Thermoplastic material systems are processed by injection molding at Fraunhofer ICT using state-of-the-art, high-volume plant technology. The focus is on the processing of high-performance plastics, and on hybridization technologies as well as thermoplastic foam injection molding (TSG) and the processing of long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (LFT).
In TSG processes, the polymer melt is loaded with a blowing agent, which causes the molding compound to foam inside the cavity after the injection process. Together with our partners, we develop material compositions and processes for foamed components using both chemical and physical (MuCell®) blowing agents.
Combining compounding and molding into one process opens new, innovative possibilities for plastics processors to improve the mechanical properties of components while simultaneously saving energy and material costs. By incorporating reinforcing fibers into the injection molding process, LFT materials can be processed in a direct process (LFT-D), which means that longer fiber lengths can be achieved than with a conventional granulate-based injection molding process.
In close cooperation with the research group for material development and compounding technologies, thermoplastic material systems are also developed, processed, and characterized. In addition to high-performance thermoplastics, emphasis is placed on sustainable, bio-based thermoplastics and recyclates.