The research objectives of process engineering are the production of particles for the application and development of new materials and functional materials. Current topics include reactive and non-reactive spraying, powder and layer formation processes, in combination with process simulation and optimization using multiphase models as well as process and particle characterization. Thus, process engineering is the starting point for research into many material-oriented process chains, as is currently particularly evident in the example of powder production and particle formulation for additive manufacturing.

These research objectives are reflected in the scientific orientation of process engineering with the following research activities:

•     Generic process design
•     Reactive spray technology
•     Multiphase flow, heat and mass transfer
•     Powder and particle measurement technology
•     Metal sputtering and spray compacting

Generic process design is a fundamental cross-sectional topic in process engineering, which takes place outside the conventional paths of particle/droplet or process research. Generic Process Design is characterized by the deliberate isolation of basic physical and chemical phenomena for research into higher-level laws and has direct interfaces to the Operations unit of process engineering. This is the basis for new and efficient synthesis routes for structural and functional materials.