2013 CNRS Innovation Medal laureate: Ludwik Leibler

Ludwik Leibler is the director of the Soft Matter and Chemistry laboratory and associate professor at ESPCI ParisTech. A theoretical physicist by training, he developed fundamental work in the field of polymer physics and chemistry. As a laureate of the 2013 CNRS innovation medal, he takes a look back on his research. Ludwik Leibler is known worldwide for his essential contributions in the field of nano-structuring and dynamic polymers. He drew inspiration from his fundamental scientific activity to invent completely original materials with exceptional mechanical properties such as self-healing elastomers capable, after a total cut, of fully recovering their initial mechanical integrity by a simple re-contacting of the cut surfaces. Another recent discovery is a new class of organic materials, vitrimers. Repairable and recyclable, they can be reshaped reversibly and at will, while remaining insoluble, light and resistant. Ludwik Leibler filed 47 patents.