Joint booth of the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft (hall 7, level 0, booth C05)
At the joint booth of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (hall 7, level 0, booth C05) we will be represented with several exhibits: biodegradable films based on apple pomace, agricultural films with nutrients, concepts for a transformation to a sustainable textile economy, environmentally friendly flame retardants and electrically conductive polymers for hydrogen applications and heating components.
The exhibit “A Matter of Fruit” demonstrates how pomace from industrial fruit processing can be used to make biodegradable films—an alternative to synthetic materials. Depending on their thickness, the films can be classified visually and in terms of their characteristics as paper, plastic, or leather and can be used in interior design as well as a substitute for leather.
A research team from Fraunhofer UMSICHT has now developed a biodegradable mulch film with humic substances that further optimizes vegetable cultivation. The nutrients contained in the mulch film are absorbed into the soil together with the film at the end of the growing season.
In the project "Bio-Phy-FR" project, the researchers developed a bio-based flame retardant based on phytic acid for products in the textile and plastics processing industry. FRs used so far are increasingly being withdrawn from the market due to their toxicologically and ecologically problematic properties.
A transformation towards a circular textile industry requires cooperation between industry, science and society. This is where the "KlarTEXt" project comes in, developing measures for a socially and ecologically sustainable textile industry and bringing all stakeholders together. The "Digital Textile Stakeholder Map" at the K trade fair shows how this networking can be activated.
Another focus of the trade fair presentation is on thermally and electrically conductive polymers: UMSICHT researchers can produce ultra-thin composite biopolar sheets cost-effectively using a patented, continuous powder-to-roll process. These thermoplastic-based films can form the basis of innovative stack designs for electrolysers and fuel cells. In addition to the bipolar plates themselves, a seal-free PEM electrolysis stack and seal-free PEM fuel cells will also be on display at the K trade fair.
The polymer films produced in a powder-to-roll process can also be used in heating applications: In the "Power2Heat Compounds" project, resource-saving, cost-efficient and fail-safe surface heating elements are being created that can be used for a wide range of applications thanks to their adjustable flexibility and rigidity.
Does that sound interesting? Then make an appointment directly with our colleagues at the K trade fair please contact Dr. Joachim Danzig: Phone +49 208 8598-1145 | E-Mail.
Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT