The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) has launched the Priority Programme “New recyclable composites” (SPP 2528) to promote research into recyclable fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP). This call invites proposals for the first three-year funding period, aiming to develop alternative FRPs that are recyclable and maintain performance through material cycles.

Research Focus

The programme addresses the critical need to "de-fossilise" the polymer industry by exploring alternatives to petroleum-based materials. It focuses on three main approaches: the use of renewable raw materials, multiple use of carbon through closed-loop solutions, and the use of CO2 as a carbon source (Carbon Capture and Utilisation, CCU). These approaches aim to develop recyclable fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) with a focus on recyclability.

The SPP 2528 aims to develop alternative FRPs that are recyclable and enable at least one, and ideally several, material cycles while maintaining product and performance. A key target is to achieve at least 80% of selected mechanical benchmark properties after the first cycle. The new FRP in the initial state must correspond to the current industrial standard.

Research should also include a qualitative and quantitative consideration of ecological sustainability. This includes defossilisation, energy, and resource consumption compared to benchmarks, such as bio-based base materials/resources or recycled petrochemical carbon. Proposals must explain how the target figure of 80% will be achieved based on the state of the art.

Project Areas

Research is divided into approaches that seek solutions for recyclability at different levels. Bio-based, recyclable material components for reinforcing and matrix materials are welcome in all areas. The program will focus on three key areas:

Soluble matrix materials: This area focuses on separating the fibres and matrix of the FRP and returning them to the material cycle. The aim is to maintain the quality and usability of both fibres and matrix, with continuous fibres being reused as continuous fibres.

Disposable FRP: This approach involves using the layered structure of the FRP to separate individual fibre layers. The fibres and matrix remain bonded together in the layer, enabling direct processing into new FRP components. This can be applied to all FRPs with a polymer matrix.

Self-reinforced FRP: This area focuses on direct reuse, such as reshaping or melting of the unmixed FRP. Fibres and matrix consist of the same polymer, the same polymer group, or very compatible materials. Concepts must be developed for further processing in the cycle of pure but heterogeneous polymers to obtain FRP with good properties.

Exclusions

The SPP 2528 focuses primarily on material and polymer engineering issues related to creating and investigating new, recycling-friendly, polymer-based composite materials. Therefore, certain areas are excluded from funding.

The SPP does not focus on hybrid material composites, such as fibre-metal laminates, or metal or ceramic-based composites. Also excluded is the recycling of unreinforced polymers or polymer waste, exclusive downcycling, composting, or thermal/raw material recycling. The development of new polymer materials based on research approaches in the field of macromolecular chemistry is also not a focus.

Additionally, the program excludes purely theoretical considerations using an LCA or approaches that only improve resource conservation by reducing energy consumption in processing, without pursuing technical material solutions. An exclusive evaluation of use-limiting deterioration without a relevant solution approach for resource conservation is also not within the scope.

Eligibility and Submission

Proposals must be written in English and submitted to the DFG via the elan portal. The submission deadline is 29 October 2025. Ensure proposal-related data is recorded and documents are securely transmitted through the elan portal.

If this is the first time submitting a proposal to the DFG, registration in the elan portal is required by 15 October 2025. Select “SPP 2528” from the list of calls during registration. Confirmation of registration is typically received by the next working day.

The DFG welcomes proposals from researchers of all backgrounds. DFG funding may only be awarded to research institutions that have implemented the guidelines laid down in the Code of Conduct for Safeguarding Good Research Practice. Verify implementation within your institution to avoid delays in funding.

Key Dates and Information

An online round table will be held on 13 June 2025, from 9:30 to 12:00 a.m. to improve the coherence of the Priority Programme. Possible collaborations or joint proposals can be discussed at this meeting. Contact the coordinator at spp2528@tuhh.de if interested.

Proposals will be evaluated at a colloquium at the TU Hamburg, currently planned for February 2026. The exact date and location will be published in due course. When preparing your proposal, refer to the Guidelines Priority Programme (DFG form 50.05) and the Proposal Preparation Instructions – Project Proposals (DFG form 54.01).

For scientific enquiries, contact Professor Dr.-Ing. habil. Bodo Fiedler at spp2528@tuhh.de. For programme-related questions, contact Dr.-Ing. Tobias Standau at tobias.standau@dfg.de or Christoph Dahlmeier at christoph.dahlmeier@dfg.de for administrative matters.