Ceramics

Highly efficient solid-state heat pumps without compressors – that is the vision of Fraunhofer researchers. With the recent completion of the Elkawe research project, they took a big step towards realizing this vision. The team made great progress in terms of material and system design, and set up the first electrocaloric demonstrators to show the potential of this technology. 

Engineer, mechanics expert, bone researcher, materials scientist: Jakob Schwiedrzik has a multifaceted research profile. For several months now, he has been at the helm of Empa's Laboratory for High-Performance Ceramics. He wants to advance both his laboratory and ceramics as a material. 

Unitecr 2025 has announced its theme for this year’s event: “Sustainability Meets Intelligence – Shaping the Future of Refractories”. The theme aims to draw together all strands of thought that point to a smart revolution for a greener refractories world.