Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC
Based on conventional sol-gel chemistry and following the REACH regulations, the Fraunhofer ISC synthesizes precursors for non-metallic inorganic materials. Of particular interest whenever it comes to tunable property profiles are the Institute’s self-developed inorganic-organic hybrid polymers. They unite the benefits of glass, polymers and silicones all in one material.
Current R&D priorities
- Multifunctional silanes with tunable properties
- Surface technology: Functional coatings, such as
- Biodegradable hybrid polymers (bioORMOCER®) for packaging solutions
- Structurable coatings with defined electrical and optical properties
- Dust repellent and anti-reflective coatings for solar panels
- Self-cleaning window pane coatings
- Window pane coatings particularly transmissive to light in the blue part of the spectrum to improve wellbeing and concentration ability
- Finishing solutions providing protective properties or additional functions, suitable for various substrates like glass, plastic, metal, leather and textiles
- Ceramic high temperature protection coatings
- Materials for use in regenerative medicine, such as
- Bioresorbable fiber fleece as wound dressing or scaffold material (silica gel fiber fleeces and TiPLA-fiber)
- Dental filling composites as alternative to amalgam (Admira®, Admira® Fusion und ceram.x®)
- Bioresorbable fiber fleece as wound dressing or scaffold material (silica gel fiber fleeces and TiPLA-fiber)
- Sol-gel precursors for particle and fiber production, e.g.
- Functionalized particles with special surface modifications
- Inorganic-organic hollow fibers with adjustable mechanical properties
- Pre-ceramic precursors for ceramic reinforcing fibers
Our competencies
- Rich experience in the development of inorganic-organic hybrid polymers (ORMOCER®) and sol-gel materials with tunable property profiles for various substrates including glass, plastics, textiles, leather, metal and paper
- Vast array of structuring, curing and processing procedures
- Multifunctional sol-gel technology coating systems and other coating methods
Our services to customers
- Materials development and adaption to target application and processing requirements
- Development of biocompatible and biodegradable materials
- Functionalization of materials and surfaces
- Analysis, characterization and quality control of materials, surfaces, interfaces and products, failure analysis
- Materials synthesis and upscaling to industrial production
- Consulting on technology transfer and implementation in production environments