Klaus Rätzke

Dr. habil. Klaus Rätzke is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Kiel's Department of Multicomponent Materials. His career includes a PhD in Physics from the University of Göttingen (1993), postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge (1996), and habilitation in 2002. He became an extraordinary professor in 2009. His research focuses on metallic glasses, diffusion in alloys, thin film technologies, and nanocomposites, often collaborating with institutions like the Chair for Functional Nanotechnology. Key achievements include developing strain-invariant conductors using all-organic frameworks and studying free volume dynamics in polymers and bulk metallic glasses using positron annihilation spectroscopy. His work bridges materials science and applied physics, with over 50 publications in high-impact journals. He is also involved in teaching and organizational roles at the university.

Education:

• PhD in Physics, University of Göttingen (1990–1993)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Cambridge (1994–1996)
• Habilitation, University of Kiel (2002)

Research Interests:

Rätzke’s work emphasizes understanding structural and dynamic properties of amorphous materials, including metallic glasses, polymers, and nanocomposites. He investigates diffusion mechanisms, free volume evolution, and mechanical/thermal behavior under extreme conditions. Recent projects explore novel soft conductors with superelastic properties and gas-permeable membranes for industrial applications.

Awards: None explicitly stated in provided texts.

Grants & Advising: Advises PhD students in materials science and has secured grants for studies on bulk metallic glasses and polymer electrolytes. Active in collaborative projects with industry and academic partners.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Multicomponent Materials group at Kiel, focusing on interdisciplinary materials innovation.