Innovative lightweight construction solutions: Chemnitz partner at JEC World 2025!

Innovative lightweight construction solutions: Chemnitz partner at JEC World 2025!

From March 4th to 6th, 2025, the Institute for Lightweight Structural Design at Chemnitz University of Technology will be exhibiting at JEC World in Paris. This trade fair is considered an international leading event for composite materials and lightweight construction technologies. Together with several partners, including the Saxon Textile Research Institute e. V., the Fraunhofer IWU and the Cetex Institut gGmbH, the TU Chemnitz is presenting innovative solutions in the field of multifunctional textile lightweight construction and textile recycling at the Saxon joint stand (Hall 5, Stand D 97). The focus is on promoting practical industrial cooperation in order to support sustainable and resource-efficient manufacturing processes, as the Chemnitz University of Technology describes in its press statement.

A highlight of the exhibition is the newly developed cabin door for an ultralight helicopter. This door is made from a hybrid, bio-based blend construction that combines flax and carbon fiber. With a biomass content of 41 percent, it achieves mechanical properties that are comparable to carbon fiber-reinforced reference components. Particularly noteworthy are the 68 percent reduction in CO2 emissions in the manufacturing process (cradle-to-gate, GWP100) and the presentation of the Carbon LabFactory Sachsen, a new research facility that is being set up in Boxberg/Oberlausitz.

Research for sustainability

The Carbon LabFactory will explore the entire value chain from carbon fiber to high-performance components on a pilot scale. The goal of this research facility is to reduce manufacturing costs, reduce the carbon footprint and optimize the properties of carbon fibers. In addition, the Carbon LabFactory is intended to promote business start-ups and support climate-friendly change in Europe.

In addition, the development of lightweight body parts made of natural fiber reinforced plastic (NFRP) and bio-based epoxy resin is also highlighted. The aim is to increase the biogenic proportion in the components to at least 85 percent. This strategy improves the ecological balance through the use of renewable raw materials. The use of natural fibers in automobile production also brings with it some advantages: They are more cost-effective than carbon fibers, have a naturally grown structure that absorbs sound and vibrations better, and cause less skin irritation.

Technological advantages

Although natural fibers have lower stiffness and strength, they offer sufficient stability for many applications. In addition, the bio-based epoxy resin shows viscoelastic behavior, which could be particularly advantageous in the event of accidents. The lower tendency of natural fibers to splinter can also reduce the risk of injury in accidents, which increases the safety of vehicles.

Overall, Chemnitz University of Technology and its partners are presenting significant advances in the development of sustainable and efficient technologies in lightweight construction at JEC World. The innovative approaches to using natural fibers and bio-based materials could be groundbreaking for the future of climate-neutral mobility Fraunhofer IWU emphasized.