Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI

The Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI specializes in process technology, natural-fiber composites, wood protection and emission control, quality assurance of wood products, recycling procedures and the use of organic building materials and wood in construction. Almost all the procedures and materials which result from the research activities at the Institute are used industrially. We operate worldwide and work project-related with research institutions and industrial partners, e. g. with companies from the wood and furniture industries, the construction industry, the chemical and the automotive industry.

Outstanding developments and services of the Fraunhofer WKI were and are:

• The development of innovative materials from chips and fibers
• Natural-fiber composite plastics and further innovative hybrid materials
• Environmentally-friendly and durable painting systems for furniture construction and exterior wood application
• Building products, wood constructions and holistic concepts for the production of light and environmentally-compatible buildings
• Process solutions for the recycling of production and post-consumer waste with the aim of achieving the highest possible level of reutilization
• The testing and reduction of formaldehyde emissions from wood-based materials and furniture
• The analysis of emissions from building materials and the reduction of VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) and odorous substances
• The testing and improvement of the properties of wood products through non-destructive methods such as thermography, ultrasound or magnetic resonance

Technology for Wood and Natural Fiber-Based Materials

Composite materials made from wood and other lignocellulose-containing materials have a unique character: They are environmentally-friendly and extremely functional. In the ”Technology for Wood and Natural Fiber-Based Materials” department, we address the development of composite materials, the recycling of waste wood and biocomposites (WPC) as well as image-processing procedures for process and quality control. The spectrum of our material developments encompasses classical wood-based materials (particle, fiber and insulation boards, OSB, plywood, LVL) through hybrid materials and on to biocomposites, 3D molded parts and composite materials.

Contact:

Fraunhofer-Institut für Holzforschung Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI
Bienroder Weg 54E
38108 Braunschweig
Dr. Arne Schirp
E-Mail: arne.schirp@wki.fraunhofer.de
More information: https://www.wki.fraunhofer.de/en.html

Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT

Fraunhofer UMSICHT develops applied and custom-made solutions in the fields of environmental and process engineering, material and energy technology. Assuming a leading position Fraunhofer UMSICHT is committed to sustainable development, environmentally friendly technologies and innovative approaches designed to improve the standard of living and to promote the economies innovative capacity.

Fraunhofer UMSICHT is your competent partner in all phases of development and market introduction of bio-based materials. Based on our long-term scientific experience we create innovations: from the first project idea over the joint discussion of product requirements, the production of material samples to practical application tests.

Services

The department “Bio-based Plastics” is focused on polymer chemistry, material development, plastics processing, applications, and industrial scale-up of novel bioplastics. This topic comprises plastics derived from biomass as well as biodegradable plastics. Our equipment covers laboratory and testing facilities, kneaders and laboratory compounding extruders, and industrial plastics processing lines (e.g. compounding, extrusion, injection moulding). Additionally we assess products and value chains with respect to their sustainability.

R+D Portfolio

• Development of new bio-based monomers and plastics
• Material and product development
• Plastics processing development
• Small scale and pilot series manufacturing of plastics compounds and products
• Polymer analyses and material testing
• Certified testing of biodegradability of substances, materials and residues
• Market and feasibility studies, technological assessments
• Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), Carbon Footprint

Contact:

Fraunhofer-Institut für Umwelt-, Sicherheits- und Energietechnik UMSICHT
Osterfelder Straße 3
46047 Oberhausen
Tel.: +49 (0) 208 – 8598 – 1227
Fax: +49 (0) 208 – 8598 – 1424
Dr. Stephan Kabasci
E-mail: stephan.kabasci@umsicht.fraunhofer.de
More information: http://www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de