Berg 34S Sr cs, Markus Rinio35T et, Veronica Bjurulf37

Department of Chemistry And Biomedical Science 39M atbs ctkrts Tr usfss fr cr Trtmt, Birgitta Sundstrm 40B effts f er dsrpt cms hm c Ms, Eewa Nnberg41

cmpx Fs,Jan Van Stam 43


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2 OUR RESEARCH, The FaculTy oF Technology and Science

Inammatory Cells and Inammatory Msms Tmr Prrss,Jonny Wijkander 44Prmt epm, Marianne Byflt Nordqvist 45

et Rsr S, evrmt a St (erss):crss-dspr S et, Shu-Nu Chang Rundgren 46Edcs And Inammatory Cellular Msms, Susanne Tornhamre 47Mrb Brkw f oxrts,Thomas Nilsson 49T Fmt Sprt S grp, Torgny Fornstedt 50

Department of Chemical Enineerin 53Pk Mtrs Prt Srf, Caisa Johansson 54Srf Trtmt f Ppr crt, Lars Jrnstrm 56grp T, Magnus Lestelius 58Pp T, Ulf Germgrd 60

Department of Mechanical And Materials Enineerin 63T ir Strtrs f Mtrs, Fredrik Thuvander 64Mtrs er,Jens Bergstrm 65Prt Mftr Tqs, Leo De Vin 66Rsr T M Prprts f Mtrs, Nils Hallbck 67

av Mtrs fr dm appts, Pavel Krakhmalev 68

Department of Mathematics 69Kt Tr appts,Alexander Bobylev 70lw avmt Mtmts,Arne Engstrm 71cmptr abr Sstms errr crrt cs, Igor Gachkov 72Mtmt ass, Sorina Barz 73Strtr cstrtv Prprts f Fts, Viktor Kolyada 74

ScienTiSTS 75KeyWoRdS 76


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The Faculty of Technoloy and Sciencehas earlier published three catalogues inwhich our doctoral students introducethemselves and present their researchprojects. The time has come to publish ourfirstResearch Catalogue, allowing our seniorresearchers to do the same. We think thatinformation of their research and networkshas a value beyond our immediate circle andthat others might benefit from this.

Faculty research is multifaceted, butcan broadly be divided into two mainstreams: education, on the one hand, and

technology and science, on the other.

The subject-specic educational

research is pursued in the context ofThe Centre of Science, Mathematics andEngineering Education Research (SMEER)with an emphasis on Inquiry- and Context-Based Science and Mathematics Educationand on Science Education in School Systems.Although not yet extensive, this research iscontinually expanding. We welcome this veryvaluable development and broadening offaculty research, which will enrich the moretraditional research in technologyand science.

Faculty research in the main is pursuedunder the umbrella strategy ofTechnologyand Science in Cooperation, an environment

that since 2010 has united researchers

in technology and science. The purposeof this research environment is to focusresources on prioritized objectives and find acommon direction for research and doctoralprogrammes. The umbrella covers threeinstituted research areas, which define thedifferent overarching research themes. Theareas are Materials Science, Forest Industrial

RenewalandApplied Modelling, which areall further described in the catalogue. Thejoint cooperation in the research areas isstrengthened and each area also cooperateswith other research groups at KarlstadUniversity, in Sweden and internationally.

An overriding goal of the joint researchenvironment and the three areas is toreinforce our capacity to cooperate withexternal actors. Such outreach activitieswill benefit our research in a number ofways, not least in terms of our researchstudents employability as they will be keptabreast of current issues in industry and thepublic sector. Cooperation also renews andbroadens by providing problems that arise ina non-academic environment. Reciprocally,we hope that the academic and scientificapproach may enrich our partners operationsand contribute to their development.

The senior researchers presentationsprovide, apart from personal information,a good picture of current issues in facultyresearch. We hope that this will give readers

ideas for potential cooperation with us.

foreword


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We welcome visitors and contacts. TheFaculty of Technology and Science aims

to be an open and evident part of society,working with others towards new knowledge,sustainable development and a changedfuture. We believe that our basic and applied

research, based on expertise and committedcooperation, is an important factor for

achieving our goals.

Enjoy the presentations!Jan an Stam,d

The faculTy of Technology and science

TOTAL INCOME: SeK 216 m ( 2011)EMPLOYEES: 191 ( 2012)DOCTORAL STUDENTS: 60 ( str tr stts, 2012)PROFESSORS: 25 ( 2012)ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS: 21 ( 2012)DOCTORAL DISCIPLINES: 8 ( 2012)STUDENTS (FULL-TIME EqUIvALENTS): 1435 ( 2011)MAIN FIELDS OF STUDY: 11 t rrt 10 t mstrs v ( 2012)

SIX DEPARTMENTS:

ENERgY, ENvIRONMENTAL AND BUILDINg TECHNOLOgY

PHYSICS AND ELECTRICAL ENgINEERINgCHEMISTRY AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE

CHEMICAL ENgINEERINg

MECHANICAL AND MATERIALS ENgINEERINg

MATHEMATICS

DEAN: J v StmDEPUTY DEAN: M SrmHEAD OF ADMINISTRATION: J hks


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our research sTraTegy in briefAt Karlstad Uniersity research

is pursued in traditional as well asmultidisciplinary fields, on the basis of long-term and short-term societal needs.

But how do we endeavour to improve thequality of our research? The answers are asmany as the people involved in research. Myview is that our development as a researchactor rests on two key strategies:

Clear priority of high quality through

long-term financial investments in excellentindividuals and our strategic environments

Broad research environments forgrowth, quality assurance and scientificexcellence

If we work with these aspects, KarlstadUniversity will develop into a creative,strong and broad research environment.Implementing strategic recruitment,prioritisation, systematic follow-up, andstructured quality assurance will increase thescientific quality and quantity of production.This will provide good opportunities for thepresent top-level research at our university.

As part of the efforts to develop our role asa research actor, we have identified a number

of strategic environments that will receive

long-term financial support. The continuedwork at the university will be based on theexpectation that the eight environments willgive rise to excellent research groups. Theeight environments are

Service Research Center, CTF DigiCom-sphere

Health

Gender

Cultural studies

Region building

Technology and science in cooperation

Education

Throuh this work we will create aviable university environment with broadand excellent research. A living and activeresearch milieu, also guarantees qualityassurance. Research is basically a collectiveprocess, in which peer reviewing and acritical approach ensure that top-levelresearch is maintained. This is also theenvironment in which future top scientistsare fostered. We know that they can be foundeven at a small university. We aim to takethat further.

sa Berenheim, V-cr


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RESEARCH AREA:

MaTerials scienceThe Materials Science area gathersresearch groups in materials engineering,mechanical engineering, materialsphysics, physical chemistry, and chemicalengineering. The materials science researcharea is highly multidisciplinary and thereis a broad range of research projects frombasic research to applied industrial research.It spans a scale from the atomic, nano, andmicro level to the macro level of research onsteel and manufacturing, carbon nanotubes,semiconductors, polymer-based solar cells,polymer and nanoparticle composites,paper fibres and nanostructured paperpackaging surfaces. At the nano and microlevel, analysis and characterisation of theproperties of materials take place, and thismaterials science groups emphasis. It forms

the basis for understanding the behaviourof materials on the macro level and thefunction in applications, thus enablingmaterials modelling. Material models andsimulation can then be used for differenttechnological applications. The appliedresearch is particularly connected to the steel,manufacturing and paper industries. Researchactivities are based on four overarchingsubareas, typical of the field: synthesis(materials production), materials analysis andcharacterisation, modelling and applications.Some thirty projects are carried out in theseareas (as of March 2012).

The materials science research areais well furnished with good experimentalresources in a new, creative and modernenvironment with equipment formaterials analysis, electric performance,and mechanical testing. There is also amechanical workshop. With the materialsscience area as a base we are building amaterials and design centre (MKC), poolingtechnological infrastructure and competencefor cooperation in research, product, andprocess development. The purpose of MKCis to strengthen the university and regionalindustry and their attraction on national andinternational markets. It cooperates with theindustry cluster Steel & Workshop, aiming tostimulate regional industries and in particularsmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Jens Berstrm


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RESEARCH AREA:

foresT indusTrial renewaland energy engineering

The total research at Karlstad University inthis area is financed via faculty resources and

external means from companies and other types

of financiers. As a complement to the long-

term research, there is a minor faculty funded

research activity (as of 2011), controlled and

financed by the research council for the Forest

Industrial Renewal and Energy Engineering

group (SFoET). The SFoET research council

consists of internal research leaders and external

industrial representatives, who control and

evaluate the ongoing research in SFoET, and

ensure that the research maintains a high

scientific and industrial relevance. This research

is to a great extent based on pre-studies where

new ideas are tested for a year. If a project

turns out to be promising, it usually resultsin a science article, a conference presentation

and/or an application for funding. The

research activities in SFoET involve cellulose

chemistry, pulp and paper technology, surface

treatment of paper, graphic techniques, waste

water treatment, biofuel/textile drying, pellet

production, and gas purification in pellet

production. All these projects are carried out

in close cooperation with companies such as

Stora Enso, Metso Paper, Metsa Tissue, Eka

Chemicals, Asko etc. Organisationally, SFoET

spans the three departments 1) Chemical

Engineering 2) Energy, Environment and

Building Technology, and 3) Chemistry and

Biomedical Science.

Cooperation between research roupsunder the faculty umbrella strategy was

earlier modest, but through the SFoETs

activities, cooperation is gradually increasingas researchers become better and betteracquainted. Discovering synergy effectsbetween ongoing projects and identifyingpotential new project areas has also becomeeasier. This is a most welcome situationsince new ideas often arise from areas in-between the established ones. In the longterm this new approach to research will resultin more cooperation between all researchgroups in the faculty regarding interchangingequipment and analysis instruments as wellas regular cooperation in joint projects.

An example of an ongoing cross-departmental project is a water purification

project for the forest industry, run byresearchers from the departments of Energy,Environment and Building Technology, andChemical Engineering, soon to be joined bychemists and biomedical scientists. A secondexample is a paper-drying project carriedout by researchers from the departmentsof Chemical Engineering and Energy,Environment and Building Technology.The project aims to reduce the energyconsumption in the industrial paper dryingprocess. By increasing internal and externalcooperation, we will promote equality anddiversity at Karlstad University. This means,for instance, that our female researchers willbe able to find senior mentors more easilyand women networks will grow stronger.

Ulf germrd


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RESEARCH AREA:

aPPlied ModellingThe area of Applied Modelling spans

a wide field and is relevant to many

research activities under the umbrella of

Technology and Science in Cooperation in

terms of basic as well as applied research.

Nonetheless, it is possible to identify several

common denominators and needs in the

multidisciplinary field, for instance, analysis

of conditions, technique and validations

methods for modelling; mathematical

methods; computer calculations and

computer analysis methods, for instance

statistical data processing; simulation and

optimisation, for instance to improve product

properties and increase process efficiency.

There are seeral successful externallyfunded research projects in the area. A

cooperation project with molecular sciencehas recently contributed to attractingfunding from the KK-foundation anda number of companies for a researchproject in analytical chemistry. The projectinvolves developing models and numericalalgorithms for optimising environmentallyand economically sustainable processes andmethods to isolate and produce valuablechemical and pharmaceuticals with the leastpossible use of dangerous solvents. There are

also some projects, financed by the SwedishResearch Council, of a basic researchcharacter: kinetic gas theory; conformal fieldtheory; general relativity theory and quantumcosmology; string theory. These areasencompass applications regarding everythingfrom the ultimate nature of matter, spaceand time to the large-scale structure of theuniverse, but also everyday applicationsrelating to gases, fluids and the propertiesand application areas of solid materials.

The research area has the ambition toextend further and increase cooperationwith external partners and other areas underthe umbrella of Technology and Sciencein Cooperation, especially the area ofForestry Renewal and Energy Engineering

and the area Materials Science. These areasare both in need of modelling expertise,particularly regarding numerical calculationand simulation concerning the properties ofmaterials at the micro and macro level, forinstance, mechanical, electrical and opticalproperties, but also transport properties (ofheat and mass, for example).

Claes Ula


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DEPARTMENT OF


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Our research aims at finding solutionsthat better correspond to human needs, whilereducing the total resource consumption.Prices on raw material and energy arerising rapidly globally and will continue torise. At the levels of society, business andindividuals, there is a demand for solutionson how to adapt to these changes. Often,unnecessary resource consumption dependson the fact that different parts of a system arenot coordinated but optimised individually.By using systems analytical methodsand principles, it is possible to identifyimprovement potentials in a system. We havesuccessfully combined this with a service

perspective in cooperation with the ServiceResearch Center. By identifying and definingthe needs to be met, products and adjacentsystems can more easily be designed in aresource efficient way. Generally, our workis interdisciplinary. Without consideringsocial and economic dimensions, we will notachieve sustainable development. For thepast years, the bulk of the research has beenfocussed on exploring the potentials of foodpackaging to reduce the total detrimentalimpact on the environment and the resourceconsumption in the food chain, especiallyas regards the reduction of food waste.We have identified a number of packagingproperties that contribute to this reduction.We have also developed a theoretical modelfor calculating the balance between more/less packaging materials and changes in food

waste, and carried out a survey on attitudes

and household food waste. At present,Billerud AB and the KK-foundation financea doctoral student, who studies how productwaste can be reduced in the distributionchain. This research has attracted greatattention nationally as well as internationally.

susTainable PacKagingdeVeloPMenT

NAME: Frrk Wkstrm

TITLE: asst Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 12 64

E-MAIL: frrkwkstrm@ks

SUBJECT: evrmt er Sstms

KEYWORDS: sstb vp-mt, pk

EXTERNAL PARTNERS: Br aB,TPa, cTF, Pk lsts(l uvrst)

CO-RESEARCHERS: h Wms,ls Mttss



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We hae pursued dryin-related researchand development since 1989. We haveexperience of the drying of biomass, paper,crops, and clothes, and we are constantly inthe process of extending and deepening theknowledge of drying-related research anddevelopment.

The aim of our research and developmentis to contribute to the production of energyefficient and environment-friendly dryingprocesses that are conducive to sustainabledevelopment. Our resources to achieve

this are suitable premises and equipment,staff with different areas of expertise, andwell functioning routines for observing andprocessing the problems that industry andsociety bring to our attention.

Issues can be raised at different systemlevels. Applied research and developmentprojects predominate, but also curiosity-driven research and developmentplay important roles. Problems can betheoretically or empirically based.

The research roup has an emphasison the manufacturing of solid biofuels,mass and heat transport during the dryingof biofuels, textiles and paper, and onsustainable and energy efficient processes.Group members are experts on the modelling

and simulation of mass and heat transport

processes, system-overriding models as wellas small-scale processes.

research grouP fordrying-relaTed sTudies,TorKforsK

NAME: Js Br

TITLE: asst Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 12 47

E-MAIL: jsbr@ks

wwwks/trkfrsk

SUBJECT: evrmt er Sstm

KEYWORDS: bf, r, ppr,r, txt, smt, refciency

CO-RESEARCHERS: : Prfssrlrs nss, ass Prfssr RrRstrm, dr l Stwrbr, drMs St, Stf Frs,ltrr


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The research roup has a strongposition internationally in the area ofbiofuel drying and close cooperation with

branch companies. The group has thelaboratory equipment required for the task ofconducting controlled studies of the wholeproduction chain from moist biomaterialsto the finished product, such as pellets. Thepellet research aims to improve the pelletquality and the pelletizing process.

In a pilot-scale dryer the groupinvestigates equipment design, energyconsumption and the thermodynamics ofdrying processes along with pelletizing (seefigure). The world unique pilot equipmentprovides the opportunity to monitor andcontrol the whole chain from moist biofuelto finished product.

The research on textile drying is carried

out in conjunction with industry with a view

to improve drying and make it more energy

efficient, for example, by reducing electric heat-ing. In laboratory-scale equipment we study

dewatering of paper in a suction box for dwell

times, vacuum levels, and basis weights of

relevance to the industrial process. The equip-

ment was designed for tissue studies in colla-

boration with companies, but is also useful

for studies linked to other paper qualities.

The actiities in the research group createopportunities for sharp projects in educationclose contact with company developmentstrategies and technical solutions, resourcesin the form of guest lecturers in courses andprojects, external partners for major researchapplications, and increased competitivenessand attraction.

Fiur 1 Research equipment for dryin and pelletizin


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My research centres on how to producehigh-quality biofuel from wood in anenvironment-friendly way.

How can sawdust be dried and pelletized

without too many emission problems?

In my doctoral thesis I describe howthe emission of different hydrocarbonsdepends on important drying parameters.The importance of the impact of the dryingmethod on emission from the pellet pressis also demonstrated. The thesis moreoverdescribes a new method for measuringhydrocarbon emission from steam dryers.

The results were popularized in the manualHydrocarbon from the wood fuel industry saw mills, wood dryers and pellet presses,which was written in response to calls frommunicipal environment officers who askedwhat requirements they should make onpellet producers.

Further inestiations on what isemitted from wood in the drying process,especially thermal breakdown products andsesquiterpenes, made it necessary to publishan account of what these results entail for thework environment in which wood processingtakes place and for the current exposurelimits. These results were published in thefield of occupational hygiene.

I have studied the biological degradation

in water from sawdust drying for the purpose

of assessing the possibility to purify by means

of biological methods. My ongoing

enVironMenT-friendly ProducTionof high-QualiTy biofuel froM wood

NAME: Kr grstrmTITLE: asst Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 12 65

MOBILE: +46 (0) 730-48 45 61

E-MAIL: krrstrm@ks


KEYWORDS: r, pts, w,spts mbst, trps,rrbs, st, sw-st, frst str, wstwtr

EXTERNAL PARTNERS: SP SvrsTksk Frskssttt,hrj Mjbrs aB,Str es Tmbr

CO-RESEARCHERS: Js Br,Rr Rstrm, Mr Sbr,Ms St



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research aims to ascertain how efficient the

sand filter purification prescribed for biofuel

dryers really is.

How can pellets be stored in a safe andenvironment-friendly way?

The storability of pellets is an importantproblem since wood pellets sometimesspontaneously combust when stored insilos. Breakdown processes also take placethat can produce a lack of oxygen in closedspaces. In the process of determining the

causes of spontaneous combustion in woodpellets, I also studied the formation ofrancidity products in chippings and pellets.

Furthermore, I have studied storabilityin pellets with lignin or starch additives.Ongoing research involves investigatingthe effects of adding antioxidants topellets to reduce the problems. This workis being developed in conjunction withSP Brandteknik, where there are uniquepossibilities to study flammability and theprogress of fires.


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We hae pursued dryin-related researchand development since 1989. We haveexperience of the drying of biomass, paper,crops, and clothes, and we are constantly inthe process of extending and deepening theknowledge of drying-related research anddevelopment.

The aim of our research and developmentis to contribute to the production of energyefficient and environment-friendly dryingprocesses that are conducive to sustainabledevelopment. Our resources to achieve

this are suitable premises and equipment,staff with different areas of expertise, andwell functioning routines for observing andprocessing the problems that industry andsociety bring to our attention.

Issues can be raised at different systemlevels. Applied research and developmentprojects predominate, but also curiosity-driven research and developmentplay important roles. Problems can betheoretically or empirically based.

The research roup has an emphasison the manufacturing of solid biofuels,mass and heat transport during the dryingof biofuels, textiles and paper, and onsustainable and energy efficient processes.Group members are experts on the modelling

and simulation of mass and heat transport

processes, system-overriding models as wellas small-scale processes.

research grouP fordrying-relaTed sTudies,TorKforsK

NAME: lrs nss

TITLE: Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 20 99

wwwks/trkfrsk

E-MAIL: rsss@ks

SUBJECT: evrmt

er SstmsKEYWORDS: : bf, r,ppr, r, txt, smt,energy efciency

CO-RESEARCHERS:ass Prfssr Js Br,ass Prfssr Rr Rstrm,dr l Stwrbr,dr Ms St,Stf Frs, ltrr



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The research roup has a strongposition internationally in the area ofbiofuel drying and close cooperation with

several companies. The group has thelaboratory equipment required for the task ofconducting controlled studies of the wholeproduction chain from moist bio materialsto the finished product, such as pellets. Thepellet research aims to improve the pelletquality and the pelletizing process.

In a pilot-scale dyer the group investigates

design, energy consumption and the

thermodynamics of drying processes along

with pelletizing (see figure). The world unique

pilot equipment provides the opportunity to

monitor and control the whole chain from

moist biofuel to finished product.

The research on textile drying is carriedout in conjunction with industry with a

view to improve drying and make it moreenergy efficient, for example, by reducingelectric heating. In laboratory-scale we study

dewatering of paper in a suction box fordwell times, vacuum levels and basis weightsof relevance to the industrial process. Theequipment was designed for tissue studiesin collaboration with companies, but isalso useful for studies linked to other paperqualities.

The actiities in the research group createopportunities for sharp projects in educationin close contact with company developmentstrategies and technical solutions, resourcesin the form of guest lecturers in courses andprojects, external partners for major researchapplications, and increased competitivenessand attraction.

Fiur 1 Research equipment for dryin and pelletizin


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I hae pursued dryin-related researchand development since 1989 and haveexperience of the drying of biomass, paper,crops, and clothes. The research group isconstantly in the process of extending anddeepening the knowledge of drying-relatedresearch and development.

The aim of our research and developmentis to contribute to the production of energyefficient and environment-friendly dryingprocesses that are conducive to sustainabledevelopment. Our resources to achieve thisare suitable premises and equipment, staffwith different areas of expertise, and wellfunctioning routines for picking up andprocessing the problems that industry and

society bring to our attention.

The research roup has a strong positioninternationally in the area of biofueldrying and close cooperation with branchcompanies. The group has active researchmembers and the laboratory equipmentrequired for the task of conductingcontrolled studies of the whole productionchain from moist biomaterial to the finishedproduct, such as pellets.

The actiities in the research group createopportunities for sharp projects in education,close contact with company developmentstrategies and technical solutions, resourcesin the form of guest lecturers in courses andprojects, external partners for major researchapplications, and increased competitivenessand attraction.

NAME: Rr Rstrm

TITLE: asst Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 12 48

E-MAIL: rrrstrm@ks


KEYWORDS: r, ptz,sstms ss

EXTERNAL PARTNERS:aSKoapps, SToRa, SToRa pts,Mts, Pr, Vrmst

drying and PelleTiZing TechniQues



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PHYSICS AND ELECTRICAL ENgINEERINg


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Bi ban, dark enery, black holes and

neutron stars, gravitation waves, GPS, satellite

navigation are all examples where general rela-

tivity theory plays a central role. Gravitation

research is now in its heyday with strong links

to other areas of physics: New observations,

which can only be explained by Einsteins

creation placed in a greater context, require

new theoretical developments. We need to

reach a better understanding of what happens

when we replace one model with another so

that we can determine when our predictions

are reliable; the impact of the small on the

big, for instance, how the properties of the

smallest components of matter affect neutron

star mass and size, needs a firmer theoreticalfoundation; non-linear complex equation

systems need to be reformulated so that nu-

merical calculations can be made and equation

content better understood. These issues are

all central to my research and have yielded a

number of research findings, for instance, a

better understanding of how black holes can

form; new insights into how the properties of

the smallest matter components affect neutron

star mass and size; clarification of the predic-

tions that can be made on the basis of general

relativity theory concerning observationally

sustainable cosmological models. Einsteins

theory combines space and time into a dy-

namic and plastic unity, spacetime, which

at the beginning of the universe and at the

centre of the black holes even ceases to be in a

spacetime singularity. In conjunction with my

research colleagues I have recently succeeded

in describing what Einsteins theory has to say

on the subject ultimately, spacetime is af-

fected to the point when communication is no

longer possible even in principle. This leads

to structures that might be used to generalize

Einsteins theory to a so-called quantum gravi-

tational theory where needed, that is, where

the gravitation is strongest. This would give a

better understanding of what space and time

really are.

general relaTiViTy Theory andQuanTuM cosMology

NAME: cs u

TITLE: Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 21 57

MOBIL: +46 (0) 70-416 38 33

E-MAIL: s@ksSUBJECT: Trt Pss

KEYWORDS: r rtvt tr,qtm sm, bk s

CO-RESEARCHERS:Prf J W-wrt (c), Prf gr es(St-afr), Prf a R (gr-m), ass Prf Mrk hz (astr),Prf ab astkr (uSa), Prf RbrtJtz (uSa), dr W ct lm (nwZ), Prf Sbjr hrvk (nrw)

THEORETICAL PHYSICSPHYSICS AND ELECTRICAL ENgINEERINg


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MATERIALS PHYSICSPHYSICS AND ELECTRICAL ENgINEERINg

We study self-oranisation on themolecular level in thin films of conjugatedpolymers and in self-assembled monolayersof conjugated molecules for applications inorganic photovoltaics and optoelectronics.

Our present focus is on morphologicalstudies of thin polymer films produces fromsolution by spincoating. The layers of specialinterest are films of conjugated polymerblends with a fullerene derivative, PCBM,which are the most common componentsof polymer solar cells. During the coating

process, the solvent evaporates quicklyand phase separation occurs, resulting in acomplex morphology. Through microscopicand spectroscopic studies of the compositionand structure of such films at the surfaceand in the bulk, we have reached a betterunderstanding of how the morphology ofsuch thin films is formed and what thatmeans for the solar cell performance. Otherareas of study include blends of conjugatedpolymers with non-conjugated polymers,self-organisation of thiolated conjugatedmolecules on gold surfaces for use inmolecular electronics.

Other interests and future studiesinclude blends of conjugated polymerswith inorganic nanoparticles, alternativesubstrates, new transparent electrode

materials, and inverted solar cells,

self-organisaTion in MolecularseMiconducTors for oPToelecTronic

aPPlicaTions

NAME: e Ms

TITLE: Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 19 03

MOBIL:+46 (0) 708-66 02 09

E-MAIL: ms@ks

SUBJECT: Mtrs Pss

KEYWORDS:jt pmrs,pttrs, pmr sr s,mrp, mr trs

EXTERNAL PARTNERS:Prf Mtsarss, dr crst Mr, cm-str, cmrs uvrst f T,gtbr; Prf arzj Bkwsk, drJkb Rsz, Pss, J uvr-st, Krkw; dr b arzj Brsk,agh uvrst, Krkw; dr b arsoptz, hmbt uvrst, Br; drBrbr Br, Mtrs Tr, uppsuvrst; dr Jspr Ms, hstctr, ev; Prf Mrt Rms,uvrst f M, Br, Prt

CO-RESEARCHERS:Ana Soa Anselmo, Rickard Hansson

EX CO-RESEARCHERS: cBjrstrm Svstrm, Svt nss,Sm cv, arzj dzwwsk


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alternative coating techniques and methodsfor morphological characterization.

The research spans the disciplinaryborders between materials physics andphysical chemistry. In collaboration withProfessor Andrzej Budkowskis group atthe Jagiellonian University in Krakow, westudy compositional depth profiles of thepolymer thin films with dynamic SIMSinstruments, and at the synchrotron facilityMAXlab in Lund, we use XPS and NEXAFS-spectroscopy.

The research on polymer-based solarcells at Karlstad University started in 2002with the support of the Swedish Research

Council and the National Graduate Schoolfor Materials Science and then continuedwith funding form the Swedish EnergyAgency (2007 - 2010) and the SwedishResearch Council (2011-2013). In 2011,research funding was granted by the GranGustafsson Foundation (2012 -).


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The Research Projects are dividedinto three main parts: a) Clean and metal-terminated semiconductor surfaces, includingmetals and nanostructures on semiconductorsurfaces; b) Organic molecular layers onmetal/semiconductor surfaces; c) Magneticthin films grown on semiconductor surfaces.They involve synchrotron radiation (UPS,XPS, and NEXAFS) based studies ofatomic and electronic structure of clean andmodified overlayers, scanning tunnellingmicroscopy (STM) based studies of surfaceand low-dimensional structures, and surfaceatomic and molecular manipulation and self-organized growth of nanostructures.

The nanometer world where physical

phenomena are dominated by quantumeffects offers many new possibilities andgreat scientific challenges as miniaturizationcontinues. The basic objective of thisproject is the realization of low dimensionalsystems, including two, one and zerodimensions. Atom deposition on clean ormetal-terminated semiconductor surfacesleads in many cases to such structures.Valence band and core-level photoelectronspectroscopy, and STM have been widelyused to characterize their atomic andelectronic properties. Organic molecularlayers on surfaces is an intensely activeresearch field, driven by the large potentialfor electronics and optoelectronicsapplications, e.g. OLEDs, OFETs andorganic solar cells, but also for applicationsin catalysis, sensor, energy storage, etc. Supra-

molecular self-assembly allows for creation

of highly ordered layers, as well as complexmolecular structures and networks. In theemerging field of spintronics, magneticsemiconductors, magnetic layers andnanostructures on semiconductor surfaces areimportant topics. It is, however importantto understand the fundamental propertiesof those materials that are candidates forapplications in the field of spintronics.Interesting candidates as magnetic layers onsemiconductors are transition metal silicides

and Germanides.

surface and seMiconducTor Physics

NAME: hm Z

TITLE: asst Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 21 20

E-MAIL: mz@ks

SUBJECT: Pss

KEYWORDS:ST M, Ptmss,

tm tr strtr,mr rs, mtsmtr, srf mpt

CO-RESEARCHERS: lrs Jss,Jkm hrv grtzs; KjMss, lf erss

PHYSICSPHYSICS AND ELECTRICAL ENgINEERINg


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In the past years we have built upextensive knowledge and experience insurface and semiconductor physics based on

STM/AFM and photoemission. The goalof these projects is to obtain a fundamentalunderstanding of low dimensional structuresof semiconductor systems, including

reconstructed surfaces, linear atomic chains,nano-particles, molecular and metal thinfilms. The experimental realization of the

controllable manipulation on the nanoscalemay have important implications for surfacepatterning.


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Physically and conitiely embodiedrobotics and intelligent machines constitutean inter-disciplinary

research feld, which includes both

basic and applied research on identifying

novel applications of cutting-edge material

science, sensor technology, advanced signal

processing and advanced control. Exploring

and proposing novel techniques for modelling

and advanced control in order to address

industrial needs are central aspects of this

research. This approach provides students

with the opportunity to practise applyingrobot technology hands-on to solve real-

world problems and this is integrated in their

academic programmes. Current research

is focused on human-/environment-robot

interaction, intelligent machines and

automation systems, embedded and intelligent

control, multimodal feedback as well as

biologically-inspired architecture design.

Een if the market is limited at present,applications of intelligent machines (i.e.robots) are gradually spreading from themanufacturing industry to other branchesas one of the most important componentsfor supporting an ageing society. The waya person interacts with human-friendlyrobots is completely different from theirinteraction with most of the present

industrial electromechanical systems.

huMan-friendly roboTsPhysical and cogniTiVe roboTicsand inTelligenT Machines

NAME: Jr Ss

TITLE: asst Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 19 53

E-MAIL: jrss@ks

SUBJECT: Pss etr

erKEYWORDS:rbts, ttms, m-rbt trt

SAMARBETSPARTNER:Tks lbrtr Wsuvrst; Prpt Rbtslbrtr, S SprrSta, isttt f etrs,cmptr Tmmter, nt Rsr

c f it, Jp Rbt lt,ctr fr Rbts et Ftr S St c lt, t

CO-RESEARCHERS: Prf atsTks, Prf MssmBrms, Prf cr abrt

avzz, Prf lw K ht, PrfRv Vt, Prf MttsStz, dr gmr Vr,dr K n



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The development of human-friendlyrobots propels research onwards to developautonomous and/or partly autonomous

systems that are natural and intuitive forthe average consumer to interact with,communicate with, work with as a partnerand teach new functions. Many tasks forwhich interactive, intelligent machines aredesigned to perform require close interactionwith people and/or the environment. It isalso clear, however, that the more a humanand/or environmental participation isinvolved, the more the need for informationexchange and implementation of advancedstrategic rules increases.

My research carried out at thedepartment is related to the developmentof a perceptual-based intelligent control

architecture composed of a 3-D human bodygesture recognition system and a fuzzy logiccontroller for enabling a mobile robot toperform tool-carrying assistance in medicalfacilities, and to introducing novel sensingmodalities and control strategies for human-friendly robots with interactive capabilitiesfor walking-assistance to elderly people, andto introducing novel human-friendly roboticplatforms for educational purposes. Otherexamples of projects currently pursued withresearchers from other universities suchas Waseda University, SSSA-PERCRO,are humanoid robots, perceptual robots,educational robots, and medical robots.


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A recurrin theme in physics is the attempt

to unify all forces of nature into a handful,

or even just one single force. With the help

of quantum theory, the electric and magnetic

forces have, for instance, been successfully

joined with the so-called weak force. An

ultimate unification would take place if also

the gravitational force could be combined

with these. An important candidate for

bringing this about is string theory. To a

great extent this theory is, in turn, based on

two-dimensional conformal quantum field

theory, commonly abbreviated as CFT.

Apart from in string theory, CFT also plays

a significant role in many other phenomena,

for instance, in the quantum Hall effect, in

high-temperature supraconductivity, and in

tunnel effects in quantum wires. In addition,CFT has contributed novel ideas to various

fields in modern mathematics.

In CFT, a reat number of models thatdiffer in various details are studied. Animportant aim is therefore to formulateCFT in a model-independent way based onuniversal mathematical structures. To achievethis goal, we combine in particular themethods of two branches of mathematics,namely non-commutative algebra andtensor categories. Other relevant tools are,for instance, provided by three-dimensionaltopology, algebraic geometry, vertex operatoralgebras and quantum groups. Many of theadvanced methods used are rather abstract.Nevertheless, the results allow for explicitcalculation in specific models and for the

prediction of concrete physical effects.

The benet of this research is primarilyprogress in the theoretical understandingof the basic structure of nature. But thereis also a potential for practical application,for instance, in high-temperaturesupraconductivity. In combination with so-called topologic quantum field theory, CFTmay even contribute to the development ofquantum computers.

conforMal QuanTuM field Theory

NAME: Jr Fs

TITLE: Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 18 17

E-MAIL: jrfs@ks

SUBJECT: Pss

KEYWORDS: quantum eld theory,mtmt pss

EXTERNAL PARTNERS: eSF twrkiTgP (wwwtpt)

CO-RESEARCHERS:cr Str (Pd stt)



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How are the properties of a metal oxideaffected if it is produced in the form of verysmall crystals? How can metal oxide crystalsof less than 100 nanometres and of differentshapes be made in a simple and controlledway and allowed to grow? How are theproperties of other materials affected whensuch nanocrystals are added in differentamounts and ways? These are current issuesin the research projects under the umbrellatitle Nanocrystals. The research is pursuedpartly in Leif Erikssons doctoral thesisproject on the synthesis of nanocrystals ofZnO from water solutions and by meansof microwaves, and on the characterisationof properties with electro microscopy,scanning probe microscopy and advanced

spectroscopic methods with, for instance,synchrotron light at MAX-lab in Lund. Thematerial ZnO is an isolator, which throughself-doping is rendered good conductivity,becomes a semiconductor and can be usedin energy efficient light diodes, replacingbulbs and low-energy lamps, in new typesof solar cells as well as other applicationswhere mechanical or thermal propertiesneed changing. Another new researchproject, supported by EUs MNT-ERA.NETprogram, involves producing, characterisingand investigating nanocrystals of ZnO asadditives in the manufacturing of certainpackaging materials for which antibacterial

properties are needed. The project periodis 2012-2014 and the study takes place incollaboration with Prof. Lars Jrnstrm,chemical engineering, with Lantmnnen(agricultural association) and with researchersin, for instance, Poland.

nanocrysTals

NAME: Kj Mss

TITLE: Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 12 15

MOBIL: +46 (0) 70-316 20 41

E-MAIL: kjmss@ks

SUBJECT: Mtrs Pss

KEYWORDS: mtrs, -

prts, rsts, sm-tr,xs, tr prprts

SAMARBETSPARTNER: eu (MnT-eRaneT), VinnoVa, ltm

CO-RESEARCHERS: lf erss,hm Z



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When materials are constructed in

nanometre-sized objects, they get unique

properties, which can be used in future

nano-electromechanical applications.

Carbon atoms, for example, can be made

to form concentric tubes of about ten

nanometres in diameter but up to several

micrometres in length. The electrical and

mechanical properties of such materials

can differ from what we are used to in

corresponding macroscopic structures. If the

material has very few defects, the electrons

can travel freely within the concentric layers

for distances of several micrometres. This

means that there is no energy transfer from

the electrons to the atomic lattice and theseconstructions will tolerate extremely high

current densities. The concentric tubes also

display special mechanical properties, and

the tubes can bend heavily without being

plastically deformed and can spring back

to the original shape. This makes them

very suitable for performing movements

in nanometre-sized electro mechanical

constructions, for example, nanorelays.

However, the tubes can collapse at high

mechanical strain, which is not desirable

since it will reduce the rigidity and the rate

of frequency change in the relay.

In this project we aim to investigateexperimentally both the electrical andmechanical properties of carbon nanotubes

of different forms. This requires specialefforts regarding measuring set-ups, whichmust not affect the tubes original properties.A recently developed instrument allowsus to measure materials properties suchas electrical conductivity and mechanicalstiffness extremely locally, while the materialis being imaged on the atomic level in anelectro microscope. This provides

Mechanical and elecTricalProPerTies of nanosTrucTures

NAME: Krstr Svss

TITLE: asst Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 12 26

E-MAIL: krstrs@ks

SUBJECT: Pss

KEYWORDS: tr mrsp,rb tbs, tm pwrmrsp, s prbmrsp

EXTERNAL PARTNERS: nftristrmts aB, cmrsuvrst f T

CO-RESEARCHERS:hrk Jkm,Pv Krkmv



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unique mechanical currents and great electricopportunities to study what happens tocurrent densities at an atomic level when

structures are subjected to high mechanicalstrains and electric current densities.


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This research project inoles studiesof the physical properties of surface andsurface structures, and how surface structuresand nanostructures can be grown anddesigned to obtain new interesting propertieson the surface as well as in the material.Primarily, we study crystal surfaces and theterm surface structures here refers to thegeometric order of surface atoms and tobigger building blocks such as organicmolecules in ordered layers, and finally, evenlarger units, so-called nanostructures, forinstance, crystals or nanometre-sized metal

clusters (nano derives from nanometre,a billionth of a metre). When creatingisolated units with dimensions at nanometrelevel, that is, nanostructuring, so-calledquantization effects occur, which changethe movement and energy of electrons inthe material. This can lead to completelynew materials properties, for example, newelectron transport or optical properties. Theaim of the project is to investigate surfacesand atomic and molecular layers on surfaces,and develop methods for the growth anddeposition of such ordered surface structuresand nanostructures that can lead to newmaterials properties and applications. Thestudied materials are semiconductors,primarily silicon and germanium, but alsonew semiconducting materials such as siliconcarbide and organic semiconductors.

The project is mainlyof an experimentalcharacter with the application of scanningprobe techniques such as scanning tunnelingmicroscopy (STM) and atomic force micro-scopy (AFM). In these techniques a veryfine tip is moved across the surface in agrid pattern with extremely high degree ofprecision and interacts with the surface,so that its atomic structure is reproduced

through the vertical movement of the tip.

low-diMensional surfacesTrucTures and Molecularlayers on seMi-conducTors

NAME: lrs Jss

TITLE: Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 16 77

MOBIL: +46 (0) 70-682 15 30

E-MAIL: rsjss@ks

SUBJECT: Mtrs Pss

KEYWORDS: mtr pss,srfs, strtrs, trstrtrs, sm-trs,mr rs, pt mss,s t mrsp

CO-RESEARCHERS:hm Z,Jkm hrv grtzs (Pdstt)



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In addition, experimental methods based onsynchrotron light are used at the nationallaboratory MAX-lab in Lund. Synchrotron

light is an intensive light source with avery broad wavelength distribution, frominfrared to x-ray light. It is used for electronspectroscopy investigations of the electronicstructure of materials and surfaces, andfor measuring the atomic structure withdiffraction methods.

In studies of thin atomic layers, forexample, metals on a semiconductor surface,the material is evaporated onto the surface.Metal atoms can in many cases give riseto complex structures on semiconductorsurfaces. We study how these so-calledreconstructions come about and how theproperties of the surface change. Anotherimportant question is how to grow ordered

nanostructures in a self-organising way, thatis, a spontaneous growth of larger orderedstructures. In addition, low-dimensional

structures are studied, such as strings of metalatoms on surfaces and quantum wells, thinmetallic layers, where the electron structurehas changed through quantization effects.In another part of the project, we studyordered layers of organic molecules andindividual molecules on surfaces. We areespecially interested in molecules relevant toelectronic applications, so-called molecularelectronics, and to optical applications. Anexample of organic layer applications is lightemitting diodes and mobile phone screens.These studies also rest on the principle ofself-organisation as important to achievingordered molecular layers.


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My research is pursued in systemsidentification, automatic control andstatistical signal processing. Systemidentification involves finding amathematical model for describing a system.The system to be described mathematicallycan be nearly anything. Sometimes thesystem can be described with a numberof physical equations, but often it is socomplex that this cannot be done easily. Analternative is to find a mathematical modelbased on the signals that affect and describethe behaviour of the system respectively.

The resulting model often consists of bothdeterministic and stochastic components.The model is commonly used to design acontroller to control the system to performas intended. In statistical signal processingand estimation theory, the problem is toestimate unknown parameters based onmeasured data in a stochastic signal or in astochastic system as quickly and precisely aspossible. System identification, automaticcontrol and statistical signal processinghave many common denominators andapplications in a number of areas.

sysTeM idenTificaTion,auToMaTic conTrol andsTaTisTical signal Processing

NAME: Ms Mssbr

TITLE: asst Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 19 31

E-MAIL: msmssbr@ks

SUBJECT: etr er

KEYWORDS:system identication,tmt tr, sttst sprss

ELECTRICAL ENgINEERINgPHYSICS AND ELECTRICAL ENgINEERINg


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I am interested in fundamental questionsof things far beyond our commonconceptual world: of the smallest buildingblocks of matter and their interaction, andof the earliest moments of the universe andits evolution. Enormous particle accelerators,such as the CERN lab in Geneva, allow us toexplore the smallest building blocks of matterand the quantum physics that control them,as if they were in a giant microscope. Thegreatest distances in space are explored withtelescopes on earth and via satellites. Thesemethods have even been combined in thatparticle detectors have been sent to satellites.Part of theoretical physics is to propose andevaluate new ideas of what such experimentswill result in and come up with ideas for new

experiments. Some of the most interestingquestions at present involve the so-calledstring theory, in which the smallest buildingblocks do not have to be mathematicalpoints as in standard particle theory. Someyears ago, the first stable string modelswere constructed, which can describe theaccelerating expansion of the universe, whileoffering potential predictions for particlephysics experiments. I have contributed tothe development of these models and studiedhow to adapt them to known and new dataand then how to use them in predictions ofwhat can be found in new experiments. I amalso interested in other types of theories, forinstance particle theories for the so-calleddark matter.

This is all curiosity-drien basic research,

but much of our everyday technology

derives from such research efforts. Computerlanguage for web pages, for instance, wasconstructed at CERN at the beginning ofthe 90s. I also appreciate the fact that Metso,a Karlstad-based company, has producedinnovative new technology for CERN.

TheoreTical high-energy Physics

NAME: Mrs BrTITLE: asst Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 22 38

E-MAIL: mrsbr@ks

SUBJECT: Trt Pss

KEYWORDS: trt-r pss, prtpss, sm, str tr,mtmt pss

CO-RESEARCHERS: dr Mhk (arr-Smmrf-Ztrm, M), Prf lmMastr (lbrtr fr h-er Pm, cr,uSa), Prf h Smtb(e nrm Sprr,l), dr Jsp c (Prsctr fr Trt Pss,oxfr)

THEORETICAL PHYSICSPHYSICS AND ELECTRICAL ENgINEERINg


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Today, hue amounts of energy can beobtained by converting the power fromsunlight into electrical power. It is in factpossible to satisfy the complete worldsenergy needs only with the photovoltaics(solar cells) that cover a small fraction ofour land. A combination of solar with windand water energy would make a 100 %regenerative supply in Europe possible withinthe next decades. For the past 30 years, solarenergy has undergone a price reduction ofabout 20 % with every doubling of installedcapacity. It follows a typical learning curvethat is driven by research and development.

Solar cells are the most elegant devices

to produce energy because they have no

moving parts, need no maintenance, arequiet, and need no extra space if roofs are

used. The greatest success has been achieved

with crystalline silicon solar cells. Being the

second most abundant element in the earths

crust, silicon will be available for all times.

Among crystalline silicon solar cells, the best

price per kWh has been obtained by using

multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si), solidified

in a crucible. The efficiency of this cheaper

material is somewhat limited by crystal defects.

They can be made visible by etching the

silicon surface. Defect densities are obtained

using automatic analysis of light microscopic

images. The efficiency limiting impact of these

defects is measured e.g. by high-resolution

short circuit current topography, which is now

present at Karlstad University. Using this tool,

we can see that a part of these defects can be

rendered harmless by special process steps. In

addition, some defects exist in harmful and

harmless form. This raises the question: What

makes the defects harmful? We assume that

impurities like metals play a significant role.

Since a few years, some other measurement

techniques like synchrotron X-ray fluorescence

maturated to a quality that a direct detection

of some of these impurities has been possible

for the first time. Answering the above

question is an important step towards

furtherimprovement of these solar cells.

silicon solar cells

NAME: Mrks R

TITLE: Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 12 07

E-MAIL: mrksr@ks

SUBJECT: Pss

KEYWORDS: sr s,ptvt, mtrst s,fts, s

EXTERNAL PARTNERS: FrfriSe (grm), MiT (Bst,uSa), nTnu (Trm, nrw),uvrst Kstz (grm),uvrst Frbr (grm)



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Several new techniques for silicon waferproduction and solar cell processing haverecently come up. One idea presently attracts

a great interest from the industry. This is theproduction of almost monocrystalline ingotsilicon using monocrystalline seed crystals. Itis of the utmost importance to improve thismaterial using detailed defect analysis.

Since solar cells hae become more andmore structured (as in the microelectronicsindustry), high resolution analysis isincreasingly important to the improvementof the new solar cell processes. One partof the future research concept is thereforea focus on high-resolution topographicalcharacterisation techniques.

To brin todays improed solar modulesinto society, some research will focus onphotovoltaic systems. How should modules

look like if we want to use them as part ofthe roof instead of placing them on the roof?How can we manage to sell the electricity toa neighbour or someone else if we do notneed it at a certain time? Can we set up astandard for smart grids, where machines canuse the electricity exactly when there is anoverproduction? What are the most suitableenergy storage systems? Answering thesequestions will accelerate a world-wide marketwhich is growing fast now.


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ON 24 OCTOBER 2008 I defended mydoctoral thesis titled Visualizing technologyin education: A study of technology teachingin school. The thesis focuses on teachersapproaches to the subject technology insecondary education. I interviewed andobserved five teachers and analysed theteachers understanding of the concepttechnology and the subject technology,as well as their choices of technologicalcontent, teaching methods, and the kind ofcompetencies that the students were invitedto develop in the subject. The main resultsshow that the teachers interpretations of thenational curricula in combination with theirselection of content and teaching methodsaffect the students learning opportunities

in the subject. The result also shows thatsecondary education in technology lacksrelevance to reality.

In 2009, I launched the research projectLISA (Learning In Several Arenas) togetherwith an independent school corporate groupand four companies. From 2010, NinaKilbrink, Licentiate and doctoral studentin materials science education at KarlstadUniversity, is pursuing her thesis projectas part of LISA. The project correspondswith the ambition at Karlstad University tostrengthen its position as a modern universityby cooperating with regional actors, inthis case, actors in the cluster organisationSteel & Workshop. The purpose of LISAis to contribute knowledge of differentarenas importance to students learning of

technology in upper secondary education.

The focus is on the relationship betweentheory and practice and on the transfer ofknowledge between different arenas. We willfollow students, teachers, and supervisorson the energy and industry programmefor three years. Based on our experiences,established contacts and research results fromthe LISA-, we plan for a further study onthe various arenas contribution to learningopportunities, the so-called 2LISA-project(Transfer Of Learning In Several Arenas).In 2LISA, we plan to develop the studentperspective and relate it to the empirical datacollected for the LISA-project in

Technology educaTion

NAME: Vr Bjrf

TITLE: asst Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 23 38

E-MAIL: vrbjrf@ks

SUBJECT: T et

KEYWORDS: t t,tr prt, trsfr,r st

CO-RESEARCHERS: n Kbrk

TECHNOLOgY EDUCATIONPHYSICS AND ELECTRICAL ENgINEERINg


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conjunction with research colleagues inAustralia and the Netherlands.

I also work with the action research project2Connect! to contribute to increasinginterest in technology among students andteachers in primary and secondary education in Sweden and South Korea. A further aimis to contribute knowledge of how a concretereaching material, 4DFrame, can stimulatethe development of the abilities specifiedin the national curriculum for the subjecttechnology. A number of learning studies

will be carried out with a focus on howteaching can affect the students learningof the stability and solidity of materials

in their own designs. In further learningstudies I will, together with pre- and primaryschool educators, explore how the teachingof technology can be conducted to givechildren the opportunities to develop theskills and abilities specified in the nationalcurricula, Lpf98, revised in 2010 andLgr11 with a special emphasis on the task ofassembling a construction from a drawing.


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CHEMISTRY AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE


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My research has earlier focussed ondifferent immune chemical issues in thefield of experimental cancer treatment withtarget monoclonal antibodies and the use ofmonoclonal antibodies to monitor tumourprogression.

Our results from experimentalcancer treatment have shown that certainintracellular antigens, which remain inthe necrotic area as extracellular materialin tumour growth, can be used asmarkers to indicate tumours with radio-

immunolocalization. Moreover, we haveshown that these structures can be usedto limit tumour growth, so-called radio-immunotherapy.

My expertise in antibodytherapytechniques contributes to research in thefield of endocrine disruptors, pursued inconjunction with Eewa Nnberg, SusanneTornhamre and doctoral students.

Monoclonal anTibodies andcyToKeraTines Their usefulnessfor cancer TreaTMenT

NAME: Brtt Sstrm

TITLE: asst PrfssrPHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 24 72

E-MAIL: brttsstrm@ks

SUBJECT: Bm lbrtrS

KEYWORDS: mm trp,t-krt 8 tbs

CO-RESEARCHERS: ew nbr,Ss Trmr, o oss,

Fp R

CHEMISTRY AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE BIOMEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE


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CHEMISTRY AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE

In our liin enironment today we areexposed to a great number of new chemicals,substances introduced for the past 60years in connection with the developmentof new materials in consumer goods andconstruction materials etc. A number ofthese chemicals are suspected or proven toaffect and disrupt our endocrine system: theso-called endocrine disrupting chemicals(EDCs). EDCs are taken up and metabolisedin the body into often more biologicallyactive substances. Analyses of foetus fluidand umbilical cord blood have also shown

that they are transferred from a pregnantwoman to the foetus. Examples of EDCsare plasticizers in plastic, the so-calledphthalates, bisphenol A in hard plastic,perfluorinated substances in impregnatedtextile fabric and 4-nonylphenol indetergents and paint. Epidemiological studieshave identified a correlation between earlyexposure to phthalates and aberrant effectson reproduction organs in males, incidenceof asthma and allergies and autism-relatedconditions, ASD, in children.

There is a reat need of identifyingand understanding at molecular levelthe mechanisms that EDCs interact withthrough so-called mode-of-action studies(MoA), and to establish relevant systemswith regard to biological mechanisms for

screening as a basis for risk assessment.

biological effecTs of endocrinedisruPTing cheMicals in huMancell Models

NAME: ew nbr

TITLE: Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 18 84

E-MAIL: wbr@ks

SUBJECT: Bm S

KEYWORDS: r-srpt

ms, ptts, stm,tsm, aSd

EXTERNAL PARTNERS:Pb htS, Krst uvrst: Prf cr-gstfBr epm sts f edcxpsr r ss r (dBh,SelMa) Prm, os uvrst:Prf R e Ps effts f edcs r mtrt vtr mms ist fr Pb ht, os: Prf RBr exprmt sts f edcs mms vtr hb K lb, hznrm uvrst, W, c: Prf y XPtt-ffts m ms fr stm aSd Sws cms a: ass Prfl lstbm, evrmt m xpsr rsk

CO-RESEARCHERS: o oss,Pd stt, Fp R, Pdstt, Brtt Sstrm, assPrf, Ss Trmr, assPrf, a erss, Sr ltrr


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By using human cell systems we can avoidproblems, for instance, with expression ofhormone receptors and gene regulation not

being identical in different animal speciesand humans.

We establish and analyse cell modelsrelevant to the development of allergicasthma such as bronchial epitheliumand immune cells. We study the effectsof phthalates on cell division, apoptosis,maturation, the production of cytokinesand chemokines, with a bearing on theactivation of allergic as well as inflammatoryresponses, and with an emphasis on theeffect of phthalates on epithelial cells andtheir functional interaction with eosinophilsand dendritic cells in a stage of early allergicinflammation.

We also ealuate systems with cultivatedhuman nerve cells and study how acute orlong-term exposure to phthalates affects

maturation, morphology and metabolicactivity. Especially neurite formation andmorphological effects linked to synapseformation and function are studied.Aberrant synaps development and functionis one suspected mechanism in theautistic brain. Microscopic techniques andimmunochemical analyses for the study ofmorphological structures, mitochondrialmetabolism and gene expression areparameters analysed.

This project will contribute to increasingknowledge of the cellular mechanisms thathormone-disrupting chemicals affect, andhow these can be risk factors for chronicillness in children


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Research in physical chemistryhas thecharacter of basic research with applicationrelevance. The research group in physicalchemistry collaborates with the researchareas materials science and forest industrialrenewal. Our focus is on understandinginteraction in solution and the effects of thisinteraction on the chemical and physicalproperties of the solutions. Special attentionis given to solutions under concentrationgradient in order to study the morphologicaland dynamic effects of drying processes.

The systems studied are binaryor ternary; one or two polymers and acomponent with colloidal dimensions,where we study water-based systems as well

as systems with organic solvents. The grouphas developed methods for studying thedynamics of colloidal particles in situ withfluorescence microscopy, a project led byGunilla Carlsson, and methods for studyingdeposition processes with the help of sphere-on-flat methodology and dip coating, ledby Rafal Rogowski. The systems studied arerelevant to photovoltaic systems based onorganic components as well as to the VIPPGraduate Research School in the area of filmformation.

coMPleX fluids

NAME: J v Stm

TITLE: Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 24 79

E-MAIL: jvstm@ks

SUBJECT: Ps cmstr

KEYWORDS: trt st,fft f trt rt,uorescence microscopy, dip coating

EXTERNAL PARTNERS:isttt fSrf cmstr, vrsts c, it Bm

CO-RESEARCHERS:g crss, sr trr ,Rf Rwsk, pst-tr fw,h hkmp, Pd

stt, Mk ars, r

CHEMISTRY AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY


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We know today that there is a clear linkbetween cancer, chronic infections andinflammation. Several autoimmune diseasesare associated with cancer in organs withchronic inflammation: bacteria Helicobacterpylori are associated with gastric cancer andhepatitis B and C with liver cancer. Less isknown about how the inflammatory processleads to cancer and how to treat thesenegative infections without affecting thenormal immune responses that are needed tokeep the individual healthy.

A better understandin of theinflammatory process, the impact on andinteraction with tumour cells, is mostlikely to be of great help in the prevention,diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cancer.

The inammatory process is a very

complex process where many cellular and

molecular signalling pathways interact and

affect tumour cell growth, metastasis, vascular

invasion evident, and so on. Infiltration of

macrophages is common in tumours of colon

cancer as well as many other forms of cancer.

Macrophages can be of either M1 phenotype

(classic activation/ pro-inflammatory

properties) or M2 phenotype (alternative

activation/ anti-inflammatory properties).

We have preliminary results showing that a

product released from macrophages of the

M1 phenotype, but not M2 phenotype,

affects colon cancer cells, as well as other

types of cancer cells, by reducing there

proliferation. Studies aim at identifying

the substances released from macrophages

that are responsible for this reduction in

proliferation.

inflaMMaTory cells andinflaMMaTory MechanisMs inTuMor Progression

NAME: J Wjkr

TITLE: asst Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 16 57

MOBIL: +46 (0) 709-54 71 97

E-MAIL: jwjkr@ks

SUBJECT: M

KEYWORDS:cancer, inammation mrps

EXTERNAL PARTNERS:Prf dk dbr rbr uvrst

CO-RESEARCHERS:a erss, axr estrm

CHEMISTRY AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE MEDICINE


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- comparisons of the use ofpharmaceutical products in differentdemographic groups (so-called. small areavariations), amongst others in Vrmlandand adjacent areas, based on register studies

-mappin of the proportion of blood-pressure patients who reach the bloodpressure goal with some degree of medication(clinical pilot study)

- observation study of inappropriate medi-

cation to elderly patients in a medicine clinic

-mappin, based on ender and age,of the number of people in the Vrmlandmunicipalities who have collected prescribed

medication for cardiovascular disease andnervous system disease respectively indifferent years

PHARMACY

PharMaceuTical ePideMiology

NAME: Mr Bft nrqvst

TITLE: asst Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 20 62

E-MAIL: mrbft@ks

SUBJECT: Prm

KEYWORDS:s f prmtprts

EXTERNAL PARTNERS:lV

CO-RESEARCHERS:Prf J lrs g nss,Prf c-g Br,dr lrs Mttss



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The complex interrelationship amon

science, technology and society has been noticed

during the past decades. Science and technol-

ogy fulfil the need created by society, but the

invention of science and technology might cause

problems in society in a long round. Issues that

emerge from the interaction of science, technol-

ogy and society have been termed socioscientific

issues (SSIs), which are multidisciplinary issues

connecting many different disciplines like biol-

ogy (i.e. cloning and genetic engineering), chem-

istry (i.e. dioxins), medicine (i.e. gene therapy),

physics (i.e. nuclear power), technology (i.e.

renewable energy) and environmental science(i.e. global warming) with the impact on society.

Nowadays, SSIs are discussed through a lens

extending from a local to global scale. Global

issues exist without any geographical boundaries.

My research interest is to investigate peoples

informal argumentation on different SSIs with

a focus of cross-disciplinary and multi-cultural

perspectives. Furthermore, through the studies

of teaching and learning of SSIs, promoting

learners learning interests toward science and

technology is expected in my research.

In addition to SSI-research, science com-

munication is also of interest for me. How to

improve the publics understanding of science

and technology and their close interrelation-

ship of environment and society through me-

dia is important for science educators to put

effort. Enhancing scientific literacy for all isthe target in line with this research direction.

SCIENCE EDUCATION

educaTional research in science,enVironMenT and socieTy (erses):cross-disciPlinary science educaTion

NAME: S-n c Rr

TITLE: Prfssr

PHONE:+46(0) 54-700 19 90

E-MAIL: s--rr@ks

SUBJECT: S et

KEYWORDS:s vr-mt t, tr t,scientic literacy for pre-school andF-12, pb rst f s t, s mmt

EXTERNAL PARTNERS:SMeeR, cSS,Ftd, VR eu

CO-RESEARCHERS:InternatIonal:

EU project, PROFILES, 22 partnersfrm 20 trs erp Prof. Chun-Yen Chang and Prof.Tz-c c t nt Twnrm uvrst Prof. Yau-Yuen Yeung at Hong Kongisttt f etnatIonal: Dr. Carl-Johan Rundgren(Stkm uvrst) Prof. Lars Nyberg, Dr. Michal

drsr dr nks grk (Ku)



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The number of asthma cases hasincreased in the past fifty years. Around25-30% of the population in the westernworld are estimated to suffer from allergyrelated symptoms such as asthma, eczema,and rhinitis. There is a genetic connectionin asthma and allergy, which means thatindividuals are more or less disposed for thedisease, but the varying genotype cannotaccount for the strong increase of the past50-60 years. Epidemiological studies haveshown that there is a correlation betweenexposure to phthalates in the foetal stage andearly childhood and asthma. Phthalates areused as plasticizers in plastic and belong to a

group of substances called EDC (endocrinedisrupting chemicals). These substances aredefined on the basis of their interactionwith the endocrine regulation. For the pastfifty years, exposure to EDCs has increaseddramatically and has been linked to malereproductive dysfunction and inflammatoryillness and allergy, such as asthma, inchildren. Many EDCs are present more orless everywhere in our environment, forinstance in construction materials, foodpackaging and hygiene products. This meansthat we are exposed to these substances fromthe womb to the grave.

At the cellular leel we study the effectof substances that in epidemiologicalstudies have been shown to correlate withasthma and other inflammatory diseases to

show a causal relationship and

edcs and inflaMMaTorycellular MechanisMs

NAME: Ss Trmr

TITLE: asst Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 21 08

E-MAIL: sstrmr@ks

SUBJECT: Bmsk vtskp

KEYWORDS:inammation, asthma,

edcs ktrs, m s,prmts

EXTERNAL PARTNERS: Txprmt sts tk p jt wt tw mjrpm sts Vrm(dBh SelMa), rr t pb t s t Krstuvrst (prfssr c-g Br) sst wt t Vrm

ct c Ts stsfs t rrt btwt ffts xpsr mt edcs (er srptsbsts) t ft st r rs

CO-RESEARCHERS:Prf ewnbr, asst Prf BrttSstrm, dr a erss Ma,o oss (Pd stt)

BIOMEDICAL SCIENCECHEMISTRY AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE


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increase the knowledge of the mechanisms ofEDCs action on cellular functions relevantto inflammatory response. The focus is on

children and the emergence of asthma.

The department has access to a newlybuilt cell laboratory where we cultivatedifferent airway epithelial and myeloidcells involved in inflammation. In thesemodel systems we study the exposure ofselected EDCs on different target moleculeexpressions, intracellular communication andcell-to-cell signalling.

Arachidonic acid metabolites, suchas leukotrienes, are a group of substancesinvolved in inflammation and asthma witha forceful effect on a number of differenttissues. Cysteinyl leukotrienes cause

contraction of bronchial tubes, secretionof phlegm and oedema. Apart from this,cysteinyl leukotrienes also seem to stimulate

cell division and prevent apoptosis. Thegrowth stimulating effects of leukotrienescould be of importance in diseases wherean increased number of cells is typical. It istherefore interesting that we have found thatpatients with chronic myeloid leukemia havea clearly increased expression of leukotrieneC4synthase; the speed regulating enzymein the formation of cysteinyl leukotrienes.By studying leukotriene C4 synthaseregulation, the causes and effects of increasedleukotriene formation can give us importantinformation and knowledge that can beapplied in the understanding of blood cellformation and leukotriene formation inasthma and inflammation.


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The project aims to reach a better under-

standing of how microorganisms use chlorate

instead of oxygen in their cell respiration.

This process is of great importance to the

purification of wastewater from the bleaching

of pulp in the forest industry. Through an

understanding of the basic mechanisms

we want to provide a better basis for the

development, dimensioning and maintenance

of purification plants for bleaching waste-

water. In cell respiration with chlorate,

electrons are added to the chlorate, which

then form chlorite. The chlorite dissolves into

chlorid ion and molecular oxygen, which,

when further electrons are applied, transform

into water. Previously we have purified andcharacterised the enzymes catalysing the

reactions involved, and cloned and sequenced

the genes. We have now started to map the

mechanism for delivering electrons to chlorate

and oxygen and a c-cytochrome, purified and

characterised, has turned out to play a key role

in the process. We have also started studying

the regulation of the genes active in the cell

respiration with chlorate and demonstrated

that the effect of oxygen supply observed to a

great extent depend on the regulation of gene

expression at transcription level.

Specic goals are

to determine the molecular foundationfor adding electrons to chlorate and oxygenin cell respiration with chlorate in chloratereducing bacteria, amongst others, ideonella

dechloratans,

to determine how the regulation ofthe genes active in cell respiration withchlorate takes place. Knowledge of howcell respiration with chlorate can take placein good supply of oxygen is an importantobjective since modern purification plantsoften operate in such conditions. A long-term goal is to identify or generate bacteriafamilies where the genes for chloraterespiration is expressed at a high levelirrespective of the oxygen supply.

Microbial breaKdownof oXochloraTes

NAME: Tms nss

TITLE: Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 17 76E-MAIL: tmsss@ks

SUBJECT: cmstr

KEYWORDS:rx b,chlorate, respiration, water purication

CO-RESEARCHERS:dr Mr Rv(sr trr), dr a SmjBk (pst-tr fw),Mrm hbr Ma (Pd stt)

CHEMISTRYCHEMISTRY AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE


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FSSg is an internationallycompetitiveresearch group at the chemistry department,Karlstad University. Our goal is to build aplatform for separation science at KarlstadUniversity in close cooperation with industry.See our Homepage: separationscience.se

We work primarily on basic andtheoretically advanced research forbetter understanding and optimal use ofchromatographic purification methods forpharmaceutical products and other valuablechemical substances of importance in areassuch analysis, biochemistry/biotechnology,pharmaceuticals and organic chemistry. For

this purpose we use advanced theory-basedcomputer simulations for characterising,validating and optimizing analytical andpreparatory separation methods.

Today our research roup consists ofresearchers with different backgrounds:mathematicians, chemists, engineers andpharmacists. Our research profile has twofocus areas:

1) Fundamental understandin andcharacterization

Here we focus on deeper insightsconcerning the thermodynamics and kineticsof separation systems or biosensor arrays. Abig effort is made to develop new methodsfor determination of adsorption and

interaction data and kinetic data.

The fundaMenTal seParaTionscience grouP

NAME: Tr Frstt

TITLE: Prfssr

PHONE:+46 (0) 54-700 19 60

MOBIL: +46 (0) 76-774 31 58

E-MAIL: trfrstt@ks

SUBJECT: Sprtsvtskp

KEYWORDS:prmts,biotechnology, purication, computersmt, mr ss, q/-super critical uid chromatography,prprtv rmtrp, prssrmtrp

EXTERNAL PARTNERS:KK hg2011: eKa cms Bs,cmbrx Krsk aB Sw,

astrZ R&d M

CO-RESEARCHERS:dr Jr Sm

kau fak2 eng forskningskatalog a5 webb pdf 14949

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