Pilot-Scale Polymer Processing, Recycling, Fiber Spinning & Advanced Materials Development
Fraunhofer IAP provides industrial partners with access to advanced laboratory and pilot-scale infrastructure for polymer processing, sustainable materials development, fiber manufacturing and recycling technologies.
Our facilities in Potsdam, Germany, support the entire development chain, from raw material characterization and polymer formulation to process optimization, pilot-scale production and material performance evaluation.
Core capabilities and infrastructure:
- Polymer Processing & Compounding
Development and modification of thermoplastic and biobased polymers
Polymer compounding, extrusion and reactive processing
High-viscosity processing using specialized kneader and extrusion systems, including LIST technology (up to approximately 40 kg/h, process-dependent)
Processing and optimization of recycled polymers and sustainable polymer blends
Process development and scale-up from laboratory to pilot scale
- Fiber Spinning & Textile Technologies
Melt spinning of thermoplastic polymers including PET, PA, PP, PLA and PBS
Wet spinning and dry-jet wet spinning of polymer and cellulose solutions
Lyocell and viscose process development for regenerated cellulose fibers
Production of continuous filament yarns and staple fibers
Fiber functionalization, process optimization and textile-mechanical characterization
- Recycling & Circular Materials
Mechanical and solvent-based recycling approaches for polymers and textiles
Processing and upgrading of recycled feedstocks
Evaluation of recycled polymers for high-performance applications
Development of circular processing routes for sustainable products
- Carbon Fiber Precursor & Carbonization Technologies
Development of PAN-based and biobased carbon fiber precursors
Precursor spinning and optimization
Laboratory-scale stabilization and carbonization
Fiber characterization and evaluation of processing–structure–property relationships
- Polymer Membranes & Functional Materials
Development of functional polymer materials and membrane structures
Solution processing and phase inversion technologies
Hollow fiber membrane development
Characterization of morphology, porosity and material performance
Collaboration opportunities
We offer feasibility studies, contract research, process development, material screening, pilot-scale trials and collaborative R&D projects.
Industrial partners can provide their own polymers, recycled feedstocks or renewable raw materials. Our scientific and engineering teams support experimental planning, processing, characterization and technical evaluation.
Access to equipment is organized through jointly defined research and development projects, subject to technical feasibility and facility availability.
Location: Fraunhofer IAP, Potsdam, Germany
Contact: Division Polymer Processing | Department Fiber Technologies
About Fraunhofer Institute
Fraunhofer is a large, multi-site applied research organization based in Germany, operating a nationwide network of institutes and research units with a strong industry-facing mission. Its contract-research model aligns work to real manufacturing and deployment needs, with pilot lines, test labs, and demonstration facilities for validation and scale-up. Many institutes are integrated with nearby universities and regional industry clusters, enabling joint appointments, shared infrastructure, and fast talent pipelines. Research is supported by competitive European programs alongside German federal and state funding, complemented by extensive contract revenue from private-sector collaborations. A dedicated technology transfer function manages IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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