The world around us and hence our lifestyle and the way we work are changing at breakneck pace. Who would have thought 15 years ago that computers and mobile phones would now be a part of everyday life? Who could have imagined a 3-litre car engine? And who could have dreamed of detachable adhesive strips which do not tear away the wallpaper when a poster is removed? The constantly increasing requirements being put on new consumer products is the driving force for technological progress: Nowadays, each new product that is developed must - as in the past - not only be better and more favourably priced than its predecessor but must also meet the requirement of sustainability. The consideration of environmental aspects means that the development of new products is becoming ever more demanding and that manufacturers must take into consideration more complex requirements for their new products. The increasing requirements put on products has since time immemorial been the key driving force for the development of advanced and new materials.