Foam Technologies at Fraunhofer ICT

The foam technologies group at Fraunhofer ICT conducts research on the efficient production of innovative foamed thermoplastics with customised properties, which are used in transport packaging, thermal insulation in buildings and the automotive sector, among others. Traditional as well as bio-based and technical polymers are being investigated. In addition to material development, the optimisation and redesign of manufacturing processes also plays a central role - be it in the production of semi-finished products using the direct extrusion process, particle foaming by means of extrusion with underwater pelletising or in the autoclave process. Current research topics include the use of renewable raw materials and recyclates in polymer compounds as well as the targeted use of functional additives to improve mechanical properties, temperature resistance and environmentally friendly flame retardancy.