Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research
Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research

Combine competencies

By bringing together expertise in materials development and production technology, new products are being developed that can be manufactured in as few process steps as possible. For this purpose, structural materials that give a product shape and stability are to be combined with functional materials.

Among other things, the concept is intended to make valuable contributions to Industry 4.0. In the area of "Internet of Things", the communication of materials and components with each other and with the machines in the production process is to be developed.

Research

   Examples of integrable functionalities:

  • biochemical, biosensory and biotechnological functions
  • Identification features
  • haptics
  • sensors
  • actuators
  • electroluminescence
  • photovoltaics
  • lighting functionalities

 

Product examples:

  • smartcards for the security industry
  • lab-on-a-chip modules for medicine
  • ID elements for tracking products in production and in the subsequent use phase
  • structure-integrated sensor technology in composites for lightweight construction
  • customizable control panels for machines, vehicles, facilities and consumer products
  • fibers, nonwovens and textiles with function integration
  • self-healing materials
  • function-integrating composites for aviation and vehicle construction
  • implants