Excursion: Fraunhofer ICT

The first day of the excursion took us, the students of the “Precious Particle” project, to the Fraunhofer ICT in Pfinztal. Before we went into the research rooms of the institute, Mr. Schmidt first gave a brief introduction to particle foams in general and their manufacturing processes. A basic distinction is made between autoclave foaming, particle foaming using steam, particle foam extrusion and the latest method, the radio frequency process. These manufacturing methods and the pre-foaming process were then demonstrated to us live. During the RF process, we were also able to experimentally test our own tools that had already been manufactured in Halle (Saale). Finally, Mr. Schmidt gave an overview of the research fields of sustainable particle foams and answered the students’ questions. 

We would like to thank the Fraunhofer ICT and especially Mr. Schmidt for the great experience and the interesting insight behind the scenes of the institution.