New year, new job? View the vacancies! More ...

All publications from Kunststoff-Zentrum in Leipzig gGmbH

Fig. 1: Atmosphere pressure plasma treatment of a polycarbonate sheet

Fig. 2 (left): Water droplets on PC without atmospheric pressure plasma treatment, (right): Water droplets on PC after atmospheric pressure plasma treatment; Effects of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment of polycarbonate: An initial test shows a significant reduction in contact angles with water = this suggests improved wettability as a prerequisite for bonding adhesion to reactive coatings.

26.04.2021

Research

Improved joint liability in polycarbonates through plasma treatment

A new research project at the Plastics Center in Leipzig (KUZ) investigates how highly transparent, scratch-sensitive polycarbonates (PC) can be surface-finished. The goal is to achieve a direct coating with solvent-free "self-healing" reaction clear coats with good adhesion.

Polycarbonates in high-t…

Fig. 1 (left): Final concept of the 2K interposer

Fig. 2 (right): Possible textile connection of the interposer: Stitching threads (green), contact threads (red)

Fig. 3: Technology demonstrator with embroidered and partially populated interposers (Source: TITV e. V., Greiz)

13.04.2021

Joint Project TexaS – Modular System for Smart Textiles

Technical textiles are used in a variety of applications due to their advantageous properties. These benefits arise from the high flexibility and variability of the materials used. Applications for technical textiles are found not only in clothing but also in many other areas, such as automotive int…

13.04.2021

PUR-Forum ONLINE: Conference at KUZ

Flame retardancy in polyurethane processing

On May 5, 2021, the expert conference "PUR Forum" organized by the Kunststoff-Zentrum in Leipzig (KUZ) will take place, held online due to COVID-19. This year's conference is themed "Flame Retardancy in PUR Processing".

Polyurethanes, like all organic materials, are flammable. There are fire risks bo…

Fig. Sample preparation and measurement in the glovebox at KUZ

13.02.2021

Development of action guidelines for plastic processors to ensure consistently high quality of technical parts during injection molding

Avoidance of moisture-related defects in molded parts – Moisture, Rheology, and Part Properties

When producing high-quality injection-molded parts from polyamides, the moisture content of the processed granulate plays a significant role. Variations in the quality of the molded parts can usually only be avoided through process-related control of the granulate's moisture content. This is highly…

(Image credit: Harry Zdera – Photographer (Landshut))

18.01.2021

Management change at the Kunststoff-Zentrum in Leipzig gGmbH

Effective January 1, 2021, Dr.-Ing. Thomas Wolff is the new Managing Director of the Kunststoff-Zentrum in Leipzig gGmbH (KUZ). Dr. Wolff brings many years of leadership experience in the automotive industry. In his previous position, he led the Lightweight Construction and Technology Center of the…

Fig. 1: The KUZ has the Computed Tomography (CT) Werth TomoScope® XS available.

$Fig. 2: CT scan of a PP long-fiber composite. The red ellipses indicate the fiber orientation distribution. The wall thickness of the sample was divided into 10 layers from 2 mm. The blue arrow points in the flow direction during injection molding. / Fig. 3: From the CT scan of the PP long-fiber sample, the fibers are selected here. This allows, among other things, the determination of the local fiber volume fraction.$

Fig. 4: In this longitudinal section through a PA6GF30 sample, the density distribution, bubble structure, and fiber orientation are shown (from left to right).

Fig. 5: left: point cloud (STL file); right: precise measurement (deviation approx. 3 µm)

Fig. 6: Rivet connections with different rivet head shapes. Porosity in the rivet head (left). Binding seams in the contact area between the rivet head and the pin (middle and right).

13.11.2020

Make fibers, bubbles, and density visible through X-ray radiation

Qualify lightweight construction through computed tomography

Plastics are predestined materials for lightweight construction applications. To optimally utilize the lightweight effect of the material, their potentials must be purposefully harnessed.

The mechanical properties are direction-dependent. Foremost among these is fiber orientation. In thermoplastic fo…

24.07.2020

Qualified and motivated employees in challenging times

Now it is accomplished – happily and with pride, the participants of the BMW Group received their certificates for successfully completing the training program for "Certified Specialist for Plastic Injection Molding" according to the qualification standard of GKV/TecPart.

This part-time training was…

29.06.2020

60 Years of the Kunststoff-Zentrum in Leipzig gGmbH

"WITH THE INDUSTRY – for the Industry" – With this claim, the Plastics Center in Leipzig (KUZ) conducts research and development work for the plastics processing and application industry. Since its founding in June 1960, KUZ has developed over the past six decades into a renowned institute operating…

Fig. 1: Stress-strain diagrams for PLA_6202 blends with 40 wt% GN_10, GN_40, and GN_85; left: with 4.5 wt% RAT, right: with 4.5 wt% RAT as well as OA

Fig. 2: Sprayed-injected yarn spools (yellow dyed) from PLA_6202/GN_40 (60/40 w/w)

25.06.2020

Joint project "GLUPLAST" successfully completed at KUZ

Bioplastics Polylactic Acid – More Toughness Through Addition of Gluten

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a polyester produced through a multi-stage process from sugar. In this process, sugar is fermented into lactic acid and then polymerized into PLA. The bio-based and biodegradable plastic PLA has a very high strength of up to 70 MPa as well as an extremely high stiffness of u…

20.06.2020

Transparent plastics in injection molding: potentials, applications, and limitations of the material

Conference "In Focus: Transparent Plastics" September 9-10, 2020 in Leipzig

The plastics processing and application industry is constantly operating in a very dynamic environment: new technologies and materials are gaining importance and pose both a challenge and a great opportunity for the industry. What this specifically means regarding "transparent plastics" is the subje…

A look at the NEWSLETTER

Better informed: With YEARBOOK, NEWSLETTER, NEWSFLASH, NEWSEXTRA and EXPERT DIRECTORY

Stay up to date and subscribe to our monthly eMail-NEWSLETTER and our NEWSFLASH and NEWSEXTRA. Get additional information about what is happening in the world of cleanrooms with our printed YEARBOOK. And find out who the cleanroom EXPERTS are with our directory.