Introducing The Fraunhofer IFAM

Introducing FOREST consortium member - The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM) plays a crucial role in technological progress, providing valuable expertise to research and industry in materials development, materials science, additive manufacturing, and production processes.

Fraunhofer IFAM's contributions as a beneficiary extend to the synthesis of polymers, processing, testing, validation and design of research results. These efforts are framed within the contexts of sustainability, energy efficiency, and Industry 4.0.

Role in the project

In the FOREST project, IFAM supports the entire value chain involved in developing innovative components.

A key focus is on formulating biobenzoxazine resins at the laboratory scale. This process involves synthesizing new polymers with the highest possible proportion of renewable raw materials. These polymers are continuously tested and the formulations are adapted to the desired property profile. IFAm also develops conceptual manufacturing processes and processing conditions for fibre composites using new and commercial polybenzoxazines.

The aim is to reduce the need for auxiliary materials and cycle times while enhancing sustainability and cost-effectiveness. The company systematically assess the raw and auxiliary materials used, evaluates recyclability, and develops recycling concepts for thermoset composites. All of the work is geared towards the sustainability of the results and consolidation of post-project exploitation.