Projects

Im Rahmen des Fraunhofer-Leitprojekt SUBI2MA beschäftigt sich das Fraunhofer LBF mit der Funktionalisierung von Polyethylenterephthalt (PET) durch Additivierung. Die eingesetzten Additive sollen dabei den hydrolytischen Abbau der Polymerkette beschleunigen und so einen Bioabbau von PET ermöglichen. Ungewollt freigesetzte PET-Fasern sollen so biologisch abgebaut werden und verbleiben nicht in der Umwelt. Begleitet wird diese Entwicklung durch verschiedene chemische und chromatografische Analysemethoden welche Auskunft über die konkreten Degradationsmechanismen der Polymerketten geben.

A technology platform is being developed to generate realistic rubber abrasion, the analysis of which will be used for material and tire development and for forecasting in digitized driving analysis. This requires the development of a parametric friction surface and the generation of real reference particles. The degradation of the generated realistic abrasion particles is being investigated using new laboratory weathering techniques and chemical analyses. The results are used for ecotoxicological assessments and are also incorporated into vehicle fleet simulations.

A drainage channel that automatically detects its degree of contamination and independently reports a need for maintenance helps save maintenance costs while reliably maintaining protection against flooding.

The experimental characterization of cyclic material and component behavior is energy-, time- and cost-intensive. A paradigm shift is sometimes necessary to meet future market requirements. In the context of secondary aluminum, it becomes clear how important an alternative approach to the verification of cyclic properties is, as the conventional approaches are beyond the time frame.

Wide-ranging stabilizer research in preparation for a spin-off: Customized stabilizer additives that significantly enhance the performance of recycled materials as well as contact-sensitive applications such as medical devices. Based on state-of-the-art material technologies, conventional components are combined with bio-based ones, enabling a new generation of sustainable plastic solutions. The new bio-based additives meet regulatory requirements and deliver top performance.

The FutureCarProduction lead project focuses on the mobility lead market and develops solutions for sustainable and innovative car body concepts that go far beyond the current trend of giga-casting. Eight Fraunhofer Institutes are investigating the question of how production concepts for car bodies with state-of-the-art joining and casting technologies can be evaluated in terms of their effects on sustainability and recyclability in order to conserve resources and increase efficiency and performance. In the project, Fraunhofer LBF is answering the question of how the reliability and safety of modern car body structures can be assessed and verified.

Turning a paper-industry by-product into safer plastics: Fraunhofer LBF is developing bio-based flame retardants from lignin - combining fire safety with more sustainable materials. Discover the research behind the innovation.

Within the MultiCycCon project, Fraunhofer LBF and the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) investigate how repeated recycling affects the environmental stress cracking resistance (ESCR) of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The project generates the scientific basis required for the reliable use of recycled HDPE in transport and hazardous goods containers.

As part of the “InnFla” joint research project, we developed together with our project partners, innovative, formaldehyde-free flame-retardant coatings. These coatings are available in both transparent and colored versions and are based on renewable raw materials. This approach expands design possibilities for wood-based interior construction while meeting the highest standards for health protection, environmental sustainability, and fire safety. These requirements are particularly important in applications such as schools, theaters, airports, and exhibition facilities, where compliance with these regulations is essential.