Evonik Industries : New multifunctional laboratory in Geesthacht

In mid-May, the new application technology laboratory for fiber composites and electronics at the Geesthacht location was put into operation.

'Thanks to the new laboratory, we can support our customers even faster and better than before in these two high-growth fields,' says Dietmar Schaefer, Head of the Interface & Performance business area at Evonik. 'Our experience and expertise is demanded and appreciated by our customers in these areas.'

Both the manufacturers of fiber composites and the electronics producers are increasingly relying on innovative partners who can offer them not only a secure supply of raw materials, but also intensive development cooperation. This results in particularly good, long-standing and close customer relationships.

Evonik is supporting this trend with its new application laboratory in Geesthacht. It was already clear that many devices and measuring methods can be used for questions in the field of composite materials and electronics. Of course, additionally there is also specific equipment such as a vacuum infusion for the production of fiber composite panels, or special air conditioners in which aging tests, that are relevant to automotive electronics, can be performed.

Evonik will also use the new facilities to train sales people in a more hands-on working environment that is similar to that of many customers. This not only results in a deeper understanding of their wishes - at the same time, the learning effect is significantly greater for Evonik employees than for theoretical lectures.

The new multifunctional laboratory is supposed to significantly accelerate the growth of the Interface & Performance business segment in the composites and electronics sectors, as the demand for transport volume for goods and people will continue to increase significantly in the future. The compulsion to reduce emissions and protect resources forces lightweight construction; a global trend not just in transportation, and fiber composites are one of the key technologies for efficient lightweight construction. The products from Geesthacht make it possible to fully exploit the performance of composites and reduce production costs in their often complex production.

The products from Interface & Performance enable the production of low-viscosity, high-performance adhesives such as those used in high-end smartphones. They help with the thermal management of components, dampen vibrations or ensure longer durability and reliability.