Institute of Polymer Engineering

We create sustainable, plastic-based product and processes innovations with a focus on high-performance polymers and composites.

We achieve the level of ingenuity required for this by implementing an interdisciplinary approach, fusing together the fields of raw materials, construction and processing. In doing so we approach product development with plastics in a holistic way.

Our expertise in the fields of chemistry and analytics, process engineering and structural mechanics blends very well with the surface structuring and functionalisation expertise of the FHNW Institute of Polymer Nanotechnology.

Competencies

Polymer Chemistry and Analytics

We are experts in polymeric chemistry (thermoplastics, thermoset plastics and elastomers), chemical plastic modification and plastic-related analytics.

Polymer Processing and Sustainability

We conceive product and procedure innovations and develop them until they are ready for the market, focussing in particular on high-performance polymers and composites.

Lightweight design and Composite Technologies

We answer questions regarding the mechanical behaviour of polymers and composites using a range of appropriate experimental and numerical methods.

Selected Projects

Improvement of additive manufactured parts by nanofibers

Huntsman’s Miralon material increases mechanical performance and conductivity of thermoplastics for 3D printing and injection moulding.

to Improvement of additive manufactured parts by nanofibers

Consolidation of hybrid textiles

We develop and validate a consolidation model for the production of composites based on hybrid textiles. These consist of plies of reinforcing woven fibres and ...

to Consolidation of hybrid textiles

Quality enhancement through digitalisation

Using digital technologies, Biotronik significantly increases the quality of its products.

to Quality enhancement through digitalisation

Integrated RFID tags in polymer injection molding

For the traceability of plastic components, if at all, they are marked with a simple code. The current methods for these codes are complex and do not offer the ...

to Integrated RFID tags in polymer injection molding

Foamed sandwich panels made of recycled mixed plastic

Together with UpBoards GmbH, recycled foamed sandwich panels made of mixed plastic were developed, including an efficient manufacturing process.

to Foamed sandwich panels made of recycled mixed plastic

Reusability of blister packaging from the medical technology industry

To save raw materials and protect our environment, it is necessary to return plastic waste to the economic cycle by recycling.

to Reusability of blister packaging from the medical technology industry

Bipolar plates made from conductive polymer compounds

A new approach to produce innovative polymer composite bi-polar plates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

to Bipolar plates made from conductive polymer compounds

Digital Twins for Non-Destructive Evaluation of Composite Materials with Ultrasound

An innovative new method for non-destructive ultrasonic testing of laminated composite materials.

to Digital Twins for Non-Destructive Evaluation of Composite Materials with Ultrasound

Taking waste from the aviation industry to new heights

Researchers at the FHNW have developed a cost-effective and sustainable sole made of recycled carbon fibres for a running shoe by the Swiss sports brand On.

to Taking waste from the aviation industry to new heights

LiteWWeight®: An innovative multi-material joining technology for sandwich materials

The new technology has reached industrial maturity thanks to the collaboration between MultiMaterial-Welding AG and the Institute of Polymer Engineering at ...

to LiteWWeight®: An innovative multi-material joining technology for sandwich materials

High Performance Composite Structures for high temperature loads

Development of sustainable and cost-effective fiber composites with demanding temperature and fire resistance.

to High Performance Composite Structures for high temperature loads

Next generation of composite manufacturing using digitalization

To optimize the production of composite materials, FHNW researchers have succeeded in enabling cyber-physical systems to monitor and transfer real production ...

to Next generation of composite manufacturing using digitalization

Additive Fusion Technology for 3D printed CFRP parts

The traditional production of CFRP components is very time-consuming and expensive. The Swiss start-up 9T Labs has therefore developed a new method with which ...

to Additive Fusion Technology for 3D printed CFRP parts

Sustainable recycling of glassfiber reinforced plastic

Plastic waste represents valuable resources. By recycling them and returning them to the materials cycle, we make our contribution to a more sustainable ...

to Sustainable recycling of glassfiber reinforced plastic

Functional prosthetic legs made of glass fiber reinforced plastic recyclate

Worldwide, 35 to 40 million people depend on prostheses and orthopedic services. Project Circleg has therefore the goal to develop a prosthetic leg system that ...

to Functional prosthetic legs made of glass fiber reinforced plastic recyclate

Electromagnetic shielding with conductive plastic housings

To shield interfering signals from electronics, plastics must meet high EMC requirements. They are then used as substitute materials for die-cast metal ...

to Electromagnetic shielding with conductive plastic housings

Durable toe boards made of recycled plastics

Toe boards made of recycled plastic can replace wooden boards for scaffolding construction.

to Durable toe boards made of recycled plastics

Robot-Assisted Additive Manufacturing

Robot-assisted additive manufacturing is a relatively novel but promising technology for economically producing even larger plastic components.

to Robot-Assisted Additive Manufacturing

Novel method for composite production with injection compression moulding

A novel composite production method, thermoplastic compression resin transfer moulding (TP-CRTM) coupled with injection compression moulding.

to Novel method for composite production with injection compression moulding

Natural fibre composites for lightweight construction applications

Natural fibre composites are one of the core competences of the Institute of Polymer Technology at the University of Applied Sciences FHNW. Together with ...

to Natural fibre composites for lightweight construction applications

Engineering of functionalized Polysiloxenes for crosslinked Polyethylene (PE-X)

Compared to pure polyethylene, PEX is more resistant for small wall thickness to electrical treeing and can withstand high thermal shocks, which makes this ...

to Engineering of functionalized Polysiloxenes for crosslinked Polyethylene (PE-X)

Digitization of the temperature control unit

Innovative, model-based thermal industrial systems: Tool Temp AG and three institutes of engineering at the FHNW realized a novel control technology concept.

to Digitization of the temperature control unit