Circular and Bio-based Plastics

Schneckenelemente Doppelschneckenextruder Kunststofftechnikum Willich

We develop recyclable, bio-based plastics that offer performance just as good as fossil-based alternatives in films, fibers, filaments, injection-molded parts and many other formats – and often even outperform them. From polymerization and formulation and material development to processing and recycling, we cover the entire value chain and underpin every step with comprehensive material characterization.

Thanks to our decades of expertise, we precisely tailor the property profile of each material to the respective application and ensure that our plastics can be processed on conventional machines without additional conversion. We never lose sight of the economic aspect: we consistently focus on affordable raw material availability, easy processing and efficient recycling of single-type materials. If required, we can provide sample batches on an industrial scale to enable new products to be brought to market quickly.

Polymer technology

For many years, we have been involved in the development and synthesis of polymer materials and tailor-made additive systems based on renewable raw materials. The focus is on chemically modified biopolymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), which we optimize as functional additives for plastics, adhesives and lubricants. In order to reliably assess their performance, we investigate both the degradation mechanisms under practical conditions and the structure-property relationships with a particular focus on morphology and crystallization behavior.

In addition to process and degradation studies, we have in-depth expertise in polymer analytical characterization. Thermal analyses (DSC, TGA, TG-IR), spectroscopic methods (FT-IR, Raman, NMR) and chromatographic techniques (GPC/SEC) are supplemented by rheological measurements using capillary viscometry, titration analysis for functional group determination and specialized residue analysis of plastic-containing waste.

In addition to this core areas of expertise in polymer technology, we are involved in interdisciplinary projects in cultural heritage research and monument preservation. We use non-destructive testing methods to evaluate high-quality surfaces without damaging the original substance.

Plastics development

We research and optimize biopolymers and recyclates through blending, targeted additives and fiber reinforcement. Another focus is reactive extrusion, particularly for melt compatibilization—a key technology for novel bio-based thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV). In addition, we have extensive experience with film materials, biodegradable polymers and natural fiber-reinforced plastics. As part of aging and soil contact studies, we analyze the long-term behavior of compostable materials. With our expertise, we support partners directly on site in the introduction of new plastic systems, ensure smooth production processes, and thus contribute to the long-term satisfaction of processors and their customers.

Sample production and materials testing technology

The development of new materials does not end in the laboratory, but in industrial practice. In our technically well-equipped compounding technical center at the Willich location, laboratory formulations are scaled up under real production conditions. Twin-screw extruders, variable dosing systems, melt filters and pelletizing systems on a pilot to industrial scale enable the production of sample batches for further testing and small series. An affiliated testing laboratory provides all relevant mechanical, thermal and rheological characteristics, thus ensuring product quality from the first test to market-ready application.

 

Information material of the department Circular and Bio-based Plastics | At the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT we research and develop bio-based and biodegradable plastics | Reference projects of the department Circular and Bio-based Plastics

Information material of the department Circular and Bio-based Plastics

You will find the complete press releases at the respective links marked (press release).

 

Bio-based plastics

We develop bio-based polymer materials for a wide range of plastics processing applications. Through targeted blending, the use of functional additives, and fiber reinforcement, we tailor the materials to specific requirement profiles.

 

Biocomposites

The properties of bio-based materials can be optimized through fiber reinforcement, thereby opening up new fields of application. We support the entire processing process, from raw material pretreatment to the manufacture of the final product and offer comprehensive testing and market analyses.

 

Foamed bioplastics

For foamable compounds, we combine blends, targeted additives, and reactive extrusion based on various bio-based raw materials. This allows the material properties to be precisely adapted to the respective foaming process and the intended application.

 

Material testing

We offer a broad portfolio of analytical services that specifically support modern processing methods and innovative materials. Thanks to our many years of expertise in material characterization and plastics technology, we can evaluate measurement results in a well-founded manner and immediately translate them into practical recommendations for action.

 

Degradation behavior of plastics

We analyze the behavior of biodegradable plastics across all life cycle phases and under a wide range of environmental conditions. To this end, we conduct practical degradation and aging studies and record the resulting physical and chemical changes in detail.

 

Plastics analysis

Complex issues require precise analysis that goes beyond routine procedures.
We are your partner for accurate plastics analysis: from polymer synthesis
and compounding to films and injection molding. We create transparency,
reduce risks, and accelerate your development.

Building renovation and monument preservation

Fraunhofer UMSICHT provides comprehensive advice on monument preservation and building renovation. We prepare risk assessments for contaminated building materials and carry out pollutant analyses. The project-specific recommendations derived from these assessments support owners, planners and restorers in the long-term preservation of art and cultural assets.

Bio-based components for adhesives

Adhesives are found in almost all areas of everyday life. Fraunhofer UMSICHT develops bio-based backbone and base polymers, monomers and additives that are suitable for pressure-sensitive, hot-melt, and dispersion adhesives, thus contributing to more resource-efficient adhesive production.

 

Intermediates from industrial spent coffee grounds

We are developing new concepts for the use of coffee grounds from coffee production. Our aim is to obtain high-quality intermediate products for the plastics and paper industry. Using innovative process technologies, we isolate valuable components such as glycerin and fatty acids, thereby promoting resource-saving solutions within the bioeconomy.

At the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT we research and develop bio-based and biodegradable plastics

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Reference projects of the department Circular and Bio-based Plastics

 

AddiTex

Plastics for textile applications

Textile surfaces can be combined with additively manufactured 3D structures to increase both functionality and design flexibility. Specially developed plastic compounds open up new applications in protective and functional clothing, increase the competitiveness of textile companies and at the same time contribute to lower resource consumption.

 

BioPSA

Bio-based pressure-sensitive adhesives

The demand for adhesive products based on renewable raw materials is increasing. As part of "BioPSA," the basic formulations of bio-based hot melt adhesives were further developed and adapted to different areas of application. The new bio-adhesives show promising adhesive properties and offer innovative solutions for the adhesive industry.

 

Bioshoreline

Biodegradable geotextiles for bank protection

In the "Bioshoreline" research project, a geotextile filter made from renewable raw materials was developed for use in technical-biological bank protection on waterways. The combination of fast and slow biodegradable fibers meets the requirements for stability and degradability.

 

iMulch

Plastics in soils

The effects of polyethylene mulch films and biodegradable alternatives on the soil ecosystem and wastewater treatment were investigated, and methods for detecting microplastics and macroplastics were developed. For this purpose, a test rig for the artificial aging of agricultural films and a laboratory wastewater treatment plant were constructed.

 

InKa

Intermediates from industrial spent coffee grouds

The production of instant coffee generates wet coffee grounds, which until now have been used almost exclusively for energy production. The "InKa" project has developed and systematically evaluated alternative concepts for the material recycling of coffee grounds from the catering and commercial sectors.

 

PHAt

Bio-based components for lubricants

With the development of natural thickeners and binders based on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), new bio-based and biodegradable raw materials are to be used in lubricants in the future, protecting particularly environmentally sensitive areas from conventional non-degradable lubricants.

 

RePlaFlax

Agricultural waste as reinforcement material

The RePlaFlax project aimed to use flax straw from linseed oil production as a reinforcement in recycled and bioplastics to improve material properties. The challenge was to optimize the adhesion between the plastic matrix and the flax straw, which consists mainly of wood-like shives.

 

 

 

TechPLAstic

New applications for bio-based plastics

The project consortium, comprising industry and Research partners, developed a flame-retardant PLA compound to replace conventional plastics such as ABS and PC in technical injection-molded components. The material weaknesses of PLA were optimized to achieve high temperature resistance..