The research and development work of the Energetic Materials department range from chemical synthesis, the analytical characterisation and processing of energetic starting products, through the related process development and manufacturing techniques, to the manufacture of raw products, small batches and demonstrators. In the context of national and European security research, members of the department are developing new sensors and detection techniques for the detection of explosives and hazardous substances.

The five key research topics in the department Energetic Materials are:

Chemical analytics and detection
The chemical, physical and structural characterisation of explosives and other materials is a fundamental part of ongoing product development. Comprehensive analysis methods are available. For hazardous and explosive substances, special detection processes and sensor technologies, e.g. technologies based on molecularly imprinted polymers, are developed.

Synthesis and reaction technology
The synthesis of high-energy organic, inorganic and polymeric materials is carried out on a laboratory and pilot plant scale. For tasks relating to safe process design and process optimisation, modern process technologies such as continuous microreaction technology, tailored process analysis and calorimetric methods are being developed and applied.

Particle technology
For product design and the refinement of raw materials, particle properties such as size and morphology can be specifically adjusted. Crystallisation and milling processes, particle production processes with supercritical fluids, micro and nano-composite processes and coating technologies are applied. Crystal structure analysis and molecular modelling complete the department's portfolio.

Fire protection and insulation 
In order to protect a wide variety of products against fire, new coating tools based on ceramising and foam-producing polymer systems are developed and adapted to the different substrates. Further developments in the field of fire protection involve ceramic agents and high temperature insulation.

Explosives for defence applications
Tailored performance, stability and safety are the key requirements in the development of new energetic materials and systems such as rocket propellants, propellant powder, explosives, gas generators and pyrotechnical compounds. From production, to processing to evaluation, a wide technology portfolio is available.