Magazine

PROJECT “BioRUHM”: REACTIVE URETHANE-FREE HOTMELT ADHESIVE | Reactive hot-melt adhesives (RHM) based on isocyanate are increasingly being used due to their exceptional properties, from packaging to automotive construction and technical textiles. However, the composition of these urethane-based adhesives also involves risks, e.g. the release of hazardous isocyanate. In the “BioRUHM” project, Fraunhofer IFAM is working with project partners to develop a urethane-free concept.

ELECTROCHEMICAL RECOVERY OF CRITICAL RAW MATERIALS FROM WASTEWATER | The efficient recovery of critical raw materials from batteries and production waste is a major challenge for the modern battery industry. In the MeGaBat project, we are developing a sustainable, cost-effective, and low-emission technology for the electrochemical recovery of lithium, cobalt, and other critical raw materials from aqueous sources (wastewater) to solid production waste. Our goal: to establish a flexible, scalable process that advances the circular economy in the battery industry and contributes new concepts for the further development of urban mining.

SUSTAINABLE PREPARATION OF POLYMERS FOR METALLIZATION | The metallization of polymer surfaces is indispensable in numerous industries today – from the automotive industry to consumer electronics to medical technology. The preconditioning of these surfaces is currently based on wet chemical processes that primarily use toxic chemicals. There is therefore an urgent need to develop and implement alternative, sustainable processes. The “LaStrADA” research project takes the preconditioning of polymers prior to metallization to a new level – dry, environmentally friendly, and inline-capable.

PLASMAPROTECT: LONG-TERM STABILITY OF POLYMER ADHESIVE BONDS | Environmentally friendly, inline-compatible thin plasma polymer coatings prevent harmful additive migration between polymers and adhesives. This significantly extends the long-term stability of adhesive bonds.

Sealants are indispensable in aircraft construction and other areas of the transport sector. They protect against corrosion, serve as a joining technology, and contribute to improving aerodynamic properties. Reliable curing of the sealants is crucial for the quality and safety of the finished components. Until now, however, this has only been tested on a random basis using standardized laboratory procedures – there is no direct, process-accompanying quality control.

EFFICIENCY IN DISTRICT HEATING NETWORKS: ANALYZING CRITERIA AND POTENTIALS | The heat supply and thus also district heating in Germany must be climate-neutral by 2045 at the latest in order to achieve the climate targets to which Germany has committed itself by ratifying the Paris Climate Agreement. Fraunhofer IFAM is therefore working on the project “Definition and potential of efficiency in district heating networks (WäNEff)” to examine the future viability of efficiency criteria for district heating. The existing criteria and the integration of them into the regulatory law and / or the funding framework is examined and recommendations for the development of them are derived.

FRAUNHOFER PROJEcT "HANNAe" AIMS AT CO2 REDUCTION IN ROAD FREIGHT TRANSPORT | Commercial vehicles are responsible for a total of 8% of CO2 emissions worldwide, or just under 50% in road traffic. Studies show a reduction potential of over 40 million t CO2 in Germany through the electrification of trucks. As part of the "HANNAe" project, eleven Fraunhofer institutes are researching the development of highly efficient powertrains for commercial vehicles in order to make a significant contribution to the decarbonization of road freight transport through the electrification of medium and heavy commercial vehicles. Fraunhofer IFAM is coordinating the project and is currently developing electric drive trains for commercial vehicles using new materials and innovative manufacturing processes. The main objective is to reduce CO2 emissions and TCO by increasing the efficiency of e-motors.

QUALITY ASSURANCE USING INNOVATIVE ANALYSIS METHODS | In industrial manufacturing, quality assurance plays a crucial role in wet chemical processes. A fast and precise analysis method is essential to ensure the efficiency and longevity of the products. Simultaneous multi-element analysis using laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIBS) and impedance spectroscopy offer new possibilities for monitoring metal pretreatment baths, especially in non-electrolytic copper deposition.

ACCREDITED OFFSHORE TESTING NETWORK DRIVING RENEWABLE ENERGY UPTAKE AT SEA | Offshore Proof aims to establish a network of offshore test sites that accelerates the global acceptance and certification of offshore renewable energy innovations, with a focus on wave, tidal, offshore solar, and energy storage technologies.

INTELLIGENT POLYMER NETWORKS ENABLE RESHAPING, RECYCLING AND BIODEGRADATION OF MATERIALS | Polymeric materials can be used in many ways and are characterized by their lightweight and mechanical properties. To increase the lightweight potential, plastics are reinforced with fibers to form fiber composites. However, due to consumer pressure and regulations, companies are increasingly looking for environmentally friendly and recyclable material substitutes for conventional polymeric materials and composites. For several years, Fraunhofer IFAM has been researching switchable thermosetting materials as a promising alternative.