CASES & RESEARCH PROJECTS
Research and development with universities, institutes and customers
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT : POTENTIAL OF RADIATION TECHNOLOGY
For more than four decades, we at BGS have been working intensively on the potential of ionizing radiation. And this potential is far from exhausted! We are certain that numerous innovations are still possible in irradiation technology, especially in radiation crosslinking. It can also make a fundamental contribution to solving the pressing challenges of our time – for example in the areas of mobility, life sciences and resource conservation.
Our technology can provide solutions for a wide range of applications today and in the future. In cooperation with universities, leading research institutes and in close collaboration with our customers, we are constantly working on new irradiation applications and the improvement of existing products through applied and market-oriented research. Our activities currently focus on the development of new crosslinkable materials, alternative crosslinking agents as well as solutions for greater sustainability in the use of plastics.
CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS: SUSTAINABILITY IN FOCUS
Radiation crosslinking of biopolymers ("BioFla" project)
In an R&D project between BGS, Fraunhofer WKI, Fraunhofer IAP and industrial partners, new concepts for improving the flame retardant properties of biopolymers were successfully investigated. Soon, a high proportion of electrical and electronic (E&E) products could be manufactured from bio-based, radiation crosslinked materials. One example: plugs and connectors.
Recycling of radiation crosslinked polyamides ("RayCycle" project)
Radiation crosslinking increases product life, but limits the possibilities for recycling because the crosslinked parts of the plastic can no longer be melted. The “RayCycle” research project by BGS, nylon polymers, Aalen University and TU Berlin has succeeded in developing a technically feasible and economically interesting approach for the material recycling of radiation crosslinked polyamides.
Bioplastics for high-temperature applications ("HoT-Bro2" project)
Findings in the “HoT-Bro2” feasibility study by IfBB and partners have clearly shown that bio-based polymers are also suitable for high-temperature applications with appropriate processing and refinement through radiation crosslinking. In the further course of the project, materials for different applications – primarily in the automotive sector – will be specifically developed and modified.
Article: Radiation Crosslinking of films
The radiation crosslinking of injection-molded components has been established for many years. In contrast, the radiation crosslinking of films represented a previously untapped potential for new applications in the processing of filled materials in the thermoforming process. Research results from the Institute of Polymer Technology (LKT), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg in collaboration with BGS and others have shown that the forming window of filled films can be extended by up to 15 percent by volume with the aid of radiation crosslinking. Read the corresponding technical article by Dr. Lisa-Marie Wittmann, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dietmar Drummer and Dr. Dirk Fischer, published in “Kunststoffe international”.
AWARD: INNOVATIVE THROUGH RESEARCH
BGS is innovative through research: For our activities and investments in research and development (R&D), we have received the official seal “Innovativ durch Forschung” from the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft e.V. (2022/2023). The Stifterverband is one of the largest private sponsors of science in Germany. In addition to its commitment to young academics, excellent universities and cutting-edge research, it is also responsible for examining and evaluating the German research and innovation system.
AWARD : THREE TIMES IN SUCCESSION TOP100 INNOVATOR
2019, 2020, 2021: BGS has already been recognized three times as a TOP 100 Innovator for its innovative strength and success! In the scientific selection process, our company in size class B (51 to 200 employees) was able to impress several times in various categories, including in the areas of “Innovation-promoting top management” and “Open Innovation”. Our high level of flexibility as a sterilization service provider during the coronavirus crisis and our successes in R&D projects in 3D printing, lightweight construction and recycling were the decisive factors.
ABOUT BGS & OUR TECHNOLOGY : MORE INFORMATION
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