Fraunhofer-Institut für Keramische Technologien und Systeme (IKTS)

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The Fraunhofer Institute of Ceramic Technologies and Systems covers the complete field of advanced ceramics, from basic research to applications. Both technology platforms, structural and functional ceramics, are utilized.

Based on solid knowledge of advanced ceramic materials, development work spans the entire value chain, extending to prototype production. Using ceramics as a key functional material, research and developments on component and systems are performed, which lie in the interests of aerospace industry.

The department has special competence in the field of complex perovskites which introduce actuating, sensing and electronic functions in monolithic devices and smart material composites with polymers, metals, glasses and other ceramics. For thick film, multilayer and piezocomposites the complete technological development process is available.

This expertise, combined with unique modelling and characterization tools, allows for innovative developments in the field of piezo technology, adaptronics/mechatronics, microsystems and microenergy technology. Topical developments concern piezoelectric generators for self-powered sensor nodes, new acoustic transducer for structural health monitoring of lightweight structures and adaptive mirrors for telecommunications purposes.

Core Competence: Research Institute

Specializations: Ceramic Technology, Materials Research

Business Fields: Automotive Industry, Semiconductor Industry, Electronics, Environmental Technology, Medical Technology, Aerospace

Short description of the production/service program: High performance ceramics, structural ceramics, functional ceramics, cermets, hard metals, biogenic ceramics, transparent ceramics, micro and energy systems, adaptronics, environmental processing technology, sewage sludge treatment, high temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), energy harvesting, functional layers, high performance filter materials, biogas production and utilization in fuel cells, gas turbine materials, functional
pastes, high perfomance electrochemistry, actuators, sensors, system integration

Research focus:
- cutting and forming tools for car manufacturing
- abrasion protection in automated production
- die cast filters for manufacturing high-grade components for automotive production
- diesel particulate filters
- sound absorbers made of ceramic foams, exhaust emission sensors
- piezoelectric components for valve and noise emission control
- valve technology in the engine and in exhaust emissions
- glow plugs, heating elements
- abrasion protection coatings
- ceramic O-ring seals
- high-temperature fuel cells (SOFC) as additional power supply
- development of materials and technologies for lithium-ion batteries

• Focus material and technology development
• Development of electrode materials for batteries, fuel cells
• Development and optimization of processes for the production of materials
• Electrode manufacturing technologies for fuel cells, batteries...
• Up scaling of processes up to pilot scale in own technical centers
• Development of fuel cell systems
• Micro-analytical characterization of materials
• Electrochemical and electrical characterization equipment
• Process qualification and quality management
• Component and system simulation




Competences and Primary Activities:
The Fraunhofer IKTS covers the complete field of advanced ceramics, from
basic research to applications. Consolidated technological and materialscientific know-how allow for the development and integration of state-of-theart ceramic components, high-performing processes and efficient systems for water treatment, air pollution control and the sustainable production, conversion, storage and use of energy.


Selected research fields:
• Development of ceramic membranes for liquid filtration, pervaporation,
vapour permeation and gas separation
• Municipal and industrial water treatment concepts by utilizing Advanced
Oxidation Processes (AOP) such as photocatalysis or electrolysis, ceramic
membrane technology and ultrasound applications
• Development of ceramic catalysts
• Process intensification in chemical engineering
• Process optimization of mixing processes
• Process development for generating energy from biomass
• Testing, calibration, and piloting

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