Dive into the development of bio-based carbon fibers from lignin!
On October 8, 2025, we invite you to an exclusive online event where DITF, Carbotainer, and CIDETEC will share insights on their contributions and technologies on developing novel bio-based and recyclable materials to replace current complex thermoplastic and thermoset products.
| 9:00 | Introduction Session Chair | Erik Frank |
| 9:15-09:45 | Preparation of Lignin-based carbon fibers | Erik Frank |
| 09:45-10:15 | Modern methods of pultrusion | Markus Milwich |
| 10:45-11:15 | Carbotainer Project: Products with composites, pressure cylinders and technology in sports equipment | Victor Herber |
| 11:15-12:00 | Thermoforming of epoxy vitrimer thermosets | Virginie Boucher |
Meet the Presenters
- Dr. Erik Frank got his PhD in 20023 and is now the Head of Competence Center for High Performance Fibers at DITF. He works for over 20 years on the development of carbon fibers with more sustainable precursors from biomass and less energy conversion methods for stabilization and carbonization. Erik is specialized in the preparation of Lignin-based carbon fibers, which were and are developed in many EU programs (LIBRE, VIBES, CUBIC). Erik works in the HPFC fiber center, which allows development of endless carbon fibers under realistic conditions of industrial production facilities.
- Pr. Dr.-Ing. Markus Milwich works since 1988 at the DITF in the field of medical technology, technical textiles and established the ‘Fibre Composites’ department. Since 2001, he gives lectures on fibre composites at the University of Reutlingen, TEXOVERSUM Faculty of Textiles. He is since 2022 in the Scientific Advisory Board ‘Technology’ of the Federal Institute for Sports Science and is a founding member of the Alliance for Fibre-Based Materials AFBW, Leichtbau Baden Württemberg, Leichtbauzentrum Baden Württemberg e.V., Composite United. Since 2024 he also represents the Lightweight Construction Alliance Baden-Württemberg.
- Victor Herber is an Industrial Engineer and has been Technology Manager at Carbotainer since 2021, a manufacturer of high-pressure carbon fiber gas cylinders. Within R&D, he is responsible for technology monitoring and provides support to the company’s innovation activities. Prior to joining Carbotainer, Victor spent seven years in the aerospace industry specializing in structural analysis, where he developed his expertise in composite materials while working on projects for clients such as Boeing and Airbus.
- Dr. Virginie Boucher, senior researcher and project manager at CIDETEC Surface Engineering, holds a PhD in Materials Science from the University of Science and Technology of Lille, France. She combines over 15 years of academic and industrial experience in composites, thermosets, thermoplastics, and elastomers. Her current research focuses on developing high-performance dynamic thermoset materials that are recyclable and processable through innovative processing techniques.
- Frank Schmidt studied chemistry at the University of Tübingen, Germany, from 2012 to 2023 and obtained his PhD in the field of total synthesis of a natural antibiotic. After his PhD, he started his career as a scientific researcher at DITF Denkendorf and has been a member of the carbon fiber group since the end of 2023, where he is particularly involved in the development of lignin-based carbon fibers and the corresponding process.
Information and Registration
Date: October 8, 2025
Format: Online
Registration Deadline: October 3, 2025
