Resource preservation

Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM

© Fraunhofer IWM

Preserving resources is a key factor in the development of new technologies - and a challenge for the whole of society. Lightweight designs help to reduce energy consumption while renewable raw materials can reduce material costs. The challenge is to maintain or improve functionality while ideally integrating all aspects of safety. We analyze where the performance limits of materials and systems lie and develop substitute material solutions:

Integrated function, lightweight construction

An analytical investigation of material properties provides the basis for a material-specific design. The subsequent material substitution and the inclusion of certain functions can have economic as well as ecological benefits. This could lead to freer design-oriented forming of wood-plastic-compounds in the form of hollow chamber profiles with media ducts (e.g. for light and electricity) for use in the furniture and construction industries or the integration of electrical components in the load-bearing plastic frames of a solar module. Our researchers in the field of polymer compounds design lightweight components for real applications and loads, select the appropriate manufacturing technology and check the components after a prototype has been made.

Optimum lightweight structures made of polymers reinforced with natural fibers. (PDF)

Find out more about this topic here.

to top

Determining the microstructure of the surface of human teeth

The human tooth is subject to a variety of loads and stresses within the mouth - from acid attacks when eating to abrasive materials when the teeth are cleaned. We develop tests with which to evaluate the effectiveness of dental and oral hygiene products and use materials science analysis processes to determine the structural, morphological, chemical, deformation and strength characteristics. Investigations cover, among other topics, the interaction between dental hygiene products containing fluoride with enamel and dentin or the effects of erosion-resistant dental hygiene products.

Evaluation of dental hygiene products that inhibit erosive enamel mineral losses. (PDF)

Find out more about this topic here.

to top