#Research & Development

2024-06-27

IPF at DESY: Investigations of structure formation in polymers

Challenging but successful days for scientists (Eric Euchler, Anna Sambale, Regine Boldt, Enno Henn, Sitao Wang, Lutz Zybell, Kai Uhlig) from the Institute of Polymer Materials (headed by Prof. Markus Stommel) of the IPF at DESY P03 beamline.

For the first time, the FlowCell device developed at the IPF was used in combination with a conventional single-screw extruder at the MiNaXS beamline P03 to investigate the crystallization kinetics during the solidification of processed iPP, PA6 and PLA melts. The experiments could only be performed remotely, consequently, the FlowCell and extruder control had to be fully integrated into the instrumentation of the beamline.

The conducted experiments are part of the IPF-DESY Long-Term Project (LTP, no. II-20220003) to develop an experimental setup for in situ investigations of (micro)structure formation in polymers (transcrystalline structures, flow-induced crystallization, phase separation) under defined process conditions that are typical and relevant for common melt processing technologies such as extrusion or injection molding.

The IPF scientists would like to thank Matthias Schwartzkopf and Sarathlal Koyiloth Vayalil for the excellent support at the beamline and the team of IPF Research Technology (Forschungstechnik) for the technical implementation of the research ideas.

An eco-friendly alternative to fluorocarbon treatments

Protective and outdoor clothing derives its durable water-, dirt- and oil- repellent properties from the application of fluorinated polymers or per- and polyfluorinated low-molecular- weight chemicals (PFCs). The beneficial properties thus achieved on textiles are offset by environmental and human health risks. For manufacturers of sports, medical, protective and automotive textiles, researchers at the Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. and the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research have developed liquid-applied dispersions and solutions to functionalise textiles without the use of fluorine.

180 years of TESTEX: From Zurich silk testing to global certification

For 180 years, TESTEX has developed alongside the textile industry while maintaining the same underlying purpose: creating trust through independent and reliable measurement. Founded in Zurich in 1846 as the Zurich Silk Conditioning Institute, TESTEX has grown from a local institution serving the silk trade into an international Swiss testing and certification institute for textiles and leather.

Moving Advanced Recycling from Innovation to Implementation

The Advanced Recycling Conference 2026 explores technologies, markets, financing and scale-up of innovative recycling solutions for waste streams including mixed plastic waste, textiles and PVC. Europe’s chemical and materials sector faces growing pressure to close carbon loops, strengthen raw-material safety and resilience and meet increasingly ambitious EU recycling targets. Against this backdrop, the Advanced Recycling Conference (ARC) will bring together industry leaders, technology providers, researchers, innovators and policy-makers on 17–18 November 2026 in Cologne, Germany.

New Cotton Review examines competitiveness, market risk, and opportunities

From moving record volumes of Brazilian cotton to market, to managing price volatility, unlocking Ethiopia’s production potential, and strengthening African textile trade, the latest edition of Cotton: Review of the World Situation examines some of the most consequential opportunities and challenges facing the global cotton industry.

Long John puts KARL MAYER's RDJ 7/3 into operation and strengthens its position as a market leader

KARL MAYER has just unveiled its new RDJ 7/3 Jacquard Double Needle Bar Raschel Machine in the international trade press, and the innovation is already causing a stir in the market: The Long John Group, a leading manufacturer of performance footwear fabrics and a long-standing partner of renowned brands, was the first customer to invest in the new machine and celebrated its official launch at its Indonesian plant on August 20.

Patricia Urquiola in the Trend Space: Evolution and new design elements for Heimtextil 2027

At Heimtextil 2027, the Trend Space brings the Heimtextil Trends 27/28, curated by Alcova, to life. Within this framework, Heimtextil’s collaboration with Patricia Urquiola continues into its third year in 2027. In the Trend Space, the architect and designer presents three sculptures: alongside the familiar element “Bambi”, Urquiola is developing two new pieces specifically for Heimtextil. Thereby, she offers her unique interpretation of the trend theme “The Performance of Everyday Living”.