At the Munich Science Days, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, along with the Free State of Bavaria, is honoring three young scientists with the Hugo Geiger Prize on 16 November. Commended are theses on energy-efficient semiconductors, powerful diode lasers and new substances for sharper displays.

Schkopau/ValuePark®. In a ceremony marking its tenth anniversary, politics and business have recognized the Fraunhofer Pilot Plant Center PAZ as an East German success story. Since 2005, the joint institution of the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP in Potsdam-Golm and for Mechanics of Materials IWM in Halle has developed into a unique European research institution in the field of polymer synthesis and polymer processing on an industrial scale.

Quantum dots have made it possible to substantially increase color quality in LCD displays. However, these cadmium-based nanocrystals have proven to be harmful to the environment. Researchers from Fraunhofer IAP are working together with an industry partner to develop a promising alternative: quantum dots based on indium phosphide.

The EU tire label has made it easier for consumers to choose the right tire. For tire manufacturers, however, the label brings with it stricter requirements and related development costs. The Fraunhofer Pilot Center PAZ in Schkopau, a joint facility of the Fraunhofer IWM in Halle and the Fraunhofer IAP in Potsdam, develops rubber for these enhanced tires using cutting-edge solution polymerization, and scales them up so they are ready for series production. Our contract research benefits both our customers and the environment.

Soon pupils will not only learn about bioplastics in chemistry class, they will be able to grasp them with their hands. In the future, the building blocks in the molecule construction kit produced by Cornelsen Experimenta GmbH will be made of bioplastics. The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP in Potsdam-Golm is assisting in the development of these materials. Along with three other companies from the plastics sector in Brandenburg and Berlin - Uhde Inventa-Fischer GmbH in Berlin, Linotech GmbH in Guben and Hesco Kunststoffverarbeitung GmbH in Luckenwalde – the institute is developing and making ready for the market new types of the bioplastic called polylactic acid (PLA).

Dr. Thorsten Pretsch became head of the research department Synthesis and Polymer Technology at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP in Potsdam-Golm on June 16, 2015. He is taking over from Dr. Mathias Hahn who has held leading positions at the IAP since 1992 and is now retiring. Pretsch enhances the Institute’s portfolio with the research topic shape memory polymers.

The Fraunhofer IAP and the University of Potsdam have reached an agreement on closer scientific cooperation between their institutions. The focus is on the integration of biological and physical-chemical functions in various materials. This approach has significant potential to increase the productivity and efficiency of industrial processes. The Fraunhofer IZI-BB will also be involved in the cooperation.

Prof. Alexander Böker, head of the Fraunhofer IAP, has received the renowned ERC Consolidator Grant from the European Research Council (ERC). His research project RepliColl has been awarded funding of 1.9 million Euros over a period of five years.

Biopolymers can be processed into films using conventional machinery – this will be demonstrated in a workshop given by the Fraunhofer IAP in Schwarzheide on June 10, 2015. In addition, new developments that considerably expand the range of familiar applications in the field of biopolymer films will be presented. Special attention will be given to co-extruded systems of films. The workshop is directed towards film manufacturers and processors, representatives from plastics groups and associations, as well as research institutions.

The natural rubber used in applications like high-performance truck tires is irreplaceable. However, limited space for the cultivation of rubber trees and entire rubber plantations succumbing to fungal infestations have put global rubber production at risk. The four Fraunhofer institutes - IAP, IME, ISC and IWM – have set themselves the task of making synthetic rubber that is just as high performing as natural rubber. They want to learn from the rubber of the Russian dandelion.