Recycling photovoltaic modules for a sustainable value chain
The recycling of components from end-of-life solar modules is an important approach to the sustainable use of resources. This is where the recently launched joint project "RETRIEVE" comes in. The Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP is contributing its expertise in material analysis and process optimization.
New approach against periodontitis: inhibiting bacteria in the mouth instead of destroying them
Innovative therapeutic approaches to treat periodontitis are being developed in the joint project "Paropaste". They are focusing on blocking the germs responsible for this rather than killing them.
Fraunhofer IMWS and Fraunhofer CSP are among the most innovative companies in Germany
For the sixth time in a row, the Fraunhofer IMWS has made it onto the list of Germany's most innovative companies compiled by the market research service provider Statista and the business magazine "Capital".
Digitalised production lines for solar cells and modules made in Europe
Solar cells made in Europe can set themselves apart from the competition through highly efficient technologies and compliance with environmentally friendly produc-tion processes and standards. This is where the EU-funded joint project PILATUS comes in, which aims to create three digitalised pilot lines for the production of silicon wafers, solar cells and PV modules in Europe by 2025.
Inspired by the gecko: Better adhesion properties of plastics
With a patented process for micro-nano-structuring, the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS in Halle (Saale) has achieved significant improvements in the adhesion properties of polymers.
Lightweight construction, efficient and fit for series production thanks to sandwich structures with thermoplastic materials
The flap, made from thermoplastic sandwich semi-finished products, demonstrates the enormous potential for saving weight with thermoplastic sandwich molding technology and its suitability both for molded components and for use in large-scale production.
From train carriages to medical devices: solutions for quality-assured 3D printing with plastics
Establishing Central Germany as a "3D printing region", opening up new fields of application and making additive manufacturing with thermoplastics eco-nomically viable for small and medium-sized enterprises: With this goal in mind, 15 partners have joined forces in the "AddiQ" project.
Highly resilient and recyclable UD tapes made from stereocomplex PLA
High-performance technical fibers are used in various applications, but they are often made from fossil raw materials and are not biodegradable. This is where the "scPLA-UD-Tape" project of the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence „Circular Plastics Economy CCPE” comes in, with the aim of creating intrinsically reinforced materials for lightweight construction that are highly resilient, biodegradable and significantly easier to recycle.
Scalable solutions for green hydrogen production in South Africa
The recently started "HySecunda" project aims to find optimized solutions for producing, storing and certifying green hydrogen. Nine Fraunhofer institutes and the Fraunhofer Academy contribute their competences.
The most important project results, facts and figures about the institute, interviews with managers and videos about our research activities - the Fraunhofer IMWS is presenting all of this on a special website for the first time.
With its expertise in the microstructure of materials, the Fraunhofer IMWS contributes to increasing material efficiency and cost-effectiveness and conserving resources.
Are you looking for R&D support for your company? Do you need a strong partner to realise your innovation ideas? Do you have questions about collaboration? Please feel free to contact us!
We analyze the properties of microelectronics and microsystem technology components and thus increase the reliability and performance, for example, of computer chips and sensors.
We open up new potential for the use of polymers - for example, as lightweight construction materials for the automotive and aviation industry, in efficient tyres or as plastics made of renewable raw materials.
How good are the materials used in medical engineering and biotechnology? How can cosmetic care products be improved? What can materials made from natural materials achieve? We find out.
We use our top expertise to improve technology, from wafer manufacture to module production. We develop new materials to make photovoltaics more cost effective, more efficient and more reliable.
We drive innovations for microstructure-based optimization of optical materials and coatings, as well as for laser processing technologies used in industrial applications.