Successful knowledge transfer

Goals of the long-standing industrial partnership with Saint-Gobain have been achieved

Four years ago, the DITF launched a comprehensive industrial partnership with the French company Saint-Gobain. The goal of the partnership was to advance joint development in the field of oxide ceramic fibers and to create the conditions for industrial production. Oxide ceramic fibers are a component of fiber-reinforced ceramic materials (CMCs), which do not exhibit catastrophic brittle fracture under mechanical loads and in high-temperature applications.

DITF’s expertise in this collaboration was based on decades of experience in the manufacture of ceramic fibers. This made them an ideal partner for the transfer of know-how. The agreed-upon goals have been achieved, and the joint work is largely complete. Through close on-site cooperation at DITF, a French team was able to familiarize itself not only with the scientific background and the process technology. In recent years, groundbreaking advances in manufacturing technology have also been developed, benefiting both parties.

Saint-Gobain’s commitment aims to establish production of oxide ceramic fibers in Europe. The successful technology transfer helps strengthen Europe’s competitive position in a high-tech segment. The DITF will continue to expand its research activities in ceramic fiber development in the future to create high-performance new materials.