Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS

High-quality elastin for different market segments: Fraunhofer IMWS spin-off takes off as "matrihealth" GmbH

Producing high-purity elastin in medical quality is the founding idea of "matrihealth" GmbH. The spin-off of the Fraunhofer IMWS, known as a founding project under the name of "matriheal" since 2020, now becomes an independent company based in Halle (Saale).

30 years of Fraunhofer in Halle (Saale)

For 30 years, employees of the Fraunhofer IMWS in Halle (Saale) have been conducting research on microstructure diagnostics and design as well as microstructure-based technology development. On November 2, 2022, the institute's anniversary was celebrated at a festive colloquium with guests from business, politics, and science.

New Head of Business Unit "Polymer Applications" at Fraunhofer IMWS

Dr.-Ing. Maik Feldmann took over as Head of the Business Unit "Polymer Applications" at the Fraunhofer IMWS on October 1, 2022. As such he is also responsible for the area of "Polymer Processing" at the Fraunhofer Pilot Plant Center for Polymer Synthesis and Processing PAZ in Schkopau. Along with his new position, he will take up a professorship in plastics processing at the Merseburg University of Applied Sciences.

© Fraunhofer IMWS / Sabine Bethke

New Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Hydrogen in South Korea

Jointly with Korean scientists, the Fraunhofer IMWS has been conducting research on the import of green hydrogen since 2020. The Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Hydrogen Energy at the Korea Institute of Energy Technology FIP-H2ENERGY@KENTECH will now provide the foundation for a more enhanced cooperation with partners in South Korea.

© CHLietzmann

Improved protective masks through innovative protective textiles

Mouth-to-nose protection has become commonplace during the Covid-19 pandemic. But many of the available products are not tailored for such uses. In the “Next Generation Protective Textiles (NGST)” project, ten Fraunhofer institutes are working on improved solutions that combine high protection with improved wearer comfort.

© Fraunhofer CSP/ Sven Doering

Reliable polymer cases for the protection of power electronic components

In a joint research project entitled "PolyLEktronik" Werkzeugbau & Kunststofftechnik Kruse GmbH (WBKT) and the Fraunhofer IMWS have set themselves the goal of developing highly reliable polymer cases for power electronics components that are suitable for series production.

© Fraunhofer CSP/ Sven Doering

Ideal cross-linking degrees for solar modules through optimized quality control

The encapsulation of solar cells is of great importance for the overall performance of a solar module. Only if this has a seamless finish, protection of the solar cells from environmental influences can be guaranteed. In a new project, Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP and its partners are investigating the ideal degree of cross-linking for module reliability in order to increase the stability, reliability of supply, system performance and productivity of photovoltaic systems.

© Fraunhofer CSP/ Sven Doering

Showcase project for the bioeconomy - orange peel for valuable bio-based epoxy resins

Sustainable alternatives are needed to reduce the use of petroleum-based polymers. A promising approach is provided by the international OrangeOil project, in which the Fraunhofer IMWS, among others, is also involved alongside the SKZ Plastics Center. The aim is to develop a bio-based epoxy resin system from orange peels - a residual material from the production of juice and jam.

© SKZ – Weiterbildungs-Zentrum

Fraunhofer IMWS ranked among Germany’s most innovative companies

The Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS in Halle (Saale) has been awarded as one of "Germany's most innovative companies" for the fourth time in a row. The Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP is also represented with the highest rating in this ranking.

© Fraunhofer IMWS / Michael Deutsch

Robust sensor for harsh environmental conditions

Sensors that function reliably even at extremely high temperatures or in corrosive environments are in demand, for example, for use in energy technology, such as geothermal or turbine applications, or in chemical technology. In a new joint project, the Fraunhofer IMWS is contributing its expertise in materials analysis and has developed new possibilities for materials characterization in the high-temperature range.

© Fraunhofer IMS

Prof. Dr. Erica Lilleodden is new director of the Fraunhofer IMWS

Materials scientist Prof. Dr. Erica Lilleodden has been appointed as director of the Fraunhofer IMWS. She takes over this post from Prof. Dr. Matthias Petzold, who had successfully led the institute on an interim basis since October 2019.

© Fraunhofer IMWS

Efficient lightweight sandwich technology for climate-friendly logistics systems

In a new project, the Fraunhofer IMWS is pursuing the goal of optimizing large load carriers. By using thermoplastic-based sandwich constructions, they can combine low dead weight, high stability, flexible design and a CO2-saving life cycle.

© Fraunhofer IMWS

Extension building of Fraunhofer PAZ opened

With new facilities for thermoplastic-based lightweight construction, sustainable tire applications, and digital component development and production processes in plastics processing, the polymer processing area at the Fraunhofer PAZ in Schkopau has been expanded. A total of a good 11 million euros was invested.

© Fraunhofer IMWS