Magazine

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.

In order to ensure operational safety, the investigation of flame retardancy is of utmost importance in a wide range of industries, like in railway, civil engineering, ship-building, aerospace, or even in the automotive industry. The experts at Fraunhofer IFAM have extensive capabilities both for the synthesis of polymers and the production of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) with flame retardant properties, and for carrying out fire tests.

EUROPEAN BATTERY BUSINESS CLUB: Fraunhofer IFAM is combining its many years of experience in battery research and development as well as in vocational training in the online course ‘European Battery Business Club (EBBC)’, which provides comprehensive knowledge about the entire battery value chain. With innovative micro-learning elements, the e-learning programme guarantees self-directed learning.

ELECTRIC CARS AS ROLLING CHARGING STATIONS: In the "ROLLEN" research project, Fraunhofer IFAM and its partners have shown how electric vehicles with bi-directional charging technology can store surplus energy from photovoltaic systems and pass it on in a targeted manner - to buildings, other electric vehicles or even to the public power grid.

The DOME 4.0 research project is an initiative to establish a digital platform that enables the exchange of business data in the B2B sector. The aim is to generate added value and promote the development of new or improved products, processes, and services. Through the use of ontology-based semantic data interoperability and modern data processing technologies, Dome 4.0 seamlessly connects different material data sources with users, enabling maximum knowledge extraction. Given the importance of the materials and manufacturing industries to the European economy, DOME 4.0 focuses on data-driven knowledge generation in these key sectors.

METHODS FOR APPLYING SEALANT TO BIPOLAR PLATES USING SCREEN PRINTING | Fraunhofer IFAM is your competent partner for innovative research services in the field of fuel cell production. In addition to industrial projects in this context, we are active in public research projects - including the National Action Plan for Fuel Cell Production (H2GO). The National Action Plan maps the key sensitivities of the value chain in the production, stacking and recycling of substantial fuel cell components. Fraunhofer IFAM is, among other things, researching the use of the screen printing process for applying sealants to bipolar plates, which has several other advantages in addition to reducing production costs.

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.

PFAS-FREE ALTERNATIVES IN THE EVENT OF A PFAS BAN IN THE EU | The EU-wide ban on perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS for short) planned by the ECHA is currently causing a great deal of concern among many companies. PFAS are characterized by outstanding technical properties and are therefore used in a wide variety of industries. However, it is now known that the chemicals accumulate in humans and the environment and have negative effects on ecosystems and health. Due to the impending ban on PFAS, alternatives with comparable properties are in demand. Fraunhofer IFAM has been working on the development of fluorine-free coatings for many years and offers sustainable solutions for anti-stick, anti-friction, and hydrophobic coatings.

Efficient assembly of large structures: New approaches through automation and digitalization in joining processes

TECHNOLOGIES FOR TRANSPORT AND STORAGE OF HYDROGEN | As a versatile energy carrier, hydrogen will play a key role in the long-term success of the energy transition. Fraunhofer IFAM is working with project partners in the flagship hydrogen project TransHyDE to further develop and test technologies for the transport and storage of hydrogen. LOHC technology (liquid organic hydrogen carrier) plays an important role in this.