Laboratory for Technical Biopolymers

Going from biomass and back – a holistic view on bioplastics

The Laboratory for Technical Biopolymers (LTBP) is a project funded by the Free State of Bavaria. In the LTBP, experts in chemistry, biology and process engineering from Fraunhofer IGB work together to support companies, especially small and medium-sized ones, in developing biobased and biodegradable plastic products. The main objective is to establish innovative and sustainable materials as well as resource-saving processes to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide and environmental pollution with plastic waste.

We develop materials for a sustainable future

Creating value in a circular economy

When developing new materials and products, researchers at the Laboratory for Technical Biopolymers take a close look at the whole product life cycle including not only the technical performance of the products but also their biodegradability and recyclability. Thereby, a path from natural materials to sophisticated technical applications and back to nature is targeted.

Focus points:

Development of new monomers from biobased resources and waste streams
Polymerization of biobased monomers
Development of biobased additives
Functionalization of natural biopolymers
Composites synthesis using natural materials

Are you aiming the production or usage of new biobased and biodegradable plastics?

We’ll be delighted to support you through the analysis of your raw materials and waste streams or through the development of new materials and process routes.

© Fraunhofer IGB
Molded paddings from biobased polyamides based on the terpene 3-carene.

© Fraunhofer IGB
Transformation of raw renewable raw materials into new high-value products.

Polymers are produced from renewable raw materials such as straw using catalytic processes.

Biobased polyamides from terpene 3-carene.

New bio-based polyamides with transparent properties.

LTBP – your partner for biopolymers

Labor für technische Biopolymere: Drehscheibe für übergreifende Innovationen in der Polymerwelt.

Equipment

We can draw on extensive equipment for organic synthesis, polymer production, plastics processing, analytics and materials testing.

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Spectrum of services

Our services range from research and development to consulting for research projects.

Selection of suitable biogenic raw- and waste products
Screening of polymerization methods
Polymerization at lab scale
Functionalization of natural biopolymers
Development of biobased polymer additives
Development of composite materials
Polymer analytics
Material characterization
Material testing
End-of-life scenarios (material cycles, biodegradability)

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Funding

We would like to thank the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy for funding the project LTBP.