The focus of the investigation is on testing the suitability of coolant additives for the coolant of internal combustion engines in accordance with FVV Guideline R 530 / 2005, which was significantly co-developed and shaped by the research work carried out at the institute. As a direct supplier, we are therefore able to carry out all the tests anchored in the directive from a single source.

This means in detail

• Cavitation tests by means of ultrasonic coupling transducers
• Cavitation tests using a circulation system with cavitation chamber (knocking chamber)
• Internal combustion engines and hybrid concepts: Corrosion tests under heat transmission (hot test) by means of modular hot test equipment (MHTA) and the novel Flow Corrosion Test Bench (FDC)
• E-Mobility: Corrosion test in integrated thermal managements systems. Therefore, we investigated a modular test bench to qualify materials and media for fuel cells (bipolar plates), heat exchangers, pumps, pipes, condenser and peripher Rankine cycle compoments such as ion exchangers.

As a result of past and current research work, experience is also available on the corrosion behavior of heated aluminum samples in various coolants under defined conditions with subcooled flow boiling. Further focal points are the investigation of brazed aluminum samples under consideration of flux residues and the application of electrochemical methods in situ.

Special qualifications of the operating materials competence field exist in the area of corrosion testing of metallic materials in fossil and regenerative fuel blends as well as in urea solutions (e.g. Adblue, Deno) for exhaust gas aftertreatment using SCR technology. The focus of the research activities is on the investigation of corrosion characteristics and mechanisms in biogenic gasoline and diesel fuels as well as in synthetic e-fuels (DMC, MeFo, OME, Methanol etc.). As a research partner, the Institute of Materials Science is also significantly involved in designing of the already established and industrial accepted VDA Guideline 230-207.

In addition to conducting numerous research projects using modern and established test planning structures, the Service Fluids competence field also offers corrosion testing for external customers. Complex test facilities and reactors allow comprehensive and modularly adaptable testing for electrochemical corrosion and alcoholate corrosion

In the field of printing auxiliaries, on the other hand, the focus is not only on corrosion testing of metallic materials, but also on investigating the corrosion behavior of multilayer systems of electrodeposited materials and – for some years now – of metallic spray coatings.

The techniques used for this purpose were developed in cooperation with German printing press manufacturers and the Forschungsgesellschaft Druck e.V. (Printing Research Association) and published in the guideline “Corrosion Testing of Fountain Solution Additives” (as of 10/2011). In consultation with the manufacturers of the operating fluids, this guideline is used to evaluate the corrosion potential of the printing auxiliaries used on the press.

Common to all areas is that individual customer requirements can always be implemented in the test parameters. Extensive scientific consultation with the customer is of the highest priority. The range of services includes i.a.:

• Individual advice on test parameters and the test procedure
• Sample examination (SEM/EDX/Metallography/Microscopy)
• Photo documentation of corrosion morphology
• Chemical analysis (IC, ICP, HPLC, IR)
• Constantly updated interim results
• Comprehensive and timely preparation of test reports