Application Center for Wood Fiber Research HOFZET®

Profile

The goal of the Application Center HOFZET® is to work in collaboration with our partners from the automotive, construction, furniture and environmental industries in order to find new applications for hybrid (bio) fiber composite materials and to develop future-oriented products and technologies. To this end, we conduct research in the fields of hybrid fiber composite materials with thermoplastic and thermoset matrix, additive manufacturing, the production and application of technical textiles and the recycling of polymeric composites.

We concentrate in particular on the higher-value usage of natural fibers and derivatives for technical applications – from fiber extraction through to product and process development. Through the close cooperation with the Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts, we are able to offer a wide range of manufacturing processes and investigation methods in the areas of plastics technology and bio-composites.

Should you have any questions regarding fiber technology, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Research Focuses

Fiber analysis and modification

We analyze and modify fiber and fabric surfaces for an optimum fiber-matrix bonding as well as for the optimization of upstream processes such as recycling.

 

Short-fiber-reinforced compounds and components

We develop thermoplastic compounds up to the finished component by means of, amongst other methods, extrusion and injection molding. The fibers reinforce the material and simultaneously reduce costs.

 

Hybrid (bio-) composites

We develop bio-based thermoplastic-thermoset composite components with integrated functions for sustainable and cost-effective lightweight construction applications.

 

Technical textiles

We develop functionalized technical (hybrid) textiles and textile semi-finished products by means of weaving technology with diverse applications, e.g. in lightweight vehicles, natural-fiber concrete or as conducting paths.

 

Recycling of (bio-) plastics and composite materials

We examine the mechanical and feedstock recycling of (bio-)plastics and composites with the aim of attaining the highest possible recycling quality.

Services

Equipment

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