Cooperation with industry
Transferring innovation from academic research to industry for the benefit of society is an objective that the DWI strives to achieve. In many research projects, the DWI therefore cooperates with companies of different types and sizes and is part of various alliances to strengthen technological progress.
Selection of trusted partners from the industry
In various research projects, the DWI works closely with experts from industry, with small and medium-sized companies as well as with well-known corporations. The partner companies come from a wide variety of sectors - including medical technology manufacturers, textile companies and global chemical groups.
Our long-standing partners include, among others
Momentive Performance Materials
Momentive is a global leader in advanced materials with a focus on silicones and specialty products. The company delivers solutions worldwide that help to advance its customers' products. With every innovation, Momentive creates a more sustainable future. The extensive product portfolio consists of highly developed silicones and specialty solutions that play an essential role in improving performance in a variety of industries, including agriculture, automotive Agriculture, automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy, healthcare, personal care, consumer goods, construction and many more. Momentive Performance Materials Inc. is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of subsidiary of MOM Holding Company.
ALTANA
The speciality chemicals manufacturer offers various problem solutions with matching speciality products for paint manufacturers, paint and plastics processors, the printing and cosmetics industries and the electrical industry. The product range includes additives, special coatings and adhesives, effect pigments, metallic printing inks, sealants and potting compounds, impregnating agents as well as testing and measuring instruments. DWI has a long-standing co-operation with ALTANA, which is not limited to research projects, but also includes joint events and talent promotion.
Selection of completed research projects with industry
The DWI is also part of the German Federation of Industrial Research Associations (AiF). The AiF is the research and transfer network for German small and medium-sized enterprises and promotes research, transfer and innovation. As an umbrella organization of currently 101 non-profit research associations with over 135,000 participating companies and more than 1,200 participating research institutions, the AiF makes an important contribution to technological progress in Germany.
The DWI works together with small and medium-sized enterprises in various AiF projects. Among others, these projects have already been successfully completed:
KIT
Artificial intelligence for the automated, forgery-resistant identification of animal hairs
The aim of this research project was to develop a standard method for the forgery-resistant identification of animal hair based on the automated analysis of light or scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. This is urgently needed because textiles made from precious animal hair, which are very expensive, are often affected by forgeries, as there is currently no method for objectively identifying animal hair, even after chemical treatment.
The project focused on developing a toolbox that extracted parameters for identifying the type of animal hair based on existing animal hair definitions. These parameters were then tested for their suitability using machine learning.
AntiIce
Ice-repellent microgel-based textile coatings
As part of the AntiIce project, microgels were used as ice-repellent coatings for polymer films and textiles. We were also able to apply the coatings to fabrics and tarpaulins from our industrial partners.
The goals of the project were based on milestones, which included the synthesis of suitable, water-binding microgels, as well as the optimization and characterization of the coating of selected materials. In addition, the development of a reliable measuring method and proof of the ice-repellent properties on the surface was a central component of the project. The development of a strategy for recycling the coating and substrate was also aimed at.
AparTextil
Resorbable materials to prevent tissue adhesion after surgical interventions
Post-operative tissue adhesion of affected organs and adjacent tissue after surgical interventions in the course of the healing process leads to a severe reduction in the quality of life of those affected and is consequently a long-term burden on the healthcare system. Anti-adhesive materials are used as a temporary barrier for preventive treatment in the clinic. However, established single-layer materials have considerable weaknesses in terms of flexibility, durability, functionality or manageability. Electrospun bilayer materials based on functional PEG star polymers can be customized with regard to these properties for improved post-operative wound healing and patient recovery. The product is of interest to SMEs from the chemical, textile and healthcare industries that produce highly functional polyethylene glycols, work with the electrospinning process or are medical technology companies. The electrospinning process is easy to handle, cost-effective, scalable and the two-layer product is available in just a few spinning steps.
Magnetically heatable hollow fiber membranes
Magnetically-inductively heatable hollow fiber membranes for efficient separation of water from gas streams
The research project Magnetically-inductively heatable hollow fiber membranes for efficient separation of water from gas streams dealt with the application of novel adsorbents for drying process gases.
Adsorption dryers are already used industrially to achieve very low dew points. The disadvantage of the bulk materials used is a comparatively high pressure loss across the drying system.
In this research project, the technology platform of mixed matrix membranes made it possible to produce membranes that have two functionalities in order to dry process gases with low pressure loss and high dew point requirements. Only materials that are produced industrially on a large scale were used as functional particles,
Oxyfilter
Functional zinc peroxide coatings for antibacterial air filtration systems
Clean air is essential for human health, a clean environment and many technological processes. Previously developed air filters ensure high efficiency, even against the smallest particles (d < 1 µm), but many of these filter systems are susceptible to microbial infestation. The aim of this project was to develop new technologies for coating air filters that are resistant to bacterial infestation. The research focused on the development of environmentally friendly antibacterial additives that can be easily applied to already developed commercial air filters. This should ensure a sustainable and long-lasting inhibition of the growth of bacteria and pathogens in air filter systems. As part of this project, zinc peroxide (ZnOO) particles were used as antibacterial agents to modify commercial air filters.