Processing Pilot Plant for Biopolymers Schwarzheide

Bioplastics processing - research and development close to the market

Bio-based plastics and their applications are a central focus of research at Fraunhofer IAP. The development of polybutylene succinate (PBS), polylactides (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) forms a key area of work. In addition, recyclates obtained through conventional and advanced recycling technologies are becoming increasingly important.

At the Processing Pilot Plant Schwarzheide located in the Lausitz industrial park, we process these sustainable, thermoplastic polymers. Using industry-standard equipment, we test the materials under realistic conditions and evaluate their processing behavior. Our thermoplastics processing portfolio includes film extrusion, thermoforming, foaming, extrusion blow molding and stretch blow molding.

With comprehensive analytical equipment, we examine and assess polymer properties – from raw material suitability to final product characteristics.

The Processing Pilot Plant Schwarzheide serves as a one-stop service for the development of circular and thermoplastic polymers. We also support you in compounding and prototype development, in the production of pilot and small series, as well as in feasibility studies and pilot cases.

Project RUBIO

In the RUBIO project, the Fraunhofer IAP is working in a regional alliance with nationally and internationally leading partners from industry and research to establish the entire value chain for biopolymers in central Germany.

We offer

 

  • all R&D services related to the processing of (bio-) plastics
  • extensive know-how on biopolymers
  • development and further development of raw materials, products and processing methods
  • thermoplast processing on industrial scale
  • short term and fast processing of inquiries

Ways of cooperation

 

Would you like to work with us?
There are several ways: 

  • contract research
  • research collaborations
  • services

Contact us!

 

Bioplastics become more attractive for industry

Within the framework of RUBIO, the Fraunhofer IAP and POLIFILM EXTRUSION GmbH are developing a first commercial PBS product.

Our services

  • processing of thermoplastic conventional and biobased polymers   
    -  (bio)composites and blends
    - additivation
    - film extrusion (one and multi-layer films, blow films)
    - extrusion
    - injection molding
    - blow molding
    - thermoforming
  • pilot plant operation
  • laboratory examinations
  • 3D printing
  • project management and workshops
  • consulting/training/traineeships
  • bachelor or master theses assistance

Our equipment

Extrusion/compounding/recycling

Twin-srew extruder Leistritz ZSE 27 MAXX; screws 28 mm,
L/D 36 or 52, dosing (50 kg/h, 5 kg/h, 1 kg/h)

 

Injection molding

Injection molding machine Boy 55 E, screw 28 mm,
clamping force 55 t, shot weight 50-80 g,
injection pressure: 1380 bar

 

Film production

3-layers flat film plant Dr. Collin CR 136/350
screws 25 mm, L/D 25, 8 kg/h

Blown film line BL 180/400 E Dr. Collin

 

Blow molding

Extrusion blow molding line HESTA HV 180 H

 

Thermoforming

Thremoformer ILLIG SB 53c

 

Peripheral equipment

Dry-air dryer, mixer, drying oven, climatic chamber, granulator, mills

 

3D-printing

Printer x400 German RepRap

 

Test laboratory

DSC, viscometry, moisture measurement, tensile test, MFI, impact bending test, hardness test, dart-drop test

Processing Pilot Plant for Biopolymers Schwarzheide

© Fraunhofer IAP

Schipkauerstrasse 1 / BASF / A754
01987 Schwarzheide

Phone +49 331 568-3400
Fax +49 35752 6-3170