Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS“We help close the gap between laboratory and production”
What were the special events in 2024 for you as Head of the “Polymer Applications” business division?
I remember the first meeting with our new Industry and Science Advisory Board as very positive - also because we received a lot of confirmation for the business division's new overall strategy in this constructive exchange. One highlight at project level was the nomination as a finalist for the JEC Innovation Award 2025 in the “Automotive & Road Transportation - Process” category, and I am also very excited about the results of the “ThermoBladeSpine” and “NaMoKau” projects launched in 2024 as part of Fraunhofer's internal funding programs. We were able to increase our networking with industry partners and our scientific visibility through several events. Polymertec, which was once again very successful, is a good example of our close cooperation with Merseburg University of Applied Sciences. A joint application workshop in Schkopau with measuring equipment manufacturer Alpha Technologies demonstrated our capabilities in rheological measurements for rubber applications. And the third edition of our Fiber Composite Sandwich Conference once again underlined the high potential of sandwich materials in industrial applications with renowned experts from the industry.
What advantages does cooperation with your business area offer industrial customers? Which sectors do you address in particular?
We offer a wide range of solutions for the use of high-performance, customized and sustainable polymer and rubber materials. This ranges from the development of new materials and simulation and process solutions to the implementation of efficient manufacturing processes on a pilot scale. Our customers benefit from our understanding of technology, in particular material design and the relationship between microstructure, properties and process, combined with unique technical equipment. In this way, we support our clients in closing the gap between laboratory and production. We offer state-of-the-art and flexible system technology for scale-up in hybrid injection molding, thermoforming and compounding - to get as close as possible to series production.
Efforts for recycling solutions, the circular economy and the use of bioplastics will continue to shape the industry in 2024. What contributions can you make here with your business area?
Our business division generally focuses on solutions for sustainable plastics technology. Examples include innovative lightweight construction concepts in thermoplastic sandwich constructions with recyclable materials, the diverse application possibilities of bio-based polyamide or rubber solutions that reduce tire abrasion and thus microplastic pollution. In 2024, for example, we worked on the material use of waste streams containing plastic in the Fraunhofer lighthouse project “Waste4Future”. We were able to implement pilot-scale testing of various recycling paths. Such solutions are important in order to meet the requirements of the EU regulation on the recycling of vehicles and other technical components in the future and to be able to completely avoid the incineration of recyclable materials containing plastics in the long term. In the “RUBIO” project, we have contributed our expertise in sorting, identifying and processing plastic packaging containing polybutylene succinate (PBS).
What are you looking forward to in the new year and what will be a particular challenge in 2025?
I'm really looking forward to being able to present our innovations at the K trade fair and JEC World. One challenge will be the framework conditions for public funding, such as falling approval rates, shrinking budgets and also the question of what priorities the new federal government will set and when corresponding measures can actually start after the election. We need such funding programs in order to be able to develop viable solutions for the industry in advance.