2025 | December | Start of the DFG project "UHPC as a molding material"

The kick-off meeting for the DFG project "Mineral-bonded and reusable molding materials for the casting production of aluminum components" (WE 5978-81) took place on 17.12.2025. The project is a collaboration with the Chair of Foundry Technology (Prof. Dr. Sebastian Müller) at the Friedrich-Alexander University in Erlangen (FAU).

The project focuses on the use of ultra-high performance concretes (UHPC) made from alkali-activated binders. The aim is to produce reusable molds for light metal casting. The aim is to reduce reactivity and thermal conductivity compared to metallic molds. It is being investigated how the durability of the mineral mold materials can be increased. Various aggregates and fiber additives are being tested for this purpose. Experimental studies and computer calculations will show how the mold fills, how stress is distributed and how long the concrete molds last. It will also be shown how the microstructure and mechanical properties of certain aluminum alloys change.