In the past few years, the application possibilities for technical polymers have increased significantly. Scientists working in the research area of polymers and additives within the Department for Environmental Engineering have spent several years carrying out in-depth research and development work into the synthesis of structural and functional polymers. The field of structural polymers includes several different polymer materials: thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers, as well as high-performance composites and biodegradable plastics. The field of functional polymers includes structures which have very variable chemistries and can therefore carry out a variety of different functions. Functional polymers have found application as additives and auxiliary agents in a number of different areas. The degree of technology involved in the field of technical plastics is high. Complex requirement profiles must be met, and there are significant technological challenges, which, if solved, lead to a high added value. In this context, polymers based on sustainable raw materials are of particular interest.

Technical polymers produced from sustainable raw materials should have new or better properties and/or a particular functionality, in order to provide the necessary level of product innovation for competitiveness on the market. The chief aim here is not the fabrication of conventional polymers with new (sustainable) raw materials, or the replacement of conventional polymers. Rather, the objective is the development of new polymers from sustainable raw materials.

A related aim is the improvement of functionalities and properties, which create a high added value and provide the polymers with a new and independent position on the market. The following topics provide an overview of current research and development work:

• Production of monomers and polymers for technical thermoplastics, based on sustainable raw materials (e.g. polyesters, polyamides)
• Production of monomers and polymers for technical thermosets and elastomers (e.g. epoxide, polyester and phenol resins, polyurethane, high-performance fibre composite materials, thermoplastic elastomers) based on sustainable raw materials
• Production and application of polymers in functional materials, and production of functional polymers based on sustainable raw materials
• Production of monomer units and platform chemicals from sustainable raw materials for the production of technical polymers (e.g. polyols, carboxylic acid, mono and diamine, functionalised C3 to C6 units, 5 HMF, furandicarboxylic acid, longer chain units) using thermochemical, catalytic or biotechnological processes or a combination of different processes
• Use and modification of natural polymers (such as cellulose, starches and pectin) with the aim of generating specialised functions (e.g. hydrophobia, hydrolysis stability, rheology, processing temperature, regioselectivity)
• Manufacture of composite and compound materials from polymers based on sustainable raw materials and conventional polymers such as natural fibres
• Research and development concerning the material properties of technical polymers / special polymers based on sustainable raw materials (structure, mechanical, physical and chemical properties, formulations, compounding, processing properties)
• Research and development concerning the processing of technical polymers / special polymers (e.g. process and mould development, manufacturing technology, manufacture of semi-finished products, component development)
• Synthesis and development of new types of fire protection systems based on sustainable raw materials