Press releases

The durability of materials, components or constructions is sometimes reduced greatly due to complex load conditions. These effects must be taken into consideration, particularly for safety components. Furthermore, products have to be produced in an easy, cost-effective, efficient manner – diametrically opposed challenges. At the International Symposium on Structural Durability in Darmstadt, Germany, on May 17-18, 2017, experts will discuss complex load situations and how they can be assessed realistically. For more information, see www.sosdid.de

Diesel engines vibrate. This produces tremendous stress on the components of ships. Adaptronic systems effectively reduce these vibrations. At the maritime trade fair SMM, Fraunhofer researchers are presenting a simulation tool that allows these systems to be developed efficiently: The “Mechanical Simulation Toolbox“ is now available on the market and easy to use.

Zero plastics to landfill increases the need to mechanical recycling of plastics. This also applies to flame retardant plastics which are increasingly formulated with halogen-free flame retardants. The use of flame retardants can prevent the fire spreading or slow its development. According to EU regulations, plastic waste recycling is to increase in quality, and recycling rates should continue to rise: the EU target for 2020 is 70 percent. So it is all the more important for economically viable recycling to conduct the necessary basic studies in good time. The Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF has therefore launched a new research project on the recycling of halogen-free flame retardant plastics. For the first time, the project will provide answers to the recyclability of halogen-free flame retardant plastics. Small and medium-sized companies in particular should be able to reduce costs in this highly market-relevant area and produce enhanced quality products with high safety standards.

When plastics are developed, it’s okay to “go a bit over the edge”. Because to be able to make reliable statements on the application options for new polymers, excipients, and additives, it is important to be able to process them into components and test specimens, as well as characterize and test them under realistic conditions. However, this requires them to be available in sufficient quantities. For this reason, the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF, based on many years of experience in polymer research, has set up a new kilogram lab that enables laboratory syntheses to be upscaled to kilograms. In reactors and autoclaves with a volume of up to 20 liters, the scientists are capable of carrying out polymerizations and organic syntheses under different conditions. The products obtained can then be examined practically.

When polymers are used in new areas of application or different materials are combined in an innovative way, it is the interfaces and their design that really matter. Block copolymers have proven to be a very versatile tool for this purpose and they are currently being developed by the Plastics Division of the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF. With the appropriate design, the block copolymers adsorb in the interface, thereby improving the property profile of the multiphase polymer systems. The Institute matches the blocks of the copolymers to the materials that need to be combined and designs customized solutions for a variety of different polymers. These include, for example, polyolefins or polycondensates in which the synthesis of block copolymers is very demanding. It is also possible to integrate suitable functional anchor groups in the compatibilizer for attaching polymers to surfaces of different classes of materials, such as inorganic and organic fillers and fibers, as well as glass, ceramic or metal surfaces. With block copolymers as adhesion and phase compatibilizers, the Fraunhofer LBF can improve the mechanical, physical or optical properties of various materials. For example, the Institute is currently optimizing thermoplastic elastomers, impact modification of brittle polymers, and also adhesion between polymers and materials of other classes.

In 2012, the share of diesel engines in the private car market reached a record high. For the first time, more cars with compression-ignition engines than gasoline-powered cars were sold. However, this means an enormous increase in nitrogen oxide emissions, which is bad for the environment. With the new HIPER Act piezo pump for injection of AdBlue, scientists of the Fraunhofer Adaptronics Alliance have found a new way to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. This innovative technology was presented at this year’s Hanover Fair in April.