Polyurethane with Shape Memory: From Foil to Foam

Isocyanate-free foaming increases occupational safety

24-Feb-2025 - Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP have developed a foil that changes into polyurethane foam (PU foam) when heated – entirely without health risks. The foil allows for isocyanate-free foaming, thus improving workplace safety. Additionally, it offers logistics ...

Quantitative molecular characterization of polyolefin recyclates

13-Aug-2024 - Polyolefin waste is largely only recycled thermally. Material downcycling dominates here. From an economic and legislative point of view, more upcycling, i.e. the use in product categories of equal or higher value, is urgently required. However, information on the molecular structure of ...

Innovative plastic film material made from PLA bioplastic

Researchers receive the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2024

14-Jun-2024 - Flexible, disposable plastic films used in shopping or garbage bags are made mainly from petroleum-based low-density polyethylene (LDPE). These films, however, come with a large carbon footprint and contribute to environmental pollution. A team from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer ...

Feathers replace petroleum

Adhesives from feathers: The project addresses a billion-dollar market

06-Mar-2024 - Adhesives are almost always based on fossil raw materials such as petroleum. Researchers at Fraunhofer have recently developed a process that allows to utilize keratin for this purpose. This highly versatile protein compound can be found, for instance, in chicken feathers. Not only can it be used ...

Inspired by the gecko: Better adhesion properties of plastics through combined micro- and nanostructures

Structured surface improves adhesion, wettability, optical reflection, hydrophobicity and recyclability.

27-Feb-2024 - With a patented process for micro-nano-structuring, the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS in Halle (Saale) has achieved significant improvements in the adhesion properties of polymers. The process, in which structured surfaces are produced by hot imprinting or ...

Non-toxic plasticisers for use in elastomers and thermoplastics

Bio-based plasticizers from Central Germany

08-Dec-2023 - The Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS is working with partners to develop a marketable, completely bio-based and non-toxic plasticizer for use in elastomers and thermoplastics. Using rapeseed oil as a starting product, more sustainable solutions for tires and ...

Novel anion-conducting membranes for electrolysis

Cost-effective and environmentally friendly

24-Jul-2023 - How to produce hydrogen cost-effectively and sustainably is one of the central questions of the energy transition. Highly conductive membranes for electrolyzers are a key component of hydrogen technology. A research team at Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, together with ...

Bacteria fed on a customized diet produce biodegradable polymers for alternative packaging in the cosmetics industry

Replacing harmful solvents with pressure change technology

06-Oct-2020 - Germany generates around 38 kilograms of plastic waste per capita each year. In a joint project with the University of Stuttgart and LCS Life Cycle Simulation, researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB and the Fraunhofer Institute for Process ...

3D-printed optics for individualized mass production

16-Oct-2019 - Individually manufactured and still suitable for mass production? Within the framework of the Fraunhofer "Go Beyond 4.0" project, this apparent contradiction is to be eliminated. In the field of illumination optics, the two Fraunhofer Institutes for Silicate Research ISC and for Optics and ...

Directly-cooled electric motor made from polymer materials

Novel cooling concept for eco-friendly mobility

04-Feb-2019 - The two key components of an electric drive train are the electric motor and the battery. And there are three issues that play a particularly important role when it comes to using an electric motor for eco-friendly mobility: high power density, a compact configuration that fits snugly within the ...