25 years of "Joint Committee on Adhesive Bonding Technology": Celebratory colloquium in Cologne

18 - 19 February 2025 in Cologne

Under the motto "Adhesion bonds," Frau Dr. Rübberdt (DECHEMA e. V.) opened the event. She emphasized that Industrial Collective Research (IGF) is unique in Europe and appealed to political decision-makers to "see what research has to offer."

On February 18 and 19, 2025, the 25^th Colloquium: "Joint Research in Adhesive Bonding Technology" took place at the Maternushaus in Cologne. Over 200 guests from research and industry attended the anniversary event. Even in the anniversary year, participants could choose from a diverse program over two days, selecting the lectures that best suited their interests. Key topics included automotive engineering and simulation, timber construction, steel and glass construction, manufacturing, sustainability, quality assurance, and surfaces.

The colloquium is organized annually by the Joint Committee on Adhesive Bonding Technology (GAK), which includes the DECHEMA Society for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, as well as the Research Associations for Welding and Allied Processes of the DVS, Steel Application (FOSTA), and the iVTH. The GAK is established for the cross-industry evaluation of ideas for research projects. Its industry members also review research proposals across industries, particularly within the framework of Industrial Collective Research (IGF). One of GAK's tasks is the practical transfer of research results from IGF projects in the adhesive sector. Therefore, participants of the "GAK Colloquium" have the opportunity each year for intensive exchange on the latest developments and results in adhesive technology.

The former and current GAK chairpersons looked back on 25 years of research around adhesion. A significant aspect over the years has been the training of young people, which is actively supported by the GAK. Promoting young talent plays a crucial role in securing the future of adhesive technology and attracting skilled professionals to the industry. Dr. Wolfgang Wittwer (Chairman of the GAK) presented the new roadmap and emphasized that the visibility of important research projects needs to be increased. The visibility of results should be significantly improved; for this, resources such as the BMWK project database are suitable (www.igf-foerderung.de/gefoerderte-projekte/projektdatenbank).

In the timber construction session, the results from three IGF projects were presented, along with a project funded by the Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR e.V.). Dr. Andreas Winkel (tff, Uni Kassel) reported on the development of a combined accelerated aging process for structural wood materials. Pascal Franck (HSRM Wiesbaden) provided insights into research on the economical application of hardwood constructions with bonded rods. Tobias Hilse (ifs TU Braunschweig) discussed the ongoing IGF project SafeTeCC, which focuses on the process-secure production of bonded timber-concrete composite components. Concluding the session, Dr. Steven Eschig (Fraunhofer WKI) informed together with Christin Koch (tff, Uni Kassel) about the switchable adhesives developed in his department and their application in wood-wood layer composites (FNR project).

The event was again accompanied by an exhibition where industrial companies and research institutions from the adhesive sector and related industries presented their products, processes, services, and research results. Adhesive manufacturers also had the opportunity to introduce their products in short presentations.

More information about the Joint Committee on Adhesive Bonding Technology:
Joint Committee on Adhesive Bonding (GAK)