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.

In order to use polymers and composites in an effective way, it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the structural limits of these materials. This requires those involved in the testing process to be well-acquainted with the corresponding experimental and numerical methods for characterising the materials and their components. Whether you would like to replace complex metal structures with composites, take the fracture toughness of composites to extremes or test innovative bonding concepts, we have just the right expert for you.

Selected Projects

Sustainable fibre reinforced composites

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

to Sustainable fibre reinforced composites

LeiWaCo - Development of a lightweight tank for cryogenic hydrogen

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, ...

to LeiWaCo - Development of a lightweight tank for cryogenic hydrogen

SuMa - Sustainable materials for 3D printed composite parts

High-performance composites exhibit excellent mechanical and chemical Howev-er, the comparably high costs and the negative climate balance, especially for ...

to SuMa - Sustainable materials for 3D printed composite parts

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

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

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

Recywind - Recyled carbon fibre in structural application

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

to Recywind - Recyled carbon fibre in structural application