Florian Lehmann is conducting research at KIST in South Korea

Florian Lehmann, a doctoral student in the RTG GRK 2868 D³ – Data-Driven Design of Resilient Metamaterials, completed a research stay from March through the end of May 2026 at the Jeonbuk Institute of Advanced Composite Materials of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) in South Korea. The stay, made possible by the Research Training Group funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), offered him a unique opportunity for international scientific exchange. The focus was on continuing his work in subproject F2, “Graded Functionalization of PBF-LB/M-Printed Metal Structures.”

Florian Lehmann investigated various laser-structured surface topographies on additively manufactured metal structures to determine their influence on the adhesion of a functional polymer and to optimize it in a targeted manner. To characterize the surfaces, he used, among other methods, scanning electron microscopy and reflected light microscopy. In addition, he conducted spatially resolved micro-X-ray analyses to reveal deeper structural features.

At the invitation of Dr. Ji-Young Hwang from our partner KCarbon (Korea Carbon Industry Promotion Agency), Florian Lehmann also visited the Jeonju Carbon Materials Specialty Complex. During a tour of the facilities, he gained insights into the research and development work being conducted there on fiber-reinforced plastic components. The scope of this work ranged from processing technologies and component manufacturing to the recycling of carbon fibers and the development of sustainable biocomposites.

Even outside the lab, Florian Lehmann took the opportunity to get to know South Korea.
He visited Seoul and Jeonju several times, went on numerous hikes, and devoted himself extensively to photography during his city trips. In addition, he gained a wide range of impressions of Korean cuisine—including its often pleasantly spicy dishes.

Florian Lehmann would like to express his special thanks to Dr. Yun Jeon Hwang, his primary contact at KIST, for his guidance and support during his stay, as well as to Siwon You and Dr. Park for their assistance with the measurements.
He also extends his thanks to his advisor, Prof. Maik Gude, and Dr. Sebastian Spitzer from the Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK), who made this research visit possible.