OFDEX - Optical stand-off detection of explosives

Characteristics
The protection of the population against terrorist threats is gaining importance. System solutions for the detection and localisation of explosives from a safe distance are particularly necessary. However, stand-off detection remains an aim which has not yet been achieved anywhere in the world. The four partner institutes Fraunhofer IAF, Fraunhofer ICT, Fraunhofer ILT and Fraunhofer IPM are working together to develop rapid detection methods for spectroscopic identification of terrorist explosives from a distance between 10 and 100 meters. The aim is the detection of small quantities of explosives in the gas phase or on surfaces.

Services / facilities and equipment

Technological approaches to the detection of small quantities of explosives:

• absorption spectroscopy (in transmission and in backscatter) with broadly tunable MIR lasers (QCLs)
• UV photo-fragmentation with subsequent NOx detection
• UV Raman spectroscopy
• Laser desorption from surfaces with subsequent detection

Fraunhofer OFDEX aims to improve the most efficient techniques in terms of their detection thresholds and cross-sensitivity in real-life, changing environmental conditions. It combines the most efficient processes to form demonstrators capable of stand-off detection of explosives.

High-performance fire protective coatings using nanoparticles − Nanobrand

The main aim of this project, which is funded by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research in the context of the funding programme WING, is to obtain fundamental knowledge regarding the development of high-performance fire protective coatings through the application of nanoscale materials. Through the combination of the chemical and surface effects of the nanoscale fillers, tailored fire protection systems will be developed for steel and composite materials. Classical chemical fire protection substances will be combined with nanoscale materials. In addition, the adaptation of the binding agents and formulation, chemical functionalisation, the application of nanoparticles and subsequent characterisation should lead to system improvements in terms of effectiveness and processability.

Improvement of the efficiency of high-performance fire protection coatings and development of checkable evaluation criteria

In this project, which is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economics and Technology in the InnoNet programme, the fire protection capacity and application-related properties of products developed in preceding projects should be further developed for the market. These high-performance systems function by forming an insulating layer. The aim is to create coating materials which provide 60 minutes' protection against inflammation and close the rear ventilation of façades in the case of a fire, and a B1 façade coating for external applications.

Partners: AW-Türen GmbH, Becker &Großgarten GmbH; Effertz Tore GmbH; Fraunhofer Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut; Finforest Merk GmbH&Co.KG; Güte- und Informationsgemeinschaft der Nagelplattenverwender e.V.; Holzbau Schmid GmbH&Co.KG; Institut für Baustoffe, Massivbau und Brandschutz (iBMB); Klett Ingenieur GmbH; Rütgers Organics GmbH; Treppenmeister GmbH.

Development of high-temperature-resistant coatings and a process for their application in precision casting technology

In this project, which is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economics and Technology in the programme PRO INNO II, an innovative and reliable process should be created in which qualitatively high-value cast parts for a new generation of components can be manufactured from high-alloy steels. Together with the development of high-temperature-resistant coatings, cast parts meeting high requirements in terms of surface quality and conformity can be produced.

Partner: L+S Präzisionsguss GmbH