Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM
We develop joints which account for the chemical, thermal and mechanical properties of glass as a material. To this end, we functionalize glass surfaces using specially developed multilayer coatings, evaluate brazing materials and adapt the process parameters. Our goal is to match the base material, solder material and process control in such a way that a dimensionally stable and vacuum-tight joint can be created. As a result, the strengths of vacuum-insulating glass used in windows can also be maintained throughout its entire service life.
The joining processes of glass-glass/glass-metal connections developed at Fraunhofer IWM can create sustainable solutions by using glass as a material. Vacuum insulation glass reduces the energy loss in buildings, and perovskite solar cells generate electricity from the energy of sunlight with high efficiency and low-resource use.
