Reference projects

Super sustainable and super functional: Fungal mycelium is a game changer in biomaterial development and a key research topic at the Fraunhofer WKI. With the “LuminousNetworks” project, we want to bring the fascinating possibilities of fungal mycelium-based materials to the attention of a broad public. Artist Malte Taffner uses our technological know-how to create sculptures from wood scraps and living mycelium. In his artistic exploration, Malte Taffner combines technical research innovations with current social issues. The aim of the project is to exhibit the art installation with a complementary program of workshops and panel discussions, as well as a video documentary.

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is widely used in furniture construction. It has a very homogeneous surface that can be coated particularly smoothly. Furthermore, it can be produced economically and sustainably from regionally available wood and recycled waste wood. As a result, it also plays a major role in the construction industry - for example as a substrate for floor coverings or wall panels. Through this research project, we are aiming to make MDF and similar fiberboards even more sustainable. In collaboration with industrial partners, we are developing a formaldehyde-free adhesive system with bio-based materials that are available on the market at low cost. The special highlight: The new adhesive system functions without conventional adhesives.

Buildings, vehicles, electronics and Co.: In many areas, more stringent fire-protection requirements apply. Sustainable biomaterials can fulfill these requirements with, among other things, the help of flame retardants. These are currently predominantly produced from petroleum-based, mineral and other finite raw materials. In collaboration with the Fraunhofer IAP, we are developing and testing flame retardants using a plant-based raw material that accrues in large quantities as a by-product in industry: corn steep liquor. The phytic acid contained therein is to be made usable as a flame-retardant active substance. Using a wood-plastic composite (WPC) as an example, we are able to demonstrate the application potential and flame-retardant properties. The aim is the development of an economical production process for the flame retardant on a technical scale. The project provides a contribution towards improving the competitiveness of bio-based flame retardants and increasing the utilization of biomaterials. As a result, we are supporting the development of a bio-based circular economy using locally available waste materials (bioeconomy).

Cross-laminated timber has established itself within the construction industry as a versatile wood product. It is used in load-bearing and non-load-bearing components such as walls, ceilings and floors. In collaboration with researchers from the TU Braunschweig and industrial partners, we are developing cross-laminated timber with very good fire and environmental properties. We intend to achieve this through the development of bio-based flame retardants using residues from agriculture and wood processing. These are to be incorporated into adhesive systems and coatings for cross-laminated timber elements. The project results should enable an improved exploitation of the market potential of cross-laminated timber in timber construction for medium- and high-rise buildings.

Lightweight vehicles and construction materials are particularly energy efficient. With the goal of achieving the lowest possible weight combined with good thermal insulation, composite materials are often used that can only be recycled to a very limited extent, if at all. In addition, they are usually comprised of petrochemical or other finite raw materials. In collaboration with industrial partners, we are developing a resource- and climate-friendly solution: recyclable lightweight-construction materials on the basis of renewable raw materials with individual forming possibilities. The special feature: the integration of a functional layer should enable the production of heatable furniture and interior components with a lighting function. The application and market potential is very high throughout all sectors.

Furniture must fulfill diverse requirements. It should be affordable, stable, easy to move house with, aesthetically pleasing and, ideally, flexible in its design. As a result, it often consists of a number of components and materials. With sustainability in mind, the recyclability of furniture is increasingly becoming the focus of attention. The decisive factor here is that the utilized materials can be fully separated by type. In collaboration with the design company Studio Jonathan Radetz, we are developing a furniture system that is comprised of just two materials, each with excellent recyclability: tubular steel and natural-fiber textiles. Thanks to an innovative construction principle and ultra-modern weaving technology, these materials are being used to create furniture and design elements that can be easily dismantled, converted, transported, and recycled to a high standard. We are demonstrating the feasibility of this by means of seating elements for semi-public spaces.

How can road reconstructions be planned more economically and with fewer traffic disruptions? The point in time at which an asphalt road fails depends on the structural condition of the asphalt base layer. Inspections are currently only possible on a random basis via core analysis and cause additional damage to the road. In collaboration with research and industry partners, we are developing a solution: an intelligent measuring system that allows the condition of the asphalt base layer to be monitored continuously, comprehensively and non-destructively. The basis for the measuring system is a sensor fabric in the asphalt. At the Fraunhofer WKI, we are developing suitable fabric constructions on the basis of natural fibers as well as a process for the gentle integration of the electrically conductive sensor material into the fabric.

How can particularly sustainable thermal insulation materials be produced for buildings? With fungi! In collaboration with the Braunschweig-based start-up “YcoLabs”, we are using the organic growth of fungal mycelium as a natural binder in order to process plant residues such as hemp hurds, wood shavings or elephant-grass fibers into insulation materials. One particular advantage: The insulation materials can be allowed to grow into virtually any shape and size. This makes them very versatile. In order to demonstrate the performance capabilities of the fungal insulation materials, we are producing prototypes for an application example and testing them in a real operational environment. In subsequent pilot projects with the construction industry, we aim to further develop the insulation materials into a variety of marketable products. In this way, we are providing a contribution towards an increase in the proportion of renewable raw materials in buildings and, consequently, towards achieving climate- and environmental-protection targets.

Heat, drought, storms, bark beetles: In the Harz National Park, climate change is leading to widespread forest damage. Reforestation will take decades. This has a significant impact on the timber and forestry industry, tourism and, consequently, the well-being of the regional population. In collaboration with research and regional partners, we are developing various scenarios for reforestation and are predicting their ecosystem services as well as their socio-economic effects above and beyond this. One approach involves replacing the dead spruce stands with more climate-resistant deciduous tree species. At the Fraunhofer WKI, we are investigating the achievable wood quality and yield as well as the suitability of the wood for the production of wood-based materials.

Every year, tons of waste wood accrue during the construction and demolition of buildings. A large proportion of this stems from structural timber components - for example roof trusses, ceiling beams or timber frameworks. At present, most of this high-quality waste wood is directly burned in order to generate energy. The aim of this joint project under the leadership of the Technische Universität Braunschweig is therefore to find a holistic, economical solution for the utilization of structural waste wood in the re-production of load-bearing timber-construction elements. At the Fraunhofer WKI, we are developing a portable analysis device for this purpose, which is intended to enable the minimally destructive in-situ examination of installed wood with regard to possible pollutant contamination - with a particular focus on wood preservatives. The project not only provides a contribution towards ensuring that more waste wood can be reused as a high-quality material in the future, but also supports the development of a sustainable, bio-based circular economy.