Research projects

Granulate materials, source: IfBB
Source: IfBB

The goal of the joint project "KaVe" (coffee substitute composite material) is to develop a high-quality bio-based composite material based on coffee grounds. Coffee grounds are used primarily as fillers and colouring agents, thereby substituting fossil-based polymers and colour additives and thus saving considerable amounts of unsaturated hydrocarbon compounds from petroleum and partly from coal and natural gas.

Plastics technology centre IfBB/Hofzet, Source: IfBB
Source: IfBB

The IfBB at Hanover University of Applied Sciences is developing new biopolymer materials in close collaboration with the Application Center for Wood Fiber Research HOFZET (Fraunhofer WKI) and offers a wide range of processing and testing methods in the field of bioplastics and hybrid (bio) fibre composite materials.

Source: abc GmbH
Source: abc GmbH

In many areas, agricultural, cellulose-containing residues in the form of residual raw material are extensively exploited for energy by firing or biologically as fodder. While electricity, heat and power are being generated that way, at the same time material values, i.e. raw materials are destroyed. This not only leads to increased air pollution and reduced quality, but it also prevents the return of such residues into the economic cycle as high-quality products (upcycling). The aim of this project is to create opportunities to redirect residue flows in such a way that they are processed into sustainable and high-quality biocomposite materials in order to make them available to the energy sector as needed.

Seagrass meadows are important marine ecosystems, which ensures coastal protection e.g. by wave reduction and sediment stabilisation. Nevertheless, they are highly endangered and are threatened by decline.Restoration efforts are inherently difficult as the absence of seagrass leads to enhanced hydrodynamic energy and turbidity levels, which restrict seagrass growth.

Source: edm aerotec

The aim of the project is to significantly increase the use of sustainable materials in aerospace engineering in accordance with the overall objective to promote eco-friendly aviation.