Fraunhofer IWM conducts research into the sustainability of industrial value creation. The institute opens up new avenues for innovation, enhancing the durability and safety of components, the efficiency of resource use in process chains and the energy efficiency of machinery. To this end, the institute enables the prediction of the behaviour and properties of materials in process chains, components, and machinery.

A key focus is the future hydrogen infrastructure: The institute ensures the safety of pressure-loaded components by predicting their service life and analysing fracture mechanics, evaluating pressure vessel steels and CFRP tanks, and developing precise material models. It also investigates hydrogen-induced damage in pumps and compressors, and protects high-performance systems with bespoke barrier and anti-corrosion coatings.

This expertise also benefits the mobility of the future: for internal combustion engines using alternative fuels such as hydrogen, methane or ammonia, the IWM researches tribochemical processes and qualifies material systems under real-world thermomechanical loads.

Work on PEM electrolysis completes the circle of sustainable energy production: using innovative capillary suspension technology, the institute develops highly porous titanium electrodes to specifically increase the efficiency of hydrogen production.