With the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the cooperation, both partners confirm their plans to advance research and development activities for the use of innovative tape applications in battery cell technology. In the future, publicly funded projects are to be applied for in the field of material development, among other things, and technology transfer between science and industry is to be intensified. Regular interdisciplinary exchanges between Fraunhofer scientists and tesa engineers are also already planned for next May. A whitepaper summarizing the results of the research and development projects is also to be presented shortly.

Professor Simon Lux, Institute Director of Fraunhofer FFB: »We are very pleased about the signing of the groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding between tesa SE and Fraunhofer FFB. It paves the way for mutually beneficial, innovation-rich research and development activities that will help to further advance materials development in the field of battery cell technology in an efficient and sustainable manner.«

Frank Kolmorgen, Chief Industrial Officer of tesa SE, says: »We want to play a key role in shaping the future of mobility with innovative and more sustainable product and system solutions. To this end, we are working closely with customers and partners around the world. The cooperation with the Fraunhofer FFB and the related projects will provide us with exciting new approaches and insights that we will incorporate into our work. We look forward to the joint results.«

Tape applications in practice

In battery cell manufacturing, adhesive tapes help ensure the stability, durability and safety of the battery cell. In addition to fixing the electrode stack in the cell, automotive batteries, for example, require secure electrical insulation in the form of a film that encloses the cells or battery modules. Adhesive tapes are also required during subsequent assembly into battery systems to ensure cell positioning. Adhesive tapes can also make a significant contribution to sustainability. When it comes to dismantling complex components after many years and recycling them by type, adhesive tapes have enormous advantages over other applications. Battery systems can be reopened without destruction and then recycled separately.

Innovation brokerage and technology transfer

The Fraunhofer FFB offers the possibility of technological implementation and validation of new production solutions for large-scale industrial applications. To this end, researchers at the Fraunhofer FFB work closely with tesa to enable direct technology transfer in the form of applied research. In this way, innovations can be tested and validated close to production and innovation cycles can be drastically shortened. Highly qualified teams of technology experts are available in the battery cell research production facility to provide scientifically sound support for industry challenges in joint innovation and development projects.

The signing of the MoU is therefore an important step in paving the way for future mutually beneficial research and development activities.