Message from the Director, Prof Walter Focke

We at the Institute of Applied Materials are a small but vibrant group of scientists and engineers at the University of Pretoria.

Our mission is to train the future leaders of the materials industries through world class materials research and product development exercises. 

Together with our postgraduate students we address research questions in carbon and graphite materials, pyrotechnics, polymers such as polyolefins and fluoropolymers as well as the additives that enhance certain polymer properties. This includes the use of nanostructured graphites and nanoclays for improved flame retardancy, thermal stability and controlled release applications.

We hope that you will find our website interesting and stimulating and that in future we may be of service to you.