photo 1: Laboratory, © Daniel Fürst | hoch3media
photo 2: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ralf Goller and M.Eng. Daniel Dorn, © Daniel Fürst | hoch3media
logo: Daniel Dorn | THA
University of Applied Sciences Augsburg
ECO-CMC: Research funding for sustainable CMCs
The ECO-CMC (=Ceramic Matrix Composites) project, which has been funded by the Alexander Tutsek-Stiftung since 2023, is dedicated to the development of resource-saving materials and sets new standards for sustainable technologies.
In the laboratories of University of Applied Sciences Augsburg, a research group headed by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ralf Goller is working on the production of short-fiber-reinforced ceramics (SF-CMCs) from natural and recycled raw materials. The project aims to replace petrochemical resources – in particular crude oil – in the production of CMCs.
In the first phase of the project, ECO-CMC is focusing on materials science research. Recycled carbon fibers, sustainable matrix systems and recycled silicon are being investigated as key raw materials for the production of CMCs.
The main focus lies on:
- Identification and selection of suitable raw materials
- Production of test specimens
- Systematic characterization of the materials both as individual components and in the composite material
In the second phase, the technology will be transferred into practice: ECO-CMC will transfer its research into prototype production, with an emergency braking system for electromobility serving as the central application. The aim is to develop a hybrid brake disc that impresses with its optimized weight-specific performance and saves resources. This technology offers a promising, cost-efficient solution for electromobility by combining sustainability and functionality.
The project exemplifies the possibility of combining ecologically responsible action and cutting-edge technical research and underlines the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and committed research cooperation for future challenges.