The iPAT is a research institute with a world-wide unique knowledge on fine grinding processes that considers the entire value chain from formation of fine particles by top-down, especially by fine grinding, and bottom-up processes over classification, conditioning and formulation of the particles up to processing of the particles to achieve innovative products. Today, especially the products batteries, solid drug products and additive manufacturing powders are in the research focus. Moreover, the circular economy and recycling of society relevant products like lithium-ion batteries and resulting secondary materials like artificial minerals are important topics with strongly increasing research scope.
Based on the intensive research activities the iPAT offers several pilot facilities for developing industrial processes and products, among others wet and dry operated stirred media mills, ball mills and impact mills of different size. For the characterization of particles and powders a great variety of equipment is available, ranging from different particle size measurements over micro-computer tomograph, XRD, SEM, surface analysis methods like inverse gas chromatography and TGA up to several testers for bulk solids flowability. For the technology transfer, besides consultancy and other industrial projects an annual course on stirred media milling is organized for the industry.
