Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS

Competence in ceramics

The Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS conducts applied research on high-performance ceramics. The institute‘s three sites in Dresden and Hermsdorf (Thuringia), Germany, collectively represent Europe‘s largest R&D institute dedicated to the study of ceramics.

As a research and technology service provider, the Fraunhofer IKTS develops advanced high-performance ceramic materials, industrial manufacturing processes as well as prototype components and systems in complete production lines up to the pilot-plant scale. In addition, the research portfolio also includes materials diagnostics and testing. The test procedures in the fields of acoustics, electromagnetics, optics and microscopy contribute substantially to the quality assurance of products and plants.

 

Dresden, June 1, 2026

Research News

Customized structure monitoring with the COMOBASE modular acoustic emission analysis system

In its 2022 condition assessment, the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) classified 8,000 highway bridges as requiring rehabilitation. In other words, it is time to start continuously monitoring Germany’s bridges. With the COMOBASE modular acoustic emission monitoring system, the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS presents an innovative solution for continuous infrastructure monitoring, specially customized for the respective requirements and significantly more economical than conventional technologies.

 

Halle (Saale), April 15, 2026

News

The Raw Materials Transition in the Chemical Industry – A Study on the Future of the Chemical Cluster in Central Germany

The Central German Chemical Cluster (MDSV) is one of Germany’s most significant integrated chemical clusters, characterized with closely interconnected material flows between its member sites. A central component of the cluster is the steam cracker in Böhlen, which has been operated by DOW to date. This facility supplies large quantities of basic petrochemical chemicals such as ethylene, propylene, and aromatics. The planned decommissioning of the steam cracker by the end of 2027 presents the MDSV with a profound structural shift.

 

Western Australia, March 23, 2026

Press release

Joint IKTS and ECU “Ideas to Industry Lab” opened in Australia

In a major milestone for innovation in Western Australia, Edith Cowan University (ECU) and Fraunhofer IKTS have officially opened a state-of-the-art joint research and innovation laboratory. 

Annual Report 2025/26

The annual report of Fraunhofer IKTS provides information and reports about our latest results of research.

Certified

The Fraunhofer IKTS is certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001, DIN EN ISO 14001, EN ISO 13485 and DIN EN ISO / IEC 17025.

Sites of Fraunhofer IKTS

Germany: Dresden, Hermsdorf, Freiberg, Arnstadt, Forchheim, Rostock, Braunschweig, Leipzig, Cottbus, Schmalkalden, Berlin

Portugal: Porto