FILK Freiberg Institute gGmbH is an industrial research institution with focus on research and development for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The history of the institute starts in 1889 with focus on the leather and tanning industry. Over the decades we successfully connected traditional topics with modern research areas of polymers and biopolymers. Our R&D activities focus on the industries food, medical, protection, living and automotive. FILK is integrated in national, European and further international research networks and councils. Thus, we are able to continuously extend our knowledge base and to actively help shaping the research arena.
Primarily financed by public funded research programs of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) as well as by the European Commission, FILK additionally has an accredited (DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025) testing lab, with a special focus on the automotive industry. The Material Characterisation division offers a wide range of standard tests for materials like leather, synthetic leather, coated textiles, collagen products, and plastic parts. Technical specifications of all mayor European automotive OEMs are covered. Additionally testing and certifications according to OEKO-TEX® Standards are done by specialists from our institute.
Moreover, FILK is providing bilateral contract research for industrial customers. We are able to implement projects, for instance on material or technology development in a timely and efficient manner. In this regard our industrial partners benefit from the materials knowledge and the technological competence we acquired over decades in our established fields of science.
FILK’s Role in the MACRAMÉ Project
In the frame of the MACRAMÉ project FILK is providing one of the use-cases regarding the industrial use of advanced materials in polymer composites. This use-case originates in one of the developments of FILK, whereas polyurethane (PU)-CNT composites can be used as surface heaters in automotive environment. The heaters can be produced in a roll-to-roll process, making the production highly automated and highly cost efficient.
In addition to supplying PU-CNT materials, we can draw on years of experience working with CNTs in industrial environments. Our expertise is a key component in the successful execution of the project.
