Plastics such as polymers, rubber and natural fiber composites have become indispensable to everyday life. The Polymer Technology innovation cluster in Halle and Leipzig aims to develop innovative synthesis and processing technologies, and to bring novel plastics to market more quickly.

One innovation in the field of polymer synthesis is the use of nanoparticles in polymers. These particles are a hundred to a thousand times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. The use of nano filler materials can improve the polymers’ flame resistance, for example. In this case, the particles form a barrier layer which prevents gas from being exchanged, thus extinguishing any fire.

In the Polymer Technology innovation cluster, large and medium-sizedcompanies and research institutions in the Halle and Leipzig area have set themselves the objective of bringing such innovations in the field of polymer synthesis and processing to market more quickly.