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.

Business Divisions

Research for Application

Water

Non-Destructive Testing and Monitoring

Materials and processes

Electronics and Microsystems

Materials and Process Analysis

Energy

Environmental and Process Engineering

Bio- and Medical Technology

Mechanical and Automotive Engineering

Dresden, August 3, 2026

Research News

Reliable Film Sealing: Real-time non-destructive testing of film packaging seals

To date, much of the food packaging on the market relies on multilayer composite films, which are difficult to recycle. Recyclable mono-material films offer a more sustainable alternative. However, they are generally considered more difficult to process because their seals are more susceptible to defects. As part of the OCTInline project, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS have developed a testing system designed to address this very challenge. Using optical coherence tomography (OCT), the system enables real-time, non-destructive detection of seal defects during the packaging process, with resolution in the micrometer range.

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Dresden, June 10, 2026

Research News

Electrolysis Platform – Efficient Manufacture of Hydrogen and Chemical Products

Green hydrogen is seen as a key technology for the decarbonization of industry. As yet, however, shortcomings in the areas of production efficiency, cost and scalability have prevented it from making a breakthrough.

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Hermsdorf, July 1, 2026

Research News

Green Lime: Reducing Carbon Emissions in the Construction Materials Industry

The building materials industry accounts for about a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions. The production of cement and lime, in particular, is not only energy-intensive but, above all, emission-intensive. Together with partners, Fraunhofer IKTS has developed a plant for the climate-neutral production of lime. In this plant, the CO₂ generated during the lime burning process is no longer emitted but is instead used as a raw material.