Airbus collaboration on multifunctional materials


World-leading research into structural batteries 


The agreement has taken time to prepare because the professorship must be relevant to Chalmers while also adding value to Airbus. Linde says that one absolutely crucial reason for the collaboration is the cutting-edge research being conducted by Leif Asp’s research team together with colleagues at KTH Royal Institute of Technology within the field of multifunctional composites for energy storage.


“Yes, it’s true that we’re world-leading in the area of structural batteries​. In preparation for the agreement, Airbus conducted a Technology Watch in which the potential in our research was identified. It chimes with one of Airbus’ own strategic research fields: integrated energy storage. Airbus saw the potential and has therefore chosen to enter into an agreement with us,” Asp says.

Now that this agreement has been secured, Leif Asp hopes that Chalmers will gain a much broader interface with Airbus. Asp believes that there will be more joint projects on composites in future, but he would also like to see the research collaboration broadened. There are many research fields at Chalmers that are of interest to Airbus. 


“One of Peter Linde’s key talents is his ability to see possible collaborations and create networks that drive innovation in industry. In short, he is skilled at technology, politics and making things happen,” Asp explains.

Peter Linde devotes most of his time to his work as Topic Manager of the EU project SORCERER, in which Chalmers is one of four partners.


“The project aims to develop a lightweight composite with intrinsic electrical energy storage capability, intended for future electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. The background to the project is the need for more environmentally friendly lightweight aircraft, of which the weight can be reduced by integrating batteries in structures, cabins and systems.


“Via Airbus’ involvement in the Clean Sky​ project, I will also gain the opportunity to meet new collaboration partners for Chalmers and Airbus,” says Linde, who hopes that he will have time for this on the 3–4 occasions per year that he will be on site in Gothenburg.

Other interesting and closely related research fields mentioned by Linde are graphene and additive manufacturing for weight reduction and multifunctionality for components. Initially, however, he wants to dig deeper into the field of composites made of thin layers. Linde continues, 

“Together with Leif Asp and Martin Fagerström, I will prepare a number of degree projects. We have also started to supervise a doctoral student together, and we might lecture for the Master’s students in the latter part of their programmes.”



When the news of the professorship was made public, many people in Peter Linde’s extensive contact network got in touch. One person who has already congratulated him is Professor Stephen W. Tsai at Stanford, a living legend in the field of composite materials, with whom Linde has had an innovative exchange in recent years.


“I have also heard from my old Professor Hugo Bachmann​ at ETH Zurich, who congratulated me on gaining such a fine position at such a reputable seat of learning,” Linde laughs and continues, 


“This feels great! Above all as Adjunct Professor, I will be able to devote myself to my major interests: building networks and satisfying my curiosity. I regard myself as always being a student,” Linde concludes.

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Read more about the lecture

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