Competencies in the Division Materials

We want to use plastics from a sustainable mix of resources to develop functional and long-lasting materials and close material cycles. Formulations for polymers and compounds will themselves be based on circular principles. New additive systems will provide for stable recyclates, multiple recycling loops, and – where necessary – controlled degradation in the environment.

At the beginning of the plastics value added chain, there is the polymer, a chemical substance consisting of macromolecules. Synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers are the main components in the production of plastics. We are researching new polymer syntheses and processing methods to obtain recyclable and degradable materials based on renewable raw materials.

Our offer to you:

• We further develop existing synthesis techniques
• We transform the chain architecture of known polymers
  accoringly.
• We work on innovative processing technologies to develop self-reinforced one-component materials.

A particular focus of our research activities lies on the aging and degradation behavior of plastics. The various life-cycle phases and environmental influences are simulated under realistic conditions using test stands. For example, certain parameters such as temperature, UV light, oxygen, and moisture provide important information in order to control the desired degradation behavior in a targeted manner.

We want to optimize the functionality and service life of conventional and bio-based polymers. Additives play a crucial role in this. They are added to the products as additives in order to ensure gentle and safe processing and to enable long-term properties. What“s more, the properties of plastics are specifically adjusted to suit the application.

Our offer to you:

• We develop precisely tailored additives and compositions that enable the polymers to be used for long periods, to be recycled optimally, or to be biodegradable in a targeted manner.
• We examine whether and to what extent additive systems made from renewable raw materials can be used.
• We develop new bio-based additive systems that allow – where necessary – controlled degradation in the environment.

To this end, we are investigating what previous damage and impurities can be found in plastic waste that has been generated through private or commercial use, and how new products can nevertheless result from this. These types of plastics are known as “post-consumer recycled plastic”. We are working both on polymers based on fossil raw materials and on bio-based polymers that we modify or develop.