This research area brings an original and unique expertise in the field of structure/morphology/ properties relationships with a main focus on mechanical, electrical and transport properties. It is based on a well defined and controlled transdisciplinary approach which allows going from the investigation of the fundamental mechanisms governing the targeted property to the study of the (multi)functional materials in their working situation. For each property concerned with this research area, our approach is also supported by the development of new and prospective concepts, methodologies and tools.

In addition to our work centred on the control of the macromolecular architecture for tailored functional properties, considering both thermoplastic and crosslinked polymers, we have also developed original routes allowing controlling and taking benefit of the structuration on different scales in multiphase materials. In this framework, we have investigated new ways to combine polymers (thermoplastic and/or crosslinked polymers), polymers and (nano)fillers or polymers and organic salts or block copolymers. In these multiphase system approaches, a particular attention is always paid to the control of the filler/matrix interface and related properties.
The major results obtained these two last years are presented hereafter for each of the three axes of the pole which are defined as a function of the specific properties we are investigated : mechanical reinforcement (axis 1), electrical/dielectric properties (axis 2) and transport of small molecules (axis 3), respectively.