Fraunhofer Institute for
Applied Polymer Research IAP
Fraunhofer Institute for
Applied Polymer Research IAP

Annual Report 2023 of Fraunhofer IAP

Innovations for a sustainable future

Prof. Dr. Alexander Böker, Institute Director of Fraunhofer IAP, in the corridor of the institute building
© Kristin Stein
Prof. Dr. Alexander Böker, Institute Director

Dear readers,

We make materials, processes and technologies sustainable. This requires scientific excellence paired with a deep understanding of the requirements of industry and society. This knowledge enables us to develop sustainable solutions along the polymer value chain. Our lightweight construction solutions help to save energy and raw materials, our fluorine-free materials offer alternatives to environmentally harmful products containing PFAS, and our pilot plants make it possible to transfer sustainable products and processes from the laboratory to an industrial scale.

 

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Focus topics 2023

 

PFAS

Challenges for the industry

 

Fluorine-free polymers for membranes and lubricants, solutions for PFAS separation.

read more
 

Manufacturing technologies

Heavyweight in lightweight construction

 

From monomers to energy-efficient high-performance composite components.

read more
 

SmartID

A counterfeit-proof QR code

 

Unique packaging labels, property rights protection with offline authentication.

read more
 

Pilot plants

Process optimization up to the industrial prototype

From the scale-up of polymer syntheses to the recycling of plastics.

read more
 

Research field

BIOECONOMY and SUSTAINABILITY

 

more
 

Research field

ENERGY TRANSITION
and MOBILITY

 

more
 

Research field

HEALTH and
QUALITY of LIFE

 

more
 

Research field

INDUSTRY and
TECHNOLOGY

 

more

Facts and figures

 

Fraunhofer networks and groups

  • High-Performance Center Functional Integration
  • Fraunhofer Strategic Research Field Bioeconomy
  • Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE
  • Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Programmable Materials CPM
  • Fraunhofer Group MATERIALS
  • Fraunhofer Flagship project ElKaWe – Electrocaloric heat pumps
  • Fraunhofer Flagship project ShaPID – Shaping the Future of Green Chemistry by Process Intensification and Digitalization
  • Fraunhofer Flagship project SUBI2MA – Sustainable biobased and biohybrid materials

Events 2023

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Press releases 2023

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Facts and figures

Balkendiagramm Finanzen 2023

The total budget in 2023 amounted to 28.3 million euros, having increased slightly over the previous year. Overall, the institute generated a deficit of 152,000 euros, which was offset by its reserves.

Total income comprised internal Fraunhofer funding (11.0 million euros, of which 6.3 million euros came from internal funding programs), external income consisting of public project funding (state, federal, EU, other) amounting to 9.9 million euros, and income from industry of 7.3 million euros.

Compared to the previous year, internal Fraunhofer funding increased (+17.0 percent), in particular due to a growing percentage of internal funding programs and income from industry (+7.4 percent). In contrast, income from public funding decreased significantly (-18.2 percent).

Investments totaling 1.5 million euros were made.

 

more info

Highlights 2023

Bioeconomy and Sustainability

 

We tap sustainable raw materials and enable a circular economy to reduce dependency on fossil energy sources.


Biopolymers made from renewable raw materials such as cellulose, starch, lignin or proteins are a focus of our materials research. They open up new approaches to the circular economy. With our expertise in the modification and optimization of biopolymers and their industrial production, we create the basis for sustainable products

 

PFAS

Challenges for industry

read more
 

Research highlight

Bioplastics become more attractive for industry

to the press release
 

Research highlight

One million euros for new chemical systems to convert sustainable resources

to the press release

Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence CCPE

 

Circular Plastics Economy

learn more

Fraunhofer Strategic Research Field Bioeconomy

Circular bioeconomy in Europe

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Fraunhofer Flagship project ShaPID

 

Green Plastics

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Fraunhofer Flaghip project SUBI2MA

 

Sustainable Biobased and Biohybrid Materials

learn more

Highlights 2023

Energy transition and Mobility

 

The integration of innovative materials into components and products is a key to the energy transition and the evolution of new mobility concepts.

Intelligent insulating materials and glazing reduce the energy requirements of buildings. Novel fiber composites for wind power, hydrogen storage and vehicle construction open up new options for energy generation and more efficient mobility. New catalysts and membranes for fuel cells enable hydrogen as a climate-neutral energy source. We develop essential components for the solutions of the future.

 

Manufacturing technologies

A heavyweight in lightweight construction

read more
 

Research highlight

Perovskite solar cells: sustainable, efficient, with reduced lead content

to the press release
 

Research highlight

Mobile hydrogen sphere storage for transportation by truck, ship and train

to the press release

Fraunhofer Flagship project ElKaWe

 

Electrocaloric heat pumps

learn more

Highlights 2023

Health and Quality of Life

 

From eye to tooth: For new active ingredients, products and processes for medicine, medical technology and cosmetics, we offer customized solutions from a single source.

Based on new types of nanomaterials and biomolecules, we develop, for example, biosensors, diagnostic procedures and therapies. We also address new approaches to control pathogens on surfaces and in air filters. Our interdisciplinary approach combines polymer research, biotechnology and nanotechnology for an improved quality of life.

 

SmartID

A counterfeit-proof QR code

Interview with project coordinator Dr. Tobias Jochum

to the interview
 

Research highlight

Inspired by nature: printable adhesives for tissue and bone

to the press release
 

Research highlight

Smart materials for aligner therapy

to the press release

Highlights 2023

Industry and Technology

 

Your competent partner along the value chain: from innovative materials to market-relevant prototypes.


We develop and optimize the scale-up of the synthesis of polymers to ton scale. At locations in Brandenburg, we produce high-performance fibers and plastics as well as biomolecules and biopolymers on a pilot plant scale. We offer customized solutions and provide sample quantities as well as quality tests according to applicable industry standards.

 

Pilot plants

Process optimization up to the industrial prototype

learn more
 

Research highlight

Printed electronics - thin, brilliant, stretchable

to the press release
 

Research highlight

Detect product piracy quickly with SmartID

to the press release

High-Performance Center Functional Integration

Technologies for clean water and recycling

learn more

High-Performance Center Functional Integration

More capabilities in fewer steps

Interview with Tahani Adnan

to the interview

Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence CPM

 

Programmable Materials

 

Interview with Dr. Thorsten Pretsch

to the interview

Fraunhofer IAP’s annual reports

Fraunhofer IAP’s annual reports provide information on current research projects, important events, key economic figures, and personnel developments. You can download our past reports here. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about research, services, trade fairs and events as well as other current topics we are working on at Fraunhofer IAP.

 

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