Sustainable Biobased and Biohybrid Materials

The Fraunhofer flagship project “Sustainable Biobased and Biohybrid Materials” (SUBI²MA), coordinated by Fraunhofer IAP, occupies a pioneering position in the biotransformation of plastics technology. The SUBI²MA team from six Fraunhofer institutes is focusing on the use of bio-based material components. The aim is to develop and produce completely new types of bio-based and biohybrid materials by integrating biological components. Among other things, proteins are used to make materials water-repellent. The researchers are also developing model- and data-based simulation methods to accelerate material development. The project began in January 2022 and will end in December 2025.

Partner institutes

Fraunhofer IAP, Fraunhofer IGB, Fraunhofer LBF, Fraunhofer ICT, Fraunhofer ITWM, Fraunhofer IWM

In the field of biohybrid materials, researchers are integrating biological building blocks into plastics in order to give them additional functions and to expand their range of applications. The pre- and post-forming of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and cellulose is particularly important here. Both polymers are widely used in fiber applications. Scientists are creating new functionalities such as hydrophilicity control, bio-based flame retardancy, accelerated degradation and antimicrobial efficacy.

“The biotransformation of plastics technology requires more than just replacing fossil-based materials with bio-based materials. Bioplastics must also have exclusive properties so that they become genuine alternatives to conventional materials.”

Prof. Dr. Ruben R. Rosencrantz, Coordinator of the SUBI²MA project, Head of the Life Science and Bioprocesses Research Division at Fraunhofer IAP

A new, bio-based high-performance polyamide (Caramid) is currently being developed to market maturity. The material has a significantly higher glass transition temperature than the conventional polyamides PA6 and PA6.6, making it more stable and enabling completely new applications. Both the synthesis and the processing methods of the bio-based polyamide are being improved so that it offers a competitive alternative to fossil polyamides, for example for use as environmentally friendly tire cord in the automotive industry. Researchers are testing the marketability of the new material using a virtual demonstrator. They compare real measured data with the properties of conventional, commercially available materials.

“A wide range of expertise is required to develop Caramid-based technical polyamide yarns that have unique properties. Pooling this expertise in the Flagship Project SUBI²MA makes it possible to develop a serious alternative to conventional materials, thereby contributing to the biotransformation of plastics technology.” 

Dr. André Lehmann, Head of the Fiber Technology Department at Fraunhofer IAP