ReSilient
| Project Title | ReSilient |
| Project Subtitle | Resource-efficient, short-fiber-reinforced silicones - Mixing processes, adhesion behavior, small-scale and component-level testing, and sustainability assessment of fiber-reinforced silicones |
| Project Leader | Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Engelmann (TU Dresden) |
| Researcher | Dipl.-Ing. Johannes Giese-Hinz (TU Dresden) |
| Partners | Contura Ingenieure GmbH Thüringisches Institut für Textil- und Kunststoff-Forschung Rudolstadt e.V. Metallbau Windeck GmbH |
| Funding | BMWK – Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand (ZIM) |
| Time Span | 2026-2028 |
Project Description
Glass is widely used in the construction industry. In structural sealant glazing (SSG) façades, glass products such as insulating glass units (IGUs) are load-transferringly bonded to the substructure by means of linear silicone joints. To date, only building authority–approved silicones have been used for this purpose; these materials are very compliant and provide relatively low design strength.
The overarching objective of the research project is therefore to transfer the principle of fiber reinforcement to structural silicones for the first time, in the context of a specific application. The aim is to utilize the material significantly more efficiently in the future by achieving a substantial increase in strength and stiffness through the incorporation of short fibers.
As a result of the project, load-bearing silicone joints can be designed with significantly reduced dimensions under comparable loading conditions. This reduces adhesive consumption and, consequently, the demand for raw materials as well as the CO₂ footprint of modern façades. Furthermore, closing the material loop through the recycling of granulated fiber-reinforced silicone is also a subject of the project.