One of our main tasks within this project is the material development of the composite materials. We develop differently composed organic sheets, manufacture them and then determine their mechanical characteristic values. The project partners Fraunhofer IWU and TU Braunschweig use these material characteristic values in order to simulate the behavior of differing organic sheets under loading conditions. On the basis of the simulation results, we subsequently produce the most suitable organic sheet composition for the final determination of the characteristic values as well as for the subsequent design and production of the battery container. In addition to conventional high-performance fibers such as carbon fibers, natural fibers are also being used as reinforcing components within the scope of this project. Furthermore, bio-based materials are being utilized in the area of the matrix.
Above and beyond the aspect of material development, we are also addressing the recycling potential of the component within the scope of this project. We develop recycling concepts not only for the complete component but also for the residual materials which are accrued during the process. These are all subsequently examined regarding their serial product application possibilities. The particular challenge hereby lies in the combination of many different materials, most of which cannot be homogeneously separated. In addition to mechanical recycling, pyrolysis or chemical approaches are also possible procedure choices.
The overall objective of the project is the achievement of a mass reduction of 20 percent compared to the latest state of technology, without thereby neglecting the sustainability of the utilized materials and, if possible, even optimizing it.
Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research 