Lightweight design and Composite Technologies, FHNW School of Engineering and Environment

The use of hydrogen as an energy carrier plays a key role in the successful energy transition. For the safe and efficient transport of hydrogen, new materials are required that are both lightweight and high-strength while withstanding extreme temperatures. The research project LeiWaCo (Lightweight Hydrogen Container), in collaboration with the industrial partner Suprem SA and in association with the German BMBF research project of the same name, is developing innovative thermoplastic fiber-reinforced composites for use in cryogenic hydrogen tanks. The aim is to produce a lightweight, tight, and cost-efficient tank material that meets the stringent requirements of hydrogen mobility.

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 composite parts can be produced in large numbers using 3D printing and post-consolidation.

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

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

Hydrogen plays a central role as an energy storage and carrier in the ongoing energy transition. The aim of the project is to develop a cost-effective, high-strength, lightweight hydrogen tank made of fiber composites that has been specially developed for transporting liquid hydrogen.

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

High-performance composites exhibit excellent mechanical and chemical Howev-er, the comparably high costs and the negative climate balance, especially for car-bon fiber composite parts, are critical and will be even more important in future applications. The project SuMa focuses on product development of sustainable composite materials for 3D printing.

Experimental and numerical analysis of drapability in flax fiber-based textiles

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.

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

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

We are excited to present a cutting-edge high performance and custom-built bicycle frame, made from recycled feedstock without deducting structural integrity.