The Rector was particularly interested in the Cluster of Excellence "Internet of Production" and in the collaborative research centres dealing with precision in injection moulding (SFB 1120) and plasma coating (SFB-TR 87). With the help of the inner plasma coating of PET returnable bottles, the large amount of research on this topic at IKV, which began at the beginning of the 1980s, was highlighted. With this example, it was evident that such long-term basic research can also be used for highly topical social purposes, because the application of this basic knowledge will make it possible to also deploy PET returnable bottles for highly sensitive beverages. This fundamental research will make it possible to dispense in many cases with short-lived single-use bottles.
During the tour of the Institute's laboratories and pilot plants, there were lively discussions between the Rector and the IKV scientists on the processing and analysis of plastics. The Rector's thirst for knowledge was indeed difficult to satiate during the two hours of his visit.
We would like to thank the Rector for his visit and for the refreshing discussions, and we also wish him luck and success with the application submitted by RWTH Aachen University to become a University of Excellence!