#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.

POLYMERS-5B develops high-performance bio-based polyesters from agricultural waste

The European research project POLYMERS-5B is developing an integrated enzymatic biorefinery to convert agricultural by-products from Mediterranean food production into valuable raw materials for the food, cosmetics and bio-based plastics industries. Using tomato and olive pomace as feedstock, the process aims to recover several product groups from the same biomass stream. The consortium will present its latest technical developments and market findings at Ecomondo 2026 in Rimini on 3 November.

STFI showcases new Textile LAB Professional with focus on climate protection and sustainable technologies

The Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e. V. (STFI) in Chemnitz is organising a themed day on 3 December 2026, focusing on climate protection and the environment. As well as showcasing current applications for green cities and natural fibres for lightweight construction, the event will feature machine demonstrations in the new Textile LAB Professional. Under the motto ‘Design meets Technology’, this networking event will also provide an insight into artistic student projects, thereby facilitating a professional exchange on creative perspectives and modern technologies for climate protection and the environment.

Aachen Summer School: Textiles become smart through 3D printing and origami

From 21 to 29 September 2026, the Aachen Summer School will transform Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University into a laboratory of the future: over the course of a week, students will use origami folding techniques and 3D printing to develop active textile structures capable of performing programmable movements. This interdisciplinary event combines theoretical foundations with practical prototyping – from digital modelling right through to functional textile prototypes.

Georg Stausberg, a veteran of the textile machinery industry, takes over as Rieter Group CEO

Georg Stausberg, one of the most experienced executives in the international textile machinery industry, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Rieter Group with immediate effect from 4 November 2026. With more than three decades of industry experience and a long-standing leadership career at Barmag, Stausberg brings extensive technological expertise, international market knowledge and an established network across the global textile industry to his new position.

Jeanologia and BCome connect factory data with Life Cycle Assessment and Digital Product Passports

A new white paper by EIM by Jeanologia and BCome demonstrates how primary environmental data from denim finishing processes can be integrated into a garment's Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and prepared for use in a Digital Product Passport (DPP). A comparative case study highlights significant improvements at the production stage while also showing how these translate into the environmental performance of the finished garment.

Inside the Making connects denim and sportswear supply chains at Ecomondo 2026

Six European companies are joining forces at Ecomondo 2026 in Rimini to demonstrate how different stages of denim and sportswear production are interconnected. The new initiative, Inside the Making, highlights the importance of cooperation across the textile supply chain in addressing sustainability challenges, from reducing resource consumption to improving transparency and the reliability of environmental claims.

EDANA welcomes definitive EU anti-dumping measures on Chinese PET spunbond

EDANA, the international association serving the nonwovens and related industries, has welcomed the European Commission's decision to impose definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of PET spunbond originating in China. The association considers the measures an important step towards restoring fair competition and safeguarding European industrial capacity.