Project: HIGH-performance multifunctional BIOPOLymer systems for structural applications
Many of the bioplastics currently available lack the performance of traditional polymeric materials. Because of their often poor mechanical performance the use of bioplastics is often limited to disposable items, such as packaging trays and containers, catering items, shopping bags, bottles and blister foils for fruit and vegetables. The objective of the current proposal is to develop a range of multifunctional engineering biopolymer systems for (semi-)structural applications such as automotive, general engineering or consumer products markets with improved performances (mechanical and electrical), functionalities (sensing properties), durability, cost structure and processability. The main advantages of the use of these biopolymers is to create these performance products from sustainable resources, competing with fossil hydrocarbon sourced polymers, at the same time leaving open the possibility of biodegradability and composting as an alternative end-of–life option in addition to mechanical recycling (and incineration). To achieve this goal, HIGHBIOPOL, aims at developing a new range of multifunctional conductive biopolymer systems based on biopolymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) acting as performance and biodegradation monitoring systems, conductive charge and stabilizers to tailor biodegradation. While doing all that, such performance materials will be entirely degradable, including the CNTs. Next to the development of multifunctional injection molding compounds the project will develop unique high strength biopolymer tape-technology for the creation of self-reinforced biopolymer composites (all-PLA composites). These high performance materials will open up completely new markets for bioplastics including their use in automotive, general engineering and electronic industry due to the combination of weight reduction, electrical conductivity, mechanical performances, sensing properties and full recyclability. For those reasons industrial partners all along the value chain have shown their interest in being involved directly or indirectly in this project. Like the company Futerro (joint venture between Galactic and Total - www.futerro.com), an industrial producer of PLA interested to become partner of the project but, unfortunately it is not allowed to add new partners in the consortium after the first stage of the proposal. Other industrial end-users interested are: FIAT (automotive), Arlen (personal protection), Astrium (satellites) and Tissa (building construction).
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Acronym
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HIGHBIOPOL
(Reference Number: MFM-1994)
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Project Topic
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Multi-functional materials
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Network
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MATERA+
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Call
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Matera+ Call
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Project partner
