{"id":5185,"date":"2023-08-18T15:33:36","date_gmt":"2023-08-18T13:33:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/research\/guiding-themes\/"},"modified":"2025-09-19T09:07:17","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T07:07:17","slug":"key-research-areas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/research\/key-research-areas\/","title":{"rendered":"Key research areas"},"content":{"rendered":"<style type=\"text\/css\">\n    #page-headers-block_1a0aac660bb501c2d85baa7a13397d02  {\n        --gradientbackground: #00af69;\n        --gradientbackground: #00af69;\n        --gradientBackgroundLight: hsl(from #00af69 h calc(s * 0.8) calc(l * 1.3));\n        --gradientBackgroundLight2: hsl(from #00af69 h s calc(l * 1.5));\n            }\n<\/style>\n<section id=\"page-headers-block_1a0aac660bb501c2d85baa7a13397d02\" class=\" hyphens-auto  mb-base  md:mb-xl \">\n                <header class=\"theGrid14 grid-rows-auto-s-s overflow-hidden relative bg-blue\">\n            <figure class=\"absolute col-span-all row-span-all w-full  opacity-40 blur-md scale-110 overflow-hidden pointer-events-none \"><img decoding=\"async\"  class=\"order-1 w-full h-full object-cover\"  src=\"https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Leitthemen-Page-Header-2-1-scaled.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Leitthemen-Page-Header-2-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Leitthemen-Page-Header-2-1-748x421.jpg 748w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Leitthemen-Page-Header-2-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Leitthemen-Page-Header-2-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Leitthemen-Page-Header-2-1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" alt=\"Leitthemen-Page-Header-2\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>            <h1 data-left class=\"py-base  col-span-12 col-start-2 row-start-1 self-end md:col-span-6 md:col-start-2 z-10\">\n                <span class=\"text-white pt-xs ikv-condensed block hyphens-none text-balance text-3xl font-bold pb-xs leading-none md:text-rigth\">\n                    Key research areas                <\/span>\n                                    <span class=\"text-white block hyphens-none text-balance font-serif text-base font-semibold md:text-rigth\">\n                        Overarching research topics of strategic importance                     <\/span>\n                            <\/h1>\n            <figure class=\" contents \"><img decoding=\"async\"  class=\"col-span-full md:col-span-6 md:row-span-3 w-full h-full object-cover z-10\"  src=\"https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Leitthemen-Page-Header-2-1-scaled.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Leitthemen-Page-Header-2-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Leitthemen-Page-Header-2-1-748x421.jpg 748w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Leitthemen-Page-Header-2-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Leitthemen-Page-Header-2-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Leitthemen-Page-Header-2-1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" alt=\"Leitthemen-Page-Header-2\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><figcaption class=\"text-white  text-figcaption col-span-9 row-span-1 row-start-3 text-right sm:col-span-8 sm:col-start-6 md:col-span-5 md:col-start-3 md:row-start-2 xl:col-span-4 xl:col-start-4 xl:row-start-2 mt-0 pb-xs md:pb-0 z-10\">Key research areas represent IKV\u2019s strategic research questions<\/figcaption><\/figure>        <\/header>\n    \n                <\/section>\n\n<section id=\"two-columns-block_62cec1bedc1b9126641df5778b4593d6\" class=\"block-two-columns blocksection \">\n    <div class=\"theGridWrapper\">\n        <div class=\"theGrid12\">\n            <div class=\"wysiwyg\n            relative\n\n            col-start-1\n            col-span-12\n\n            md:col-start-3\n            md:col-span-9\n            md:gap-8\n\n            lg:col-start-3\n            lg:col-span-8\n\n            2xl:col-start-2\n            2xl:col-span-9\n\n            2xl:gap-[7rem]\n\n            sm:columns-2\n            hyphens-auto add-versal\n            sm:after:content-['\\00A0']\n            sm:after:block\n            sm:after:h-3xl\n            \">\n                <p>Within the broad spectrum of research topics at IKV, the guiding themes &#8211; additive manufacturing, digitalisation, circular economy, and lightweight construction &#8211; hold a superior position. They represent the relevant future topics of the plastics industry and thus have equal strategic importance for the industry as well as for research and teaching at IKV.<\/p>\n<h3>Guiding themes promote strategic development at IKV<\/h3>\n<p>Numerous projects at IKV are related to one or more of the guiding themes. To bundle these research projectsnand strategically develop the guiding themes further, working groups have been established at IKV for all guiding themes.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Working groups bundle expertise and promote innovation<\/h3>\n<p>The activities of the working groups combine the expertise of employees from all scientific departments. By discussing current developments and generating new ideas and projects, the guiding themes experience content expansion, and connections to other IKV research topics become apparent. Furthermore, the working groups develop concepts, methods, and content for teaching and determine strategies for transferring scientific findings into practice.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<section id=\"toc-block_34dc16f2169f778c3c401832c9fa6e43\" class=\"   py-xl  \">\n    <div class=\"theGridWrapper \">\n        <nav class=\"theGrid12 \">\n            <div class=\"relative\n            col-start-1 col-span-12\n            md:col-start-2 md:col-span-10\n            sm:before:block sm:before:bg-blue before:h-[1px] before:w-full before:absolute before:translate-y-[1.3em] before:-z-10\">\n                <h3 class=\"font-serif text-blue text-xl font-semibold sm:text-center\">\n                    <span class=\"inline-block bg-white sm:px-base\">\n                        Key topics of IKV research                    <\/span>\n                <\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul class=\"\n            col-start-1 col-span-12\n            sm:columns-2\n            md:col-start-2 md:col-span-10\n            md:columns-3\n            lg:col-start-3 lg:col-span-8\n            gap-x-xs gap-y-0\n            \">\n                                                        <li class=\"flex gap-x-[.2em]  text-blue font-thin text-base overflow-hidden  \">\n                        <div class=\"flex-[0_0_1.2em]\">\n                            <span class=\"material-symbols-outlined \"> fiber_manual_record <\/span>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <a href='#Circular+economy' class='text-blue no-underline border-b-dashed translate-y-[.125em] block '>Circular economy<\/a>\n                    <\/li>\n                                                        <li class=\"flex gap-x-[.2em]  text-blue font-thin text-base overflow-hidden  \">\n                        <div class=\"flex-[0_0_1.2em]\">\n                            <span class=\"material-symbols-outlined \"> fiber_manual_record <\/span>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <a href='#Digitalisation' class='text-blue no-underline border-b-dashed translate-y-[.125em] block '>Digitalisation<\/a>\n                    <\/li>\n                                                        <li class=\"flex gap-x-[.2em]  text-blue font-thin text-base overflow-hidden  \">\n                        <div class=\"flex-[0_0_1.2em]\">\n                            <span class=\"material-symbols-outlined \"> fiber_manual_record <\/span>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <a href='#Lightweight+technologies' class='text-blue no-underline border-b-dashed translate-y-[.125em] block '>Lightweight technologies<\/a>\n                    <\/li>\n                                                        <li class=\"flex gap-x-[.2em]  text-blue font-thin text-base overflow-hidden  \">\n                        <div class=\"flex-[0_0_1.2em]\">\n                            <span class=\"material-symbols-outlined \"> fiber_manual_record <\/span>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <a href='#Additive+manufacturing' class='text-blue no-underline border-b-dashed translate-y-[.125em] block '>Additive manufacturing<\/a>\n                    <\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/nav>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<ul id=\"toc-menu\" class=\"flex flex-col\">\n    <!-- <li>\n        <a href=\"#toc-block_34dc16f2169f778c3c401832c9fa6e43\" class=\"no-underline\">\n            <span class=\"material-symbols-outlined\"> toc <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n    <\/li> -->\n            <li class=\"group\/toc relative  align-middle \"><a href='#Circular+economy' class='no-underline  block relative'><span class=\"material-symbols-outlined\"> fiber_manual_record <\/span><span class='none group-hover\/toc:grad-xl pointer-events-none absolute right-0 top-0 flex h-full w-[30ch] translate-x-base items-center justify-end text-balance pr-xl text-right text-base tracking-wide no-underline opacity-0 transition-all delay-0 duration-500 ease-in-out group-hover\/sidebar:pointer-events-auto group-hover\/toc:pointer-events-auto group-hover\/sidebar:-translate-x-0 group-hover\/toc:-translate-x-base group-hover\/sidebar:opacity-100 group-hover\/sidebar:delay-300 group-hover\/toc:delay-0\n    '>Circular economy<\/span><\/a><\/li>            <li class=\"group\/toc relative  align-middle \"><a href='#Digitalisation' class='no-underline  block relative'><span class=\"material-symbols-outlined\"> fiber_manual_record <\/span><span class='none group-hover\/toc:grad-xl pointer-events-none absolute right-0 top-0 flex h-full w-[30ch] translate-x-base items-center justify-end text-balance pr-xl text-right text-base tracking-wide no-underline opacity-0 transition-all delay-0 duration-500 ease-in-out group-hover\/sidebar:pointer-events-auto group-hover\/toc:pointer-events-auto group-hover\/sidebar:-translate-x-0 group-hover\/toc:-translate-x-base group-hover\/sidebar:opacity-100 group-hover\/sidebar:delay-300 group-hover\/toc:delay-0\n    '>Digitalisation<\/span><\/a><\/li>            <li class=\"group\/toc relative  align-middle \"><a href='#Lightweight+technologies' class='no-underline  block relative'><span class=\"material-symbols-outlined\"> fiber_manual_record <\/span><span class='none group-hover\/toc:grad-xl pointer-events-none absolute right-0 top-0 flex h-full w-[30ch] translate-x-base items-center justify-end text-balance pr-xl text-right text-base tracking-wide no-underline opacity-0 transition-all delay-0 duration-500 ease-in-out group-hover\/sidebar:pointer-events-auto group-hover\/toc:pointer-events-auto group-hover\/sidebar:-translate-x-0 group-hover\/toc:-translate-x-base group-hover\/sidebar:opacity-100 group-hover\/sidebar:delay-300 group-hover\/toc:delay-0\n    '>Lightweight technologies<\/span><\/a><\/li>            <li class=\"group\/toc relative  align-middle \"><a href='#Additive+manufacturing' class='no-underline  block relative'><span class=\"material-symbols-outlined\"> fiber_manual_record <\/span><span class='none group-hover\/toc:grad-xl pointer-events-none absolute right-0 top-0 flex h-full w-[30ch] translate-x-base items-center justify-end text-balance pr-xl text-right text-base tracking-wide no-underline opacity-0 transition-all delay-0 duration-500 ease-in-out group-hover\/sidebar:pointer-events-auto group-hover\/toc:pointer-events-auto group-hover\/sidebar:-translate-x-0 group-hover\/toc:-translate-x-base group-hover\/sidebar:opacity-100 group-hover\/sidebar:delay-300 group-hover\/toc:delay-0\n    '>Additive manufacturing<\/span><\/a><\/li>    <\/ul>\n<a href=\"#toc-block_34dc16f2169f778c3c401832c9fa6e43\" class=\"\n    z-20\n    lg:hidden\n    fixed\n    flex\n    items-center\n    justify-center\n    w-[2em]\n    h-[2em]\n\n    rounded-full\n    bottom-m\n    right-m\n    bg-white\n    text-blue\n\n    no-underline\n    scale-125\n    shadow-md\n    \">\n    <span class=\"material-symbols-outlined !translate-y-[0] scale-125 \"> list <\/span>\n<\/a>\n\n<script>\n    var elementToMove = document.querySelector('#toc-menu');\n    var newParent = document.querySelector('#toc-wrapper');\n    newParent.appendChild(elementToMove);\n<\/script>\n\n\n<a id=\"toc-marker-block_0981b0687faa573f7068c6788a292f6d\" class=\"toc-marker -top-[--toc-height] \" name=\"Circular+economy\" data-tocmarker=\"Circular+economy\"><\/a>\n\n    <section id=\"headline-block_4c48ce84e22e35c5d0f92ad1ac4f1531\" class=\"block-headline  \">\n        <div class=\"theGridWrapper hyphens-auto\">\n            <div class=\"theGrid12\">\n                                    <div class=\"col-span-10 md:col-span-9 col-start-2 md:col-start-4  text-4xl  \">\n                        <h2 class=\" leading-none\">\n                            Circular Economy                        <\/h2>\n                                                    <h3 class=\"pt-4 font-semibold  text-green  leading-none\">\n                                New paths for recycling plastics                             <\/h3>\n                                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n<section id=\"narrow-lane-block_4c70d46967d3087f51b0b9f0b86b64c1\" class=\"block-narrow-lane blocksection pt-lg flex flex-col-reverse    \">\n     <div class='magic-decorator absolute w-full h-full -z-10'><figure class=\"  w-full h-full overflow-hidden  \"><img decoding=\"async\"  class=\" object-cover w-full h-full \"  src=\"https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Leitthemen-Kreislaufwirtschaft-5-scaled.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Leitthemen-Kreislaufwirtschaft-5-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Leitthemen-Kreislaufwirtschaft-5-748x315.jpg 748w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Leitthemen-Kreislaufwirtschaft-5-1536x647.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Leitthemen-Kreislaufwirtschaft-5-768x324.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Leitthemen-Kreislaufwirtschaft-5-2048x863.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1079\" alt=\"Leitthemen-Kreislaufwirtschaft-5\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div>    <div class=\" theGridWrapper \">\n        <div class=\" theGrid12 \">\n            <div class=\" col-span-12 md:col-span-9 col-start-1 md:col-start-4   \">\n                <div class=\" wysiwyg hyphens-auto  bigInMiddle \">\n                    <p>Only through an efficient circular economy can plastics realise their potential in addressing important challenges such as the energy transition, digitalisation, or electrification without harmful effects on climate and environment. Compared to other materials, plastics are usually the more resource-efficient alternative, and their associated ecological disadvantages typically result from their still largely linear &#8216;lifecycles&#8217;. Technological innovations, recyclable product design, and new ways to use recyclates on a large scale for high-quality plastic products are the key to sustainably shaping the circular economy.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section id=\"two-columns-block_7d9aee10fa44c4361135126620d99bd9\" class=\"block-two-columns blocksection \">\n    <div class=\"theGridWrapper\">\n        <div class=\"theGrid12\">\n            <div class=\"wysiwyg\n            relative\n\n            col-start-1\n            col-span-12\n\n            md:col-start-3\n            md:col-span-9\n            md:gap-8\n\n            lg:col-start-3\n            lg:col-span-8\n\n            2xl:col-start-2\n            2xl:col-span-9\n\n            2xl:gap-[7rem]\n\n            sm:columns-2\n            hyphens-auto \n            sm:after:content-['\\00A0']\n            sm:after:block\n            sm:after:h-3xl\n            \">\n                <p>The digital control and networking of machines has now become common practice in the plastics industry. New digital methods range from data collection to AI-based development of new materials and processes, as well as AI-based production.<\/p>\n<p>The automatic analysis of large amounts of data makes process-related data usable for process control, further development of existing simulation models, and for machine learning, allowing an ever-better understanding of processes. Digitalisation allows for the networking and redesign of the value chain. Data on a specific material can be passed from actor to actor and, for example, incorporated into the control of downstream processes and used to build holistic, controllable production systems. Thus, digitalisation also makes a crucial contribution to the circular economy and sustainability.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n    <section id=\"headline-block_609e72e412140a4c9bcb48cebf800958\" class=\"block-headline  \">\n        <div class=\"theGridWrapper hyphens-auto\">\n            <div class=\"theGrid12\">\n                <div class=\"\n                col-start-1\n                col-span-12\n                md:col-span-7\n                md:col-start-2\n                2xl:col-span-7\n                2xl:col-start-1\n                text-balance\n                \">\n                    <h3 class=\"text-blue font-thin text-3xl text-balance\">\n                        Current research projects                     <\/h3>\n                                            <h4 class=\"font-serif  font-normal   text-green  text-lg text-balance mt-3xs   leading-tight \">\n                            in the field of circular economy                        <\/h4>\n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n<section id=\"teasers-block_62c35b76031fdfd9c9ec75cab793d23c\" class=\"block-teasers blocksection     selectContent py-base\">\n\t\t<div class=\"theGridWrapper \">\n\t\t<div class=\"theGrid12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-3346 { --rand-top: calc(5em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-3346' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-3 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:3346 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 5em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>Foil-Backing &#8211; Innovative film backing for textile, recyclable mono-material floor coverings based on recycled polyamides\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\tThe aim of the project is to develop a recyclable textile floor covering made of polyamide.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/rp\/foil-backing-innovative-film-backing-for-textile-recyclable-mono-material-floor-coverings-based-on-recycled-polyamides\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-3679 { --rand-top: calc(5em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-3679' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-3 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:3679 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 5em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>Smellstop &#8211; Odour reduction as a key technology for the use of recycled post-consumer polyethylene\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\tTo promote the recycling of post-consumer polyethylene and reduce downcycling, odor reduction is emerging as a crucial technology. The funding initiative &#8216;Resource-Efficient Circular Economy \u2013 Plastic Recycling Technologies (KuRT)&#8217; aims to sustainably increase the recycling rate\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/rp\/smellstop-odour-reduction-as-a-key-technology-for-the-use-of-recycled-post-consumer-polyethylene\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-5653 { --rand-top: calc(3em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-5653' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-3 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:5653 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 3em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>AI application hub for plastic packaging\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\tThe KIOptiPack innovation lab is all about providing, validating and transferring practical AI-supported tools for successful product design and the high-quality production of plastic packaging with a high proportion of recycled materials.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/rp\/ai-application-hub-for-plastic-packaging\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-5655 { --rand-top: calc(0em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-5655' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-3 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:5655 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 0em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>LOOPCYCLING \u2013 Improvement of industrially available LDPE recyclate qualities from household PCR\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\tThe project involves the entire plastics recycling value chain in order to push the boundaries of mechanical recycling and achieve the best possible recyclate qualities using established industrial processes.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/rp\/loopcycling-improvement-of-industrially-available-ldpe-recyclate-qualities-from-household-pcr\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-3360 { --rand-top: calc(6em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-3360' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-3 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:3360 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 6em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>LFT-Recycling &#8211; Sustainable LFT components: Post-industrial and post-consumer secondary raw materials for production\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\tThe ReLFT research project aims to process post-industrial (PIR) and post-consumer recyclates (PCR) in a material-appropriate and fiber-preserving manner. By applying a pressing method, the project seeks to produce LFT components with consistent mechanical properties, promoting sustainability in the production of lightweight components.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/rp\/lft-recycling-sustainable-lft-components-post-industrial-and-post-consumer-secondary-raw-materials-for-production\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-3657 { --rand-top: calc(5em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-3657' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-3 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:3657 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 5em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>PermaSim &#8211; Semi-empirical model for permeation mechanisms through plasma-polymerised barrier coatings\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\tThe PermaSim project investigates the mechanisms of gas permeation through PECVD barrier layers on a micro- and nanoscale level. The goal is to develop a semi-empirical model that accurately describes gas permeability through these layers and enhances the understanding of the underlying processes.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/rp\/permasim-semi-empirical-model-for-permeation-mechanisms-through-plasma-polymerised-barrier-coatings\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-3674 { --rand-top: calc(0em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-3674' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-3 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:3674 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 0em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>ReHyComPro &#8211; Entwicklung eines recyclingf\u00e4higen hybriden Composite-Profilsystems f\u00fcr Fenster- und T\u00fcranwendungen\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\tIn the ReHyComPro research project, a new process combination of pultrusion and extrusion was developed to functionalise pultruded profiles with a thermoplastic inline coating.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/rp\/rehycompro-development-of-a-recyclable-hybrid-composite-profile-system-for-window-and-door-applications\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-3723 { --rand-top: calc(7em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-3723' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-3 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:3723 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 7em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>ViscAssist &#8211; Production assistance systems for predicting the viscosity curve of polyolefin recyclates\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\tThe \u2018ViscAssist\u2019 project aims to develop a production assistance system that can predict the viscosity curve of polyolefins using recycled materials in real time. An intelligent soft sensor that records all production data in the compounding process is intended to improve the quality of materials containing recyclate and make process control more efficient.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/rp\/viscassist-production-assistance-systems-for-predicting-the-viscosity-curve-of-polyolefin-recyclates\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- MORE -->\n<!--\n\t\t-->\n\n<section id=\"wysiwyg-person-block_9ab2db551cd60ad72df23a31ebc69ae9\" class=\" block-wysiwyg-person blocksection  bg-bluegrey30 py-2xl\">\n        <div class=\"theGridWrapper\">\n        <div class=\"theGrid12\">\n            <div class=\"col-span-12  xs:col-span-6  sm:col-start-2  sm:col-span-6  md:col-start-2  md:col-span-5 xl:col-start-2 xl:col-span-5 \">\n                <div class=\"wysiwyg hyphens-auto  \">\n                    <h3>Circular economy as a key topic at IKV<\/h3>\n<p>Since the 1980s, IKV has been developing solutions for numerous issues related to recycling, recyclate characterization and use, as well as recyclable product design. The Center for Plastics Analysis and Testing (KAP) demonstrates, through its research on targeted material analyses, the possibilities and limitations of using recyclates in various applications. Plasma technology at IKV plays an important role in recyclable product design. PECVD coatings can act as good barriers against various media on plastics. The extremely thin layers do not affect the recycling process, allowing them to replace conventional non-recyclable barrier systems. At the same time, they enable a broader use of recyclates by preventing the migration of foreign substances into the filling material. In combination with digital innovations, the results can significantly contribute to increasing recycling rates and the circular economy of plastics. This includes, for example, a digital infrastructure for mapping the complete life cycle as well as innovative data science methods.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"col-span-12 xs:col-span-6  sm:col-span-5  md:col-start-8  md:col-span-4  xl:col-start-9  xl:col-span-3  flex flex-col gap-base \">\n                                                <section class='group relative text-[4vw]  xs:text-xs !leading-tight bg-white xs:before:pt-[142%] before:block shadow-xs focus-within:shadow-xl bigInMiddle   '>\n        <div class='xs:absolute top-0 h-full w-full flex flex-col '>\n            <header class='relative flex-shrink-0 xs:h-[35%] flex xs:justify-center bg-gradient-to-b from-bluelightest to-blue '>\n                <canvas data-dn-animate=\"true\" data-dn-animation-speed=\"0.00199\" id=\"curves-1555\" class=\"absolute xs:inset-0 w-full h-16 xs:h-full noprint\"><\/canvas>\n                <div class='relative w-1\/5  xs:w-1\/2 bigInMiddle'>\n                    <figure class=\"dn_no_select xs:absolute ml-xs xs:ml-auto    b-0 border-0 border-bluegrey30 rounded-full w-full h-auto object-cov overflow-hidden translate-y-[49%] scale-90 \"><img decoding=\"async\"  class=\"dn-no-drag w-full h-auto object-cover\"  src=\"https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Rainer-Dahlmann.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Rainer-Dahlmann.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Rainer-Dahlmann-748x748.jpg 748w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Rainer-Dahlmann-335x335.jpg 335w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Rainer-Dahlmann-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" alt=\"Rainer-Dahlmann\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"absolute top-0 right-0 pt-xs pr-2xs dn_no_select\">\n                        <a data-con-tap href=\"\/vcard\/?id=1555\" class=\" text-white text-xl no-underline items-center leading-none hover:scale-125 hover:text-white block flex content-center justify-center transition-all duration-200 ease-in-out veryLargeToNormal    \"  data-content='\/vcard\/?id=1555'  download  target=\"_self\">\n                    <span class='material-symbols-outlined -mt-2'> download <\/span>\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/header>\n            <main class='flex-grow flex flex-col pt-base xs:pt-[26%] w-full pl-[25%] pr-base  xs:px-[1em] md:gap-3xs'>\n                <abbr class='prefix xs:text-center xs:before:content-[\"\\00A0\"] xs:after:content-[\"\\00A0\"] '>Prof. Dr. rer. nat.<\/abbr>\n                <h2 class=\"font-semibold xs:text-center text-[1.2em] \">Rainer Dahlmann<\/h2>\n                                <div class=\"xs:text-center  \">\n                    Scientific director and Head of Center for Analysis and Testing of Plastics (KAP)                <\/div>\n            <\/main>\n            <footer class='flex justify-end xs:justify-center mt-auto text-sm box-border gap-[1em] p-xs xs:pb-[1.25em] dn_no_select noprint'>\n                    <a data-con-tap href=\"tel:+49 241 80 - 25928\" class=\"text-[1.8em] w-[1.75em] h-[1.75em] bg-green text-white flex justify-center  no-underline relative items-center hover:bg-blue hover:text-blue  hover:scale-110 transform transition-all duration-200 ease-in-out rounded-full   \"  data-content='+49 241 80 - 25928'  data-content-type='phone'  data-copy='The number has been copied to your device clipboard.'  target=\"_self\">\n                    <span class='material-symbols-outlined -mt-2'> phone <\/span>\n                    <\/a>\n                    <a data-con-tap href=\"mailto:rainer.dahlmann@ikv.rwth-aachen.de\" class=\"text-[1.8em] w-[1.75em] h-[1.75em] bg-green text-white flex justify-center  no-underline relative items-center hover:bg-blue hover:text-blue  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L51.315625,43.8021149 C51.315625,38.8127542 49.4197917,36.0245323 45.4707031,36.0245323 C41.1746094,36.0245323 38.9300781,38.9261103 38.9300781,43.8021149 L38.9300781,62 L28.6333333,62 L28.6333333,27.3333333 L38.9300781,27.3333333 L38.9300781,32.0029283 C38.9300781,32.0029283 42.0260417,26.2742151 49.3825521,26.2742151 C56.7356771,26.2742151 62,30.7644705 62,40.051212 L62,62 Z M16.349349,22.7940133 C12.8420573,22.7940133 10,19.9296567 10,16.3970067 C10,12.8643566 12.8420573,10 16.349349,10 C19.8566406,10 22.6970052,12.8643566 22.6970052,16.3970067 C22.6970052,19.9296567 19.8566406,22.7940133 16.349349,22.7940133 Z M11.0325521,62 L21.769401,62 L21.769401,27.3333333 L11.0325521,27.3333333 L11.0325521,62 Z\" fill=\"white\" \/>\n    <\/g>\n<\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <\/footer>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<a id=\"toc-marker-block_e6c8351d3b8dffca09990be97782e392\" class=\"toc-marker -top-[--toc-height] \" name=\"Digitalisation\" data-tocmarker=\"Digitalisation\"><\/a>\n\n    <section id=\"headline-block_c2eecd57d12092289783ebae9e910537\" class=\"block-headline  \">\n        <div class=\"theGridWrapper hyphens-auto\">\n            <div class=\"theGrid12\">\n                                    <div class=\"col-span-10 md:col-span-9 col-start-2 md:col-start-4  text-4xl  \">\n                        <h2 class=\" leading-none\">\n                            Digitalisation                        <\/h2>\n                                                    <h3 class=\"pt-4 font-semibold  text-green  leading-none\">\n                                Networking for optimised processes                            <\/h3>\n                                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n<section id=\"narrow-lane-block_2d82a9864414caa47c8cf820586cadf0\" class=\"block-narrow-lane blocksection pt-lg flex flex-col-reverse  floatout_headline  \">\n     <div class='magic-decorator absolute w-full h-full -z-10'><figure class=\"  w-full h-full overflow-hidden  \"><img decoding=\"async\"  class=\" object-cover w-full h-full \"  src=\"https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Leitthemen-Digitalisierung-6-transparent-scaled.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Leitthemen-Digitalisierung-6-transparent-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Leitthemen-Digitalisierung-6-transparent-748x315.jpg 748w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Leitthemen-Digitalisierung-6-transparent-1536x647.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Leitthemen-Digitalisierung-6-transparent-768x324.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Leitthemen-Digitalisierung-6-transparent-2048x863.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1079\" alt=\"Leitthemen-Digitalisierung-6-transparent\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div>    <div class=\" theGridWrapper \">\n        <div class=\" theGrid12 \">\n            <div class=\" col-span-12 md:col-span-9 col-start-1 md:col-start-4   \">\n                <div class=\" wysiwyg hyphens-auto  bigInMiddle \">\n                    <p>Digital control and networking of machines is now common practice in the plastics industry. New digital methods range from data collection to AI-based development of new materials and processes, as well as AI-based production. The automatic analysis of large amounts of data makes process-related data usable for process control, further development of existing simulation models, and for machine learning, allowing for an ever-better understanding of processes. Digitalisation enables the networking and redesign of the value chain. Data on a specific material can be passed from actor to actor and, for example, be incorporated into the control of downstream processes and used to build holistic, controllable production systems. Thus, digitalisation also makes a crucial contribution to the circular economy and sustainability.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n    <section id=\"headline-block_273763cda008552b43ce09bc0d652fc2\" class=\"block-headline  \">\n        <div class=\"theGridWrapper hyphens-auto\">\n            <div class=\"theGrid12\">\n                <div class=\"\n                col-start-1\n                col-span-12\n                md:col-span-7\n                md:col-start-2\n                2xl:col-span-7\n                2xl:col-start-1\n                text-balance\n                \">\n                    <h3 class=\"text-blue font-thin text-3xl text-balance\">\n                        Current Research Projects                     <\/h3>\n                                            <h4 class=\"font-serif  font-normal   text-green  text-lg text-balance mt-3xs   leading-tight \">\n                            in the field of digitalisation                        <\/h4>\n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n<section id=\"teasers-block_728bd9394cd7b4fc2ce9f1ea9a22099b\" class=\"block-teasers blocksection     selectContent py-base\">\n\t\t<div class=\"theGridWrapper \">\n\t\t<div class=\"theGrid12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-3345 { --rand-top: calc(5em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-3345' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-3 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:3345 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 5em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>FoamSimExpert: Thermoplastic foam injection moulding\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\tThe FoamSimExpert project aims to simplify the main challenges of the structural simulation chain. \n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/rp\/foamsimexpert-thermoplastic-foam-injection-moulding\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-5430 { --rand-top: calc(1em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-5430' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-3 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:5430 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 1em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>DAVID &#8211; Digital design methods for inline-monitored pressure vessels\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\tThe technological goal of the research project is to achieve a realistic description of the container materials and the overall system during production and the product life cycle by means of end-to-end digitalisation and application-specific characterisation and modelling.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/rp\/david-digital-design-methods-for-inline-monitored-pressure-vessels\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-5649 { --rand-top: calc(3em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-5649' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-3 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:5649 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 3em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>Internet of Production Cluster of Excellence\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\tIn the EXC &#8220;Internet of Production&#8221;\na consortium of more than 35 participating institutes at RWTH Aachen University has been researching the topic of digitalization in production processes since January 2019.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/rp\/internet-of-production-cluster-of-excellence\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-5653 { --rand-top: calc(1em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-5653' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-3 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:5653 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 1em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>AI application hub for plastic packaging\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\tThe KIOptiPack innovation lab is all about providing, validating and transferring practical AI-supported tools for successful product design and the high-quality production of plastic packaging with a high proportion of recycled materials.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/rp\/ai-application-hub-for-plastic-packaging\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- MORE -->\n<!--\n\t\t-->\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<section id=\"wysiwyg-person-block_4d27b924ae0438417bddaa47c20dfc2e\" class=\" block-wysiwyg-person blocksection  bg-bluegrey30 py-2xl\">\n        <div class=\"theGridWrapper\">\n        <div class=\"theGrid12\">\n            <div class=\"col-span-12  xs:col-span-6  sm:col-start-2  sm:col-span-6  md:col-start-2  md:col-span-5 xl:col-start-2 xl:col-span-5 \">\n                <div class=\"wysiwyg hyphens-auto  \">\n                    <h3>Digitalisation as a key research topic at IKV<\/h3>\n<p>IKV is a world leader in scientific research in the field of digitalisation in the plastics industry and a forward-looking research and development partner for science, industry, and innovative start-ups. At Campus Melaten, the Plastics Innovation Center 4.0 (PIC 4.0) has been established as a fully digitalized research infrastructure for comprehensive and practical research on digitalisation topics in plastics production. As a competent contact partner, IKV offers the infrastructure for test beds to develop new digital methods with its Smart Factory. The goal is not only to enable the plastics industry to handle digitalisation methods competently but also to train young professionals with Industry 4.0 expertise.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"col-span-12 xs:col-span-6  sm:col-span-5  md:col-start-8  md:col-span-4  xl:col-start-9  xl:col-span-3  flex flex-col gap-base \">\n                                                <section class='group relative text-[4vw]  xs:text-xs !leading-tight bg-white xs:before:pt-[142%] before:block shadow-xs focus-within:shadow-xl bigInMiddle   '>\n        <div class='xs:absolute top-0 h-full w-full flex flex-col '>\n            <header class='relative flex-shrink-0 xs:h-[35%] flex xs:justify-center bg-gradient-to-b from-bluelightest to-blue '>\n                <canvas data-dn-animate=\"true\" data-dn-animation-speed=\"0.00102\" id=\"curves-1579\" class=\"absolute xs:inset-0 w-full h-16 xs:h-full noprint\"><\/canvas>\n            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https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Mauritius-Schmitz-Square-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" width=\"2560\" height=\"2560\" alt=\"Mauritius-Schmitz-Square\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"absolute top-0 right-0 pt-xs pr-2xs dn_no_select\">\n                        <a data-con-tap href=\"\/vcard\/?id=1579\" class=\" text-white text-xl no-underline items-center leading-none hover:scale-125 hover:text-white block flex content-center justify-center transition-all duration-200 ease-in-out veryLargeToNormal    \"  data-content='\/vcard\/?id=1579'  download  target=\"_self\">\n                    <span class='material-symbols-outlined -mt-2'> download <\/span>\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/header>\n            <main class='flex-grow flex flex-col pt-base xs:pt-[26%] w-full pl-[25%] pr-base  xs:px-[1em] md:gap-3xs'>\n                <abbr class='prefix xs:text-center xs:before:content-[\"\\00A0\"] xs:after:content-[\"\\00A0\"] '>Dipl.-Ing.<\/abbr>\n                <h2 class=\"font-semibold xs:text-center text-[1.2em] \">Mauritius Schmitz<\/h2>\n                                <div class=\"xs:text-center  \">\n                    Scientific director<br>Digitalisation                <\/div>\n            <\/main>\n            <footer class='flex justify-end xs:justify-center mt-auto text-sm box-border gap-[1em] p-xs xs:pb-[1.25em] dn_no_select noprint'>\n                    <a data-con-tap href=\"tel:+49 241 80-93881\" class=\"text-[1.8em] w-[1.75em] h-[1.75em] bg-green text-white flex justify-center  no-underline relative items-center hover:bg-blue hover:text-blue  hover:scale-110 transform transition-all duration-200 ease-in-out rounded-full   \"  data-content='+49 241 80-93881'  data-content-type='phone'  data-copy='The number has been copied to your device clipboard.'  target=\"_self\">\n                    <span 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data-content='https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/mauritius-schmitz-963a0578\/'  data-content-type='linkedin'  target=\"_blank\">\n                            \n<svg viewBox=\"0 0 72 72\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"scale-75\">\n    <g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\">\n        <path d=\"M62,62 L51.315625,62 L51.315625,43.8021149 C51.315625,38.8127542 49.4197917,36.0245323 45.4707031,36.0245323 C41.1746094,36.0245323 38.9300781,38.9261103 38.9300781,43.8021149 L38.9300781,62 L28.6333333,62 L28.6333333,27.3333333 L38.9300781,27.3333333 L38.9300781,32.0029283 C38.9300781,32.0029283 42.0260417,26.2742151 49.3825521,26.2742151 C56.7356771,26.2742151 62,30.7644705 62,40.051212 L62,62 Z M16.349349,22.7940133 C12.8420573,22.7940133 10,19.9296567 10,16.3970067 C10,12.8643566 12.8420573,10 16.349349,10 C19.8566406,10 22.6970052,12.8643566 22.6970052,16.3970067 C22.6970052,19.9296567 19.8566406,22.7940133 16.349349,22.7940133 Z M11.0325521,62 L21.769401,62 L21.769401,27.3333333 L11.0325521,27.3333333 L11.0325521,62 Z\" fill=\"white\" \/>\n    <\/g>\n<\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <\/footer>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<a id=\"toc-marker-block_9c2f4c21ecfead0dc63c62878a985ad3\" class=\"toc-marker -top-[--toc-height] \" name=\"Lightweight+technologies\" data-tocmarker=\"Lightweight+technologies\"><\/a>\n\n    <section id=\"headline-block_eb023d2cd4d1b1e616de64dd540694bb\" class=\"block-headline  \">\n        <div class=\"theGridWrapper hyphens-auto\">\n            <div class=\"theGrid12\">\n                                    <div class=\"col-span-10 md:col-span-9 col-start-2 md:col-start-4  text-4xl  \">\n                        <h2 class=\" leading-none\">\n                            Lightweight technologies                        <\/h2>\n                                                    <h3 class=\"pt-4 font-semibold  text-green  leading-none\">\n                                Key materials for sustainability                            <\/h3>\n                                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n<section id=\"narrow-lane-block_6a9efced1f550d5294b9ff7bdacab724\" class=\"block-narrow-lane blocksection pt-lg flex flex-col-reverse    \">\n    <div class='theGrid14 md:absolute h-full w-full no-select pointer-events-none -z-10 veryLargeToNormal'><div class='magic-decorator col-start-2 col-end-13  md:col-start-8 md:col-end-14  h-full align-bottom ' ><figure class=\" relative  dn-no-drag  w-full h-full  flex items-start  \"><img decoding=\"async\"  class=\" md:absolute !w-auto !h-auto !max-w-full !max-h-full right-0 \"  src=\"https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Forschung-Leitthemen-Leichtbau-3.png\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Forschung-Leitthemen-Leichtbau-3-595x748.png 595w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Forschung-Leitthemen-Leichtbau-3-1221x1536.png 1221w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Forschung-Leitthemen-Leichtbau-3-768x966.png 768w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Forschung-Leitthemen-Leichtbau-3-1628x2048.png 1628w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" width=\"2560\" height=\"3220\" alt=\"Forschung-Leitthemen-Leichtbau-3\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><\/div>    <div class=\" theGridWrapper \">\n        <div class=\" theGrid12 \">\n            <div class=\" col-span-12 md:col-span-9 col-start-1 md:col-start-4   \">\n                <div class=\" wysiwyg hyphens-auto  bigInMiddle \">\n                    <p>Fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) are among the key materials for climate protection and sustainability as highly durable lightweight construction materials. They enable significant savings in energy, material, and emissions in various applications and industries. The use of FRP is no longer limited to diverse small series or individual pieces. With today&#8217;s production processes, short cycle times in the minute range and thus large series can already be economically realised.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n    <section id=\"headline-block_03ba0e6a07650386fc696dda614455f3\" class=\"block-headline  \">\n        <div class=\"theGridWrapper hyphens-auto\">\n            <div class=\"theGrid12\">\n                <div class=\"\n                col-start-1\n                col-span-12\n                md:col-span-7\n                md:col-start-2\n                2xl:col-span-7\n                2xl:col-start-1\n                text-balance\n                \">\n                    <h2 class=\"text-blue font-thin text-3xl text-balance\">\n                        Current research projects                    <\/h2>\n                                            <h3 class=\"font-serif  font-normal   text-green  text-lg text-balance mt-3xs   leading-tight \">\n                             in the field of lightweight technologies                        <\/h3>\n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n<section id=\"teasers-block_8eb11bf647eb747c779425345079bf4e\" class=\"block-teasers blocksection     selectContent py-base\">\n\t\t<div class=\"theGridWrapper \">\n\t\t<div class=\"theGrid12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-3354 { --rand-top: calc(3em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-3354' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-4 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:3354 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 3em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>HYInno Tank &#8211; Low-maintenance mobile high-pressure storage tanks\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\tThe project demonstrated the feasibility of structural monitoring in continuous fiber-reinforced components under static and cyclic loading, as well as the detection of impact damage.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/rp\/hyinno-tank-low-maintenance-mobile-high-pressure-storage-tanks\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-5430 { --rand-top: calc(5em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-5430' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-4 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:5430 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 5em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>DAVID &#8211; Digital design methods for inline-monitored pressure vessels\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\tThe technological goal of the research project is to achieve a realistic description of the container materials and the overall system during production and the product life cycle by means of end-to-end digitalisation and application-specific characterisation and modelling.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/rp\/david-digital-design-methods-for-inline-monitored-pressure-vessels\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-5604 { --rand-top: calc(7em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-5604' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-4 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:5604 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 7em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>Characterisation methods of the bond strength between UD tapes and molding compound in injection moulded parts\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\tThermoplastic glass fiber tapes offer enormous lightweight construction potential for injection-moulded components. In order to overcome material and process-related challenges such as residual stresses and interface failure, innovative tape inserts with integrated fiber optic sensors enable the precise measurement of temperature and strain histories. This enables a well-founded characterisation of the bond strength under real conditions.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/rp\/characterisation-methods-of-the-bond-strength-between-ud-tapes-and-molding-compound-in-injection-molded-parts\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-5654 { --rand-top: calc(2em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-5654' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-4 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:5654 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 2em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>Indi-FVK: Development of a digitalised design process for individualised FRP components\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\tIn this cooperation project between IKV, the Institute for Human-Machine Interaction (MMI) and the F\u00f6rdervereinigung Programmiersprachen e.V. (FVP), the thermoforming process of UD tape laminates is mapped in a software for process planning and control.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/rp\/indi-fvk-development-of-a-digitalised-design-process-for-individualised-frp-components\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-3362 { --rand-top: calc(4em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-3362' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-4 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:3362 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 4em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>NSF-DFG &#8211; Quantitative analysis of tape adhesion in back-moulded thermoplastic components using data-physical multiscale methods\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\tThe DFG and NSF-funded project focuses on microcrystallization and diffusion processes. The aim is to develop data-driven simulation models to accurately calculate the bond strength between thermoplastic UD tapes and short fiber-reinforced injection molding material on a macroscopic scale.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/rp\/nsf-dfg-quantitative-analysis-of-tape-adhesion-in-back-moulded-thermoplastic-components-using-data-physical-multiscale-methods\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-5676 { --rand-top: calc(5em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-5676' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-4 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:5676 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 5em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>Potential of a foamed lightweight structural component made of long glass fiber reinforced thermoplastics\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\tLong glass fiber reinforced thermoplastics (LFT) offer enormous potential for lightweight structural engineering. The use of thermoplastic foam injection moulding (TSG) with a motive fluid atmosphere improves mechanical properties, while innovative design guidelines optimize the process design. New research results enable material-efficient and load-compatible components with greater geometrical freedom.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/rp\/potential-of-a-foamed-lightweight-structural-component-made-of-long-glass-fiber-reinforced-thermoplastics\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- MORE -->\n<!--\n\t\t-->\n\n<section id=\"wysiwyg-person-block_3a4a02987764222edc53acfc16f323c9\" class=\" block-wysiwyg-person blocksection  bg-bluegrey30 py-2xl\">\n        <div class=\"theGridWrapper\">\n        <div class=\"theGrid12\">\n            <div class=\"col-span-12  xs:col-span-6  sm:col-start-2  sm:col-span-6  md:col-start-2  md:col-span-5 xl:col-start-2 xl:col-span-5 \">\n                <div class=\"wysiwyg hyphens-auto  \">\n                    <h3>Lightweight Construction as a key research theme at IKV<\/h3>\n<p>Lightweight construction research at IKV has many facets and includes fibre-reinforced thermoplastics and thermosets as well as foamed material systems. IKV is improving methods for the design and material and production-orientated design of components.<\/p>\n<p>In combination with the cross-departmental further development of technology modules and processes in the process chains of injection moulding, extrusion, liquid impregnation processes, winding and pultrusion technology, taper processing, forming and the processing of semi-finished thermoplastic products, innovative solutions are continuously being developed. These help to significantly reduce the ecological impact of the production, use and recycling of lightweight materials at the end of their life cycle and at the same time make them economically viable.<\/p>\n<p>With its comprehensive expertise along the entire product development cycle and modern equipment, IKV offers excellent conditions for research and industrial cooperation. From material selection and component and process optimisation to the development and implementation of full-scale prototypes, the institute supports companies in efficiently and sustainably transferring plastic-based lightweight construction technologies into series production.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"col-span-12 xs:col-span-6  sm:col-span-5  md:col-start-8  md:col-span-4  xl:col-start-9  xl:col-span-3  flex flex-col gap-base \">\n                                                <section class='group relative text-[4vw]  xs:text-xs !leading-tight bg-white xs:before:pt-[142%] before:block shadow-xs focus-within:shadow-xl bigInMiddle   '>\n        <div class='xs:absolute top-0 h-full w-full flex flex-col '>\n            <header class='relative flex-shrink-0 xs:h-[35%] flex xs:justify-center bg-gradient-to-b from-bluelightest to-blue '>\n                <canvas data-dn-animate=\"true\" 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height=\"1044\" alt=\"Kai-Fischer-Square\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"absolute top-0 right-0 pt-xs pr-2xs dn_no_select\">\n                        <a data-con-tap href=\"\/vcard\/?id=1944\" class=\" text-white text-xl no-underline items-center leading-none hover:scale-125 hover:text-white block flex content-center justify-center transition-all duration-200 ease-in-out veryLargeToNormal    \"  data-content='\/vcard\/?id=1944'  download  target=\"_self\">\n                    <span class='material-symbols-outlined -mt-2'> download <\/span>\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/header>\n            <main class='flex-grow flex flex-col pt-base xs:pt-[26%] w-full pl-[25%] pr-base  xs:px-[1em] md:gap-3xs'>\n                <abbr class='prefix xs:text-center xs:before:content-[\"\\00A0\"] xs:after:content-[\"\\00A0\"] '>Dr.-Ing.<\/abbr>\n                <h2 class=\"font-semibold xs:text-center text-[1.2em] 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<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<a id=\"toc-marker-block_ab6ca7a548d171813c390229cee3c863\" class=\"toc-marker -top-[--toc-height] \" name=\"Additive+manufacturing\" data-tocmarker=\"Additive+manufacturing\"><\/a>\n\n    <section id=\"headline-block_febad7825a65d2be1b6ada9a377b8f1d\" class=\"block-headline  \">\n        <div class=\"theGridWrapper hyphens-auto\">\n            <div class=\"theGrid12\">\n                                    <div class=\"col-span-10 md:col-span-9 col-start-2 md:col-start-4  text-4xl  \">\n                        <h2 class=\" leading-none\">\n                            Additive manufacturing                        <\/h2>\n                                                    <h3 class=\"pt-4 font-semibold  text-green  leading-none\">\n                                Design freedom and individual components                            <\/h3>\n                                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n<section id=\"narrow-lane-block_2b20ee17e70aa869345d62c55cbef6da\" class=\"block-narrow-lane blocksection pt-lg flex flex-col-reverse  floatout_headline  \">\n     <div class='magic-decorator absolute w-full h-full -z-10'><figure class=\"  w-full h-full overflow-hidden  \"><img decoding=\"async\"  class=\" object-cover w-full h-full \"  src=\"https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Forschung-Leitthemen-Additive-Fertigung-5-scaled.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Forschung-Leitthemen-Additive-Fertigung-5-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Forschung-Leitthemen-Additive-Fertigung-5-748x315.jpg 748w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Forschung-Leitthemen-Additive-Fertigung-5-1536x647.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Forschung-Leitthemen-Additive-Fertigung-5-768x324.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Forschung-Leitthemen-Additive-Fertigung-5-2048x863.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1079\" alt=\"Forschung-Leitthemen-Additive-Fertigung-5\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div>    <div class=\" theGridWrapper \">\n        <div class=\" theGrid12 \">\n            <div class=\" col-span-12 md:col-span-9 col-start-1 md:col-start-4   \">\n                <div class=\" wysiwyg hyphens-auto  bigInMiddle \">\n                    <p>Additive Manufacturing (AM) is one of the plastic processing methods that has experienced rapid development in the last 10 years. It is now established in industrial practice wherever individually adapted components in small batch sizes are concerned. The trend continues towards ever larger and more demanding applications, as the high degree of geometric freedom through layer-by-layer construction offers enormous development potential. Current challenges concern the comparatively long production time, the maximum component size, and the mechanical and optical component properties.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n    <section id=\"headline-block_59f1976843c94dcc821d0a0201b9f0bf\" class=\"block-headline  \">\n        <div class=\"theGridWrapper hyphens-auto\">\n            <div class=\"theGrid12\">\n                <div class=\"\n                col-start-1\n                col-span-12\n                md:col-span-7\n                md:col-start-2\n                2xl:col-span-7\n                2xl:col-start-1\n                text-balance\n                \">\n                    <h3 class=\"text-blue font-thin text-3xl text-balance\">\n                        Current research projects                     <\/h3>\n                                            <h4 class=\"font-serif  font-normal   text-green  text-lg text-balance mt-3xs   leading-tight \">\n                            in the field of additive manufacturing                        <\/h4>\n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n<section id=\"teasers-block_19d6bb3e538dc65ec727e6157c61a708\" class=\"block-teasers blocksection     selectContent py-base\">\n\t\t<div class=\"theGridWrapper \">\n\t\t<div class=\"theGrid12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-5649 { --rand-top: calc(0em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-5649' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-4 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:5649 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 0em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>Internet of Production Cluster of Excellence\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\tIn the EXC &#8220;Internet of Production&#8221;\na consortium of more than 35 participating institutes at RWTH Aachen University has been researching the topic of digitalization in production processes since January 2019.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/rp\/internet-of-production-cluster-of-excellence\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-6607 { --rand-top: calc(0em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-6607' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-4 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:6607 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 0em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>Improved prediction of local mechanical component properties in additive manufacturing\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\t In the \u201cInterlayer strength of plasticizing AM\u201d project, a calculation routine was therefore developed that determines the local interlayer strength of plasticizing additively manufactured components as efficiently as possible before production.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/rp\/improved-prediction-of-local-mechanical-component-properties-in-additive-manufacturing\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\t<style>\r\t\t#teasercard-5887 { --rand-top: calc(0em * -1); }\r\t<\/style>\n\n<article id='teasercard-5887' class='teasercard  withoutImage selectContent col-span-12 sm:col-span-6 lg:col-span-4 lg:-translate-y-[--rand-top] text-sm  '  data-info='ID:5887 \/  \/  \/ withoutImage \/ selectContent'  style='padding-bottom: 0em'  >\n\t<div>\n\t\t<div class='mb-xs'>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class='teasercard__content'>\n\t\t\t<h1 class='font-bold text-blue  mb-xs max-w-[75%] flex border-b pb-xs flex-min text-sm'>DFG approves new Collaborative Research Center (CRC) for the intelligent production of lightweight plastic structures\n\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t<div class=' text-sm leading-snug text-black'>\n\t\t\t\tWith RWTH Aachen, TU Chemnitz and TU Dresden, three renowned universities and leading locations in the field of lightweight construction are now working together on this joint project.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class='teasercard__footer mt-4 '>\n\t\t<a href='https:\/\/ikv-aachen.de\/en\/dfg-approves-new-collaborative-research-center-crc-for-the-intelligent-production-of-lightweight-plastic-structures\/' class='teasercard__link ikv-btn  text-cyan text-sm block origin-bottom-left'>\n\t\t\t<span class='teasercard__linktext text-cyan'>read more\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- MORE -->\n<!--\n\t\t-->\n\n<section id=\"wysiwyg-person-block_48080afdc811609bfc6493adc5f100ee\" class=\" block-wysiwyg-person blocksection  bg-bluegrey30 py-2xl\">\n        <div class=\"theGridWrapper\">\n        <div class=\"theGrid12\">\n            <div class=\"col-span-12  xs:col-span-6  sm:col-start-2  sm:col-span-6  md:col-start-2  md:col-span-5 xl:col-start-2 xl:col-span-5 \">\n                <div class=\"wysiwyg hyphens-auto  \">\n                    <h3>Additive Manufacturing as a key research area at IKV<\/h3>\n<p>IKV has been researching the scaling of additive manufacturing for several years and can draw on extensive in-house research on material and process-related connections in plasticizing additive manufacturing processes. An essential component is the physically motivated modelling of the cooling and solidification of the thermoplastic material. The research results enable the user to fully exploit the potential of Additive Manufacturing, select materials appropriate for the application, and design and optimise processes.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"col-span-12 xs:col-span-6  sm:col-span-5  md:col-start-8  md:col-span-4  xl:col-start-9  xl:col-span-3  flex flex-col gap-base \">\n                                                <section class='group relative text-[4vw]  xs:text-xs !leading-tight bg-white xs:before:pt-[142%] before:block shadow-xs focus-within:shadow-xl bigInMiddle   '>\n        <div class='xs:absolute top-0 h-full w-full flex flex-col '>\n            <header class='relative flex-shrink-0 xs:h-[35%] flex xs:justify-center bg-gradient-to-b from-bluelightest to-blue '>\n                <canvas data-dn-animate=\"true\" data-dn-animation-speed=\"0.00086\" id=\"curves-1960\" class=\"absolute xs:inset-0 w-full h-16 xs:h-full 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class='prefix xs:text-center xs:before:content-[\"\\00A0\"] xs:after:content-[\"\\00A0\"] '>Dr.-Ing.<\/abbr>\n                <h2 class=\"font-semibold xs:text-center text-[1.2em] \">Matthias Sch\u00f6ll<\/h2>\n                                <div class=\"xs:text-center  \">\n                    Head of department<br>injection moulding and additive manufacturing                <\/div>\n            <\/main>\n            <footer class='flex justify-end xs:justify-center mt-auto text-sm box-border gap-[1em] p-xs xs:pb-[1.25em] dn_no_select noprint'>\n                    <a data-con-tap href=\"tel:+49 241 80-93827\" class=\"text-[1.8em] w-[1.75em] h-[1.75em] bg-green text-white flex justify-center  no-underline relative items-center hover:bg-blue hover:text-blue  hover:scale-110 transform transition-all duration-200 ease-in-out rounded-full   \"  data-content='+49 241 80-93827'  data-content-type='phone'  data-copy='The number has been copied to your device clipboard.'  target=\"_self\">\n 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They not only shape the future of the plastics industry but also significantly influence research and teaching at the institute. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1823,"parent":5174,"menu_order":20,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5185","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Key research areas | IKV-Aachen<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Additive manufacturing, digitalisation, circular economy, and lightweight construction are central guiding themes of the institute. 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