Beside the synthesis of polymers from biogenic raw materials, the Fraunhofer ICT is researching the fabrication of biocomposites from natural fibres and polymers based on renewable ressources. Lignin, for example, has a broad range of potential applications within this material class. Further work is also focussed on the processing of thermoplastic biopolymers and natural fibres, using the LFT-D-ILC process. Cellulose-based fibres and polylactide are just two examples of the as yet untapped potential of biocomposite components in a wide variety of technical applications where fibre composites made from fossil-based raw materials have previously been used.

Prototype component made from biocomposites