Press | Media

Whether in hydrogen tanks, batteries, fuel cells or for shielding sensitive electronics – carbon fibers are used in a wide range of advanced applications. At the Potsdam Science Park, the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, in collaboration with Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, is developing novel carbon fibers based on cellulose. These fibers combine structural diversity, high electrical, thermal and mechanical performance with sustainability. The project is part of the Carbon Lab Factory Lausitz and is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. It is intensively supported by the Wirtschaftsregion Lausitz GmbH.

Electroactive polymers react to forces, deformations, and temperature changes with electrical signals. They can also deform or change their temperature under electrical voltage. Targeted temperature changes are particularly interesting for heating and cooling systems. Electrocaloric polymers are the key to this. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP are developing electrocaloric materials and processing them into functional components. As the heart of an optimized overall system, they are an important basis for the future development of efficient and compact heating and cooling systems that do not require harmful refrigerants.

Hydrogen is regarded as key energy source of the future. The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP is developing and processing novel catalysts and PFAS-free membranes to make the technologies for producing and using hydrogen more environmentally friendly, cost-effective and durable. At the Hannover Messe (Hall 13, Booth C41/2), the institute will be presenting its contributions at the Fraunhofer Hydrogen Network booth.

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP have developed a foil that changes into polyurethane foam (PU foam) when heated – entirely without health risks. The foil allows for isocyanate-free foaming, thus improving workplace safety. Additionally, it offers logistics advantages for storage and transportation. The material can be customized for various applications ranging from the automotive and construction industries to packaging.

Highly efficient solid-state heat pumps without compressors – that is the vision of Fraunhofer researchers. With the recent completion of the ElKaWe research project, they took a big step towards realizing this vision. The team made great progress in terms of material and system design, and set up the first electrocaloric demonstrators to show the vast potential of this technology.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP and Notion Systems GmbH announce their strategic partnership for the further development of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing.

Folding boxes are considered sustainable packaging solutions for numerous everyday products – whether breakfast cereals, electronics, medicines, or perfumes. Made from paper and cardboard, folding boxes are resource-efficient in production, biodegradable, and easily recyclable. However, environmentally friendly adhesives are still lacking for completely sustainable manufacturing. Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP are developing and testing bio-based adhesives for the industrial production of folding boxes in the project Sustainable Gluing With Renewable Adhesives (SUGRA).

The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP is taking another important step towards sustainability and energy resilience: a photovoltaic system has been installed on the institute building in Wildau. The project is funded by the Brandenburg State Ministry of Science, Research and Culture.

Fungi have more to offer than meets the eye. Their thread-like cells, which grow extensively and out of sight underground like a network of roots, offer huge potential for producing sustainable, biodegradable materials. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP in Potsdam Science Park are using this mycelium to develop a wide range of recyclable products, from wallets and insulation to packaging.

Sporting activities promote our health but can lead to injuries of the musculoskeletal system if not performed correctly. This often affects the cartilage in the joints. Untreated cartilage defects can lead to osteoarthritis at older age, for which there is currently no effective treatment. Personalized cartilage cell implants made by 3D printing should provide a remedy in future. Special printing inks containing the body's own cartilage cells are being developed for this purpose. The four-year project at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP and the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg BTU started in January 2024 and is being funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) with around 2 million euros.