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.

 

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.

 

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. 

 

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.

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