Online seminars

Stand-up paddleboards fulfil high requirements with regard to mechanical strength in combination with resistance to moisture, salt water and UV radiation. Up until now, they have been primarily produced using petroleum-based plastics in combination with glass- and carbon-fiber fabrics. We have developed an ecological alternative: a lightweight, durable sandwich material made from renewable raw materials. To demonstrate the material's performance, we used it to manufacture an ecological stand-up paddleboard (“ecoSUP”). In the future, the new bio-composite material could be utilized not only in other watersports equipment but also in the construction of buildings, cars, ships and trains. In the webinar, we will present the new material and possible applications.

How does climate change affect air quality in buildings? Researchers at the Fraunhofer WKI and Fraunhofer IBP have developed a comprehensive mathematical model on behalf of the Umweltbundesamt (German Environment Agency) that can be used to predict the development of indoor climate. In this webinar, you will learn more about the model and the predictions up to the year 2100.

Nachholtermin

Containers made of polypropylene (PP) are used en masse, among other things as transport boxes for food, mail or clothing, as small load carriers in the automotive industry and as storage boxes. Together with an industrial partner, we have found a way to manufacture the containers in a more material-efficient way and at the same time improve their durability. Other components could also be produced more sustainably and economically with the new material – for example impact-resistant exterior components for the automotive industry. In the webinar, we will present the new material and possible areas of application.

How can prefabricated houses be built even more efficiently and with even lower resource consumption? In collaboration with our project partners, we are developing switchable adhesives for the face-to-face joining of cement-bonded wood-based panels. This enables the production of low-waste continuous panels. The adhesive systems available up until now have not been suitable for this purpose as a result of their limited processing time. With switchable adhesives, the bonds can be simply produced and then released again. This not only saves material but also increases the flexibility in construction and the recyclability of the building elements. In the webinar, we will provide an insight into the research results to date.

In a research project with HOBUM Oleochemicals, Porsche Motorsport and the Four Motors racing team, we are developing lightweight components made from natural fiber-reinforced plastics for vehicle bodies. They are a sustainable, cost-neutral alternative to conventional body materials and offer technical advantages. In the webinar, we present the interim results of the project.

In a research project with HOBUM Oleochemicals, Porsche Motorsport and the Four Motors racing team, we are developing lightweight components made from natural fiber-reinforced plastics for vehicle bodies. They are a sustainable, cost-neutral alternative to conventional body materials and offer technical advantages. In the webinar, we present the interim results of the project.

Substitute date

In a current research project, we investigate and optimize the long-term behavior of wood hybrid systems, thereby laying the foundation for their use in the construction industry. Our main goal is to significantly increase the use of wood in building construction. In the webinar, we present the interim results of the project.

During German sugar production, large quantities of sugar beet pulp are produced as a by-product. Can composite materials be created from this? This question was examined by the Fraunhofer Institutes WKI and UMSICHT in a joint research project with partners from industry and agriculture. The results of the project will be presented during the webinar.

Since the beginning of the worldwide COVID 19 pandemic, the demand for mobile air purifiers has increased significantly. These are now increasingly used in a wide variety of public areas such as daycare centers, schools and government offices, but also in many companies and in private environments. The aim of air purification is to control inhalation exposure. At Fraunhofer WKI, we investigate air purification technologies and test regarding their efficiency in terms of filtering or inactivating viruses, health-critical gaseous compounds such as formaldehyde and other air. This webinar provides an overview of common air purification technologies, current approaches to efficiency testing, and use in real indoor environments.

Climate change presents major challenges for the forestry sector. In particular, the supply of high-quality softwood is becoming increasingly problematic. In the “FutureWood” project, we are investigating the raw material quality produced by differing silvicultural systems, taking into account the climatic and ecological aspects. We are applying the gained knowledge in the conception of optimized silvicultural systems and manufacturing procedures for the forestry and timber industries in order to safeguard the sustainable production of high-quality coniferous-wood products. In the webinar, we will provide an insight into the research results to date.