Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGBDüsseldorf / October 19, 2022 - October 26, 2022
K | Fair
The World’s No. 1 Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber
Events and Trade Fairs
Fraunhofer at the trade fair K – New solutions for plastics
The plastics industry is one of the most important industries in Germany. Also enjoying a strong position at international level, the sector has achieved this status through its endeavors both in relation to the production as well as the research and development of plastic materials. At the world’s leading “K” industry trade fair, 14 Fraunhofer units will be showcasing innovative, sustainable and efficient approaches, solutions and developments for plastics processing. Taking center stage at the event are the topics of circular economy, digital transformation, climate protection and functionalization.
Fraunhofer IGB will showcase technologies and processes around functionalization of polymers in roll-to-roll processes and bioinspired technologies for the production of biobased polymers for a circular bioeconomy.
We are looking forward to your visit at the Fraunhofer joint booth in hall 7.0, booth SC01.
Roll-to-roll processes: R2R coating and structuring
Roll-to-roll coating of films.
For coating and surface functionalization of films and textiles, at Fraunhofer IGB we use plasma, wet-chemical and combined processes. With our V340-GKM system from PINK GmbH Thermosysteme, for example, we carry out sample coatings in roll-to-roll processes with up to 430 mm external width on behalf of our customers. Furthermore, R2R coating of e.g. foils can be combined with additional R2R structuring via hot embossing processes. We would be pleased to discuss with you on site how we can also realize your desired coating!
Our focus
- Barrier coatings (oxygen, water vapor, oil barrier)
- Protective coatings (hydro-/oleophobic, anti-fogging, dirt-repellent, anti-corrosive, scratch-resistant)
- Self-adhesive anti-ice film
Sustainable biobased plastic solutions – bioinspired processes for a circular bioeconomy
We will demonstrate examples of biobased polymers for a circular bioeconomy which have been developed using bioinspired technologies.
With the Laboratory for Technical Biopolymers, the Straubing branch BioCat of Fraunhofer IGB covers the entire process chain for the production of biobased polymers: from the synthesis of biobased monomers and additives in the laboratory, through polymerizations in an application-oriented pilot plant, to processing in plastics technology. For example, terpene-based polyamides (Caramid-R®, Caramid-S®), biobased plasticizers for PVC, processes for purifying FDCA and grafting tapes for fruit and ornamental woods were developed.
Molded paddings from biobased polyamides based on the terpene 3-carene.
Laboratory for Technical Biopolymers (LTBP) – a holistic view on bioplastics
The BioCat branch of Fraunhofer IGB with its Laboratory for Technical Biopolymers (LTBP) covers the entire process chain from the synthesis of biobased monomers and additives in the laboratory, through polymerizations in an application-oriented pilot plant, to processing in plastics technology. Supplemented by issues of biodegradability, the LTBP closes the cycle from natural substance, via material, back to natural degradation products and supports industrial companies in the development of innovative, sustainable materials and processes.
High purity 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid – platform chemical for new plastics
Polyethylene furanoate (PEF) is a biobased polymer promising to replace fossil-based PET in the future. An essential prerequisite is that the starting material 2,5-furanedicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is available in high purity. Fraunhofer IGB has succeeded in developing a new purification process for FDCA.
Biodegradable packaging film from microbial biomass
The BiofoYL product is a biobased and biodegradable film with a wide range of applications. The innovative packaging material consists of microbial biomass and a plasticizer, which accumulates as a by-product in industry. The advantage of using microbial biomass is that it is a fully renewable source of polymers that does not directly rely on agricultural production of biomass on fertile land and therefore does not result in the loss of ecologically valuable land.
Biobased grafting tape: protects the grafted tree and decomposes over time.
Biodegradable grafting tape for fruit growing with wound healing properties
In the Tape2Grape project, a multifunctional, biobased and biodegradable grafting tape is being developed. With the targeted use of bioactive components, the woody plants are to be actively supported in the healing process. Due to its biodegradability, the tape can remain in the growing area after grafting and decompose, as it is not harmful to the environment. Thus, Tape2Grape represents an economic and ecological added value in commercial as well as in organic fruit growing.
Intelligent multifunctional wool fiber insulation materials
Sheep wool is an underutilized raw material in Germany, which is a by-product of ecological landscape management. In order to improve the utilization of this keratinous fiber, novel insulation materials are being developed at Fraunhofer IGB as part of the SmartFelt-M joint project, which have improved properties for the construction sector and are at the same time highly biobased and biodegradable.
Biobased plasticizers – New additives for sustainable plastics
There is a high demand for biobased plasticizers to increase the share of renewable raw materials in the plastics industry. At the same time, no completely convincing biobased plasticizer solutions have yet been found for new, biobased polyesters such as PLA, PEF or PHA that can match the price and performance of phthalic acid esters. At Fraunhofer IGB, residual materials from the pulp industry are chemically modified and specifically adapted to the corresponding polymers as plasticizers. The chemical structure of the target molecule is intended to combine the positive properties of industrial fossil and biobased plasticizers.
Biobased polyamides from cellulose production residues
Caramid-R® and Caramid-S® are 100 percent biobased polyamides produced from a residue of cellulose production: the monoterpene (+)-3-carene. Caramid-R® is amorphous, transparent and has a glass transition temperature of up to 120°C. Caramide-S® has a glass transition temperature of up to 115°C and a melting point of 280°C. Unlike commercial biobased polyamides, Caramid-S® and Caramid-R® can be prepared by anionic ring-opening polymerization, which enables the production of cast polyamides.
Transformation of raw renewable raw materials into new high-value products.