Research projects
In the area of research projects we work on R&D-problems which need more effort and take longer and approaches to solve these will lead to products eventually. On the other hand, we are working on fundamental issues in our field to be prepared for the applied research questions of the future, so we then can provide fast and reliable solutions. Have a closer look at our research topics.Polymer blends
Polymer blends are found in different applications and are not always obvious to recognize. We deal with different structure-property-processing-relationships, e.g. pvT-effects in processing PC-ABS or properties of blends typical for recycling and the issues with compatibilisation there.
Fillers and reinforcements in polymers
To modify the property profiles of thermoplastics (and also thermosets) different fillers and reinforcements are applied. We work on the questions with which filler and which modification what property profile can be reached. Also we deal with the influence of processing, which is especially prominent in the case of fibre reinforcement, to also investigate the structure- property-processing-relationships.Recycling of plastics
Plastics are an integral part of our everyday lives, may it be in electronics like smart phones, as highly efficient packaging materials or in building applications. Many of these materials are already recycled, but there is room for improvement. We work on solutions for post-industrials as well as post-consumer materials streams and have also characterised many materials in regard to their in-house recyclability.
Fibre reinforced plastics
Composites are still a future development topic, because the approach to lightweight construction is a beneficial approach in areas like transport, automotive, aerospace or mechanical engineering and it is definitely not used to its full potential yet. We work on different projects in regard to processing of composites and alternative applications, but also on materials topics like laminated composites with thermoplastic matrix.Bioplastics
Bioplastics are already used in the packaging industry or in agriculture and show an interesting possibility to make the future of plastics more sustainable. These materials can be biodegradable and thus reduce the accumulation of microplastics in the environment. Also bio-based plastics are in use, which are independent of fossil resources and therefore have a reduced CO2 footprint. At TCKT we are investigating new possibilities to modify bioplastics and find new areas of application for these materials.
