Events and fairs

How can passive fire protection solutions become more sustainable and efficient?

At FeuerTrutz, Fraunhofer IAP will present innovative material solutions for passive fire protection—from thermoresponsive functional materials to bio-based flame retardants.

These technologies open up new possibilities for safe, resource-efficient, and material-integrated fire protection solutions in buildings, technical facilities, and infrastructure.
 

4D-Printed Shape-Memory Polymers for Autonomous Fire Dampers

This exhibit showcases a fire damper based on a shape-memory polymer actuator manufactured using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). The actuator responds autonomously to thermal stimuli such as those occurring during a fire. Through the programmed shape-memory effect, the material changes its shape and activates the damper’s locking mechanism. This enables the automatic closure of ducts or ventilation shafts, helping to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. The exhibit demonstrates the potential of additively manufactured functional materials for self-actuating and reliable fire protection systems.

Bio-based Flame Retardants for Sustainable Bioplastics

Fraunhofer IAP is showcasing starch phosphates as bio-based flame-retardant additives for improving the fire performance of thermoplastic bioplastics such as polylactic acid (PLA). The materials were developed for technical applications with high fire-safety requirements. In various studies, starch phosphates were compounded with PLA and evaluated with regard to flammability, mechanical properties, and economic feasibility. The developed materials exhibited a pronounced intumescent effect and, in selected formulations, achieved UL 94 V-1 ratings. The exhibit highlights the potential of sustainable flame-retardant concepts for bio-based plastics applications.

Microencapsulated Bio-based Ammonium Salts for Sustainable Flame Retardancy

With microencapsulated bio-based ammonium salts, Fraunhofer IAP is presenting a sustainable approach to flame retardancy in plastics. Bio-based ammonium salts are a promising alternative to conventional flame retardants and form a protective, insulating layer when exposed to heat. To enable their use in plastics processing, the salts are microencapsulated to increase their thermal stability and facilitate their integration into polymer materials. The exhibit demonstrates the potential of microencapsulated flame-retardant systems for sustainable and high-performance plastics applications.