[pageLogInLogOut]

#Research & Development

European cooperation for the production of oxide ceramic fibers

Meeting for the signing of the contract at DITF in Denkendorf; Dr. Erik Frank (1), Dr. Panagiotis Karagiozidis (2), Peter Steiger (1), Dr. Bernd Clauß (1), Dr. Nicolas Miègeville (3), Dr. Stephanie Pfeifer (1), Dr. Yves Boussant-Roux (3), Prof. Dr. Michael Buchmeiser (1) (from left to right). (1) German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF), (2) ProGloTex GmbH, (3) Saint-Gobain Ceramic Materials. Photo: DITF
The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) have signed an agreement with Saint-Gobain Ceramics (France) on cooperation and joint development in the field of metal oxide ceramic fibers.

Saint-Gobain is a French group listed on the stock exchange, that designs, manufactures and distributes materials and solutions for the construction and other industrial application markets. The companies united under its umbrella employ approximately 167,000 people with annual sales of over 38 billion euros. Saint-Gobain is represented in 72 countries worldwide. Saint-Gobain is, among other things, a manufacturer of innovative ceramic materials and products in its Ceramics Business Unit.

The cooperation aims at jointly creating, ultimately, the production of metal oxide ceramic fibers in Europe.

At DITF, research and development in the field of ceramic fibers has been carried out continuously since 1990, so that extensive and well-founded know-how exists. The results and status of the research have been presented in a number of scientific publications and at various international conferences, which drew the attention of several companies to the research results and expertise of the DITF. After an extensive evaluation and negotiations with several potential partners, Saint-Gobain emerged as the ideal collaboration partner due to the complementary expertise of the two partners.



Metal oxide ceramic fibers are an essential component of fiber-reinforced ceramic materials (CMC: Ceramic Matrix Composites), which are increasingly important for a wide range of high-temperature applications. Fiber reinforcement produces a damage-tolerant ceramic material that is no longer brittle and is superior to monolithic ceramics, making it highly desirable from a technical and commercial point of view. Potential applications include components in industrial furnaces, charge carriers for temperature treatment and, in the high-tech sector, components in high efficiency stationary gas turbines, lower fuel consumption aircraft gas turbines and in space applications. A significant increase in the industrial use of CMCs is forecast for the coming years, and with it, a growing demand for ceramic fibers.



More News from Deutsche Institute für Textil- und Faserforschung Denkendorf

#Research & Development

More safety and comfort for protective clothing thanks to auxetic fabrics

When everyday materials are pulled, they stretch or elongate in the direction of the pull and become narrower in cross-section. We can also observe this property in two-dimensional textiles. Auxetic structures behave differently here. They have the striking property of not changing under tensile stress or even increasing their width or thickness. These properties are advantageous, for example, in protective textiles or textile filter media. The DITF are researching auxetic fabrics for various applications.

#Research & Development

Panty liners prevent bacterial vaginosis

Worldwide, almost one third of women of childbearing age suffer from bacterial vaginosis. This is when the sensitive microbiome of the vagina becomes unbalanced. Such a disorder of the vaginal flora can cause urogenital infections, abscesses on the ovaries or fallopian tubes or premature births. This significantly increases the risk of infertility in women and of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or HIV.

#Research & Development

DITF send a signal for climate protection

The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) have successfully implemented extensive investments in photovoltaic systems at their site in Denkendorf. The systems installed on the roofs of the buildings and covered parking lots have a total installed capacity of 840 kilowatt peak (kWp). The DITF invested 1.6 million euros in this with the support of the state of Baden-Württemberg. The system was ceremonially put into operation on September 17, 2025.

#Research & Development

4.2 million Euros for research into textile recycling

Around the world, used textiles are still rarely recycled and pile up into huge mountains of waste. A recent study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) drew attention to this problem. However, the low recycling rate is also due to the fact that only a small percentage of used textiles are actually suitable for recycling into high-quality materials and for demanding applications. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are addressing this problem with their research.

More News on Research & Development

#Research & Development

Fraunhofer CCPE presents the “Monomaterial Design Set” – Innovative solutions for circular product design

Composite materials made from different types of plastic often extend the lifetime of products but make recycling more difficult in the circular economy. That is why Fraunhofer CCPE has developed the “Monomaterial Design Set”. This new approach helps to reduce the variety of plastics used in durable products and offers circular solutions for designers and product developers.

#Research & Development

How innovations drive BASF’s success

“Innovation has always been part of BASF’s DNA. Especially in these volatile times, it is crucial to leverage our innovative strength to develop competitive solutions that differentiate us as a company in our markets and give us a competitive edge,” said Dr. Stephan Kothrade, Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF and Chief Technology Officer, at the company’s Research Press Briefing held today. To achieve this, BASF implemented its “Winning Ways” strategy about a year ago with the clear goal of becoming the preferred chemical company to enable its customers’ green transformation.

#Research & Development

Small tolerances, big impact and a recyclable alternative to elastane

ITA Master's student Janne Warnecke investigated tension differences over the fabric width in the weaving process and thereby contributed to quality assurance; ITA Bachelor's student Jasmin Roos found a basis for the development of recyclable yarns and textiles. For these developments, they were awarded the Walter Reiners Foundation's Promotion and Sustainability Prizes on 27 November. Peter D. Dornier, Chairman of the Walter Reiners Foundation, presented the awards at the Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference (ADD-ITC) in Aachen, Germany.

#Associations

Young researchers recognised for cutting-edge work in recycling, fibre technology and textile mechanics

At the Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference held in Aachen at the end of November, Peter D. Dornier, Chairman of the Walter Reiners Foundation of the VDMA, honoured five successful young engineers. Promotion and sustainability prizes were awarded in the categories bachelor/project theses and diploma/master theses. Academic theses that develop solutions for resource-saving products and technologies, for example, are eligible for the sustainability awards.

Latest News

#People

Happy Holidays!

Dear reader, the year 2025 is drawing to a close. We are entering what we hope will be a peaceful holiday season, spending time with our families and taking a moment to pause and reflect. We hope we have been able to support you once again this year with relevant news and articles, and we look forward to surprising you with many innovations in the coming year. Enjoy the festive season, stay healthy, and we wish you a happy and joyful holiday season.

#Weaving

Lindauer Dornier announces leadership transition in weaving machine business

After more than ten successful years at Lindauer DORNIER GmbH, Mr Wolfgang Schöffl will leave the family-owned company at the end of the year to enter well-deserved retirement.

#Heimtextil 2026

Texpertise Focus AI: Messe Frankfurt puts Artificial Intelligence centre stage at its international textile and apparel trade fairs

Under the banner 'Texpertise Focus AI, Messe Frankfurt will place a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its international textile and apparel trade fairs from 2026 onwards, setting a future-shaping signal for the industry. The initiative highlights the responsible use of AI along the entire textile value chain, from fibre production to the point of sale. The programme will launch at Heimtextil in Frankfurt in January 2026.

#Technical Textiles

Autoneum and Polestar set new benchmarks for passenger experience and sustainability

As the global market leader in sustainable acoustic and thermal management, Autoneum is a key supplier of interior and exterior components for the highly anticipated Polestar 5 model. The successful collaboration between Autoneum and Polestar marks a significant milestone in sustainable automotive engineering: the electric grand tourer sports car features several innovations in lightweight, fully recyclable polyester-based components that ensure a superior driving experience. Polestar 5 was revealed at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich and is available in 24 markets.

TOP