Polymer Synthesis

Whether conventional or bio-based, whether biodegradable or particularly recyclable - together with you, we will develop the right plastic for your application. We help you to produce your materials without problematic substances and develop materials with you, e.g. without plasticizers or isocyanates.

AT THE BEGINNING OF EVERY PRODUCT
DEVELOPMENT IS THE RIGHT MATERIAL.

 

Research | Development

PLA | NIPU | FDCA-containing polymer materials | PBS | partially biobased co-polyamides | ComCarbon® technology | functionalised PVAc wood glues | acrylics, styrenics | cationic polyelectrolytes as flocculants | microgels from inverse EP

 

Services

material development | process development | scale up & sample quantities | consultation | equipment

Polylactide:
PLA Miniplant

Polymers
and sustainability

Developing improved paints and varnishes more quickly

Polylactide: PLA-Miniplant

 

You produce lactic acid from alternative raw materials or via innovative fermentation processes? We examine your lactic acid for suitability for PLA production.

With our many years of expertise in all synthetic issues related to polylactide and the ability to implement PLA syntheses on a kg scale, we support you in the development of new PLA materials.

Flow diagram PLA-Miniplant

  • mapping of the entire polylactide synthesis process from lactic acid to stabilised PLA as a sequence of batch processes
  • testing of different lactic acid qualities from biotechnological processes
  • lactide production and purification
 

  • PLA synthesis in batch (stirred reactor) and continuously (twin-screw extruder)
  • catalyst deactivation
  • PLA synthesis with adjustable molecular weight; also (block) copolymers

Polymers and sustainability

 

CHEMICAL RECYCLING

  • of for example PLA and polyurethanes

SUBSTITUTION
PROBLEMATIC SUBSTANCES

  • Isocyanates 
  • Plasticisers

BIO-BASED / BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS

  • z. e.g. PLA, PBS, FDCA-based plastics

MEDIATION OF EXPERTS

  • for LCA e.g. according to DIN EN ISO 14040 and 14044
  • Degradation tests e.g. according to DIN EN 13432

Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence

CIRCULAR PLASTICS ECONOMY

Within the framework of the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy,  the Fraunhofer IAP develops new plastics from renewable raw materials. We investigate the relationships between chemical characteristics and properties as well as the adaptation to different fields of application.

Your contact persons

Antje Lieske

Contact Press / Media

Dr. Antje Lieske

Head of department | Polymer Synthesis

Fraunhofer IAP
Geiselbergstraße 69
14476 Potsdam

Phone +49 331 568-1329

Christoph Herfurth

Contact Press / Media

Dr. Christoph Herfurth

Geiselbergstraße 69
14476 Potsdam

Phone +49 331 568-1212

Daniel Zehm

Contact Press / Media

Dr. Daniel Zehm

Geiselbergstraße 69
14476 Potsdam

Phone +49 331 568-1318