Functional thermoplastic textiles

The aim of Repair3D is to use recycled CFRPs and polymers in order to deliver 3D printed products, demonstrate the circular use of materials through multiple cycles of manufacturing/recycling and provide new ways to repurpose recycled materials with an end goal to minimize plastic and CFRPs waste.

The interest in the use of renewable raw materials continues to grow. In this project we will improve several properties to increase the number of innovative applications of biopolymers.

Expanding the possibilities of 3D printing by developing new bioased 3D printing materials

This CORNET project financed by Vlaio will screen the application possibilities and preferred processing conditions of polybutylene succinate (a biobased polymer) in textile applications.

The LIFE RECYSITE project aims to demonstrate recyclability and reuse of a new generation of high performance fibre-reinforced thermoset composites from renewable resources (bio-waste)

Innovative materials and modular design for rolling stock are considered to become key to success in Europe’s railway industries.

Composite materials with their unique properties, such as lightness or reparability have demonstrated a high potential for lighter, more energy- and cost-efficient structural components in relevant sectors such as aeronautic or automotive industries.

FIBFAB will improve the performance of PLA based fibres (there are no commercial PLA grades with enough thermal and mechanical resistance with a competitive price to be used in textile applications) by adapting its processability and functionality, maintaining biodegradability properties, to reach the same process speed as the current materials (PES).

BIO4SELF aims at fully biobased self-reinforced polymer composites (SRPC). To produce the SRPCs two polylactic acid (PLA) grades are required: a low melting temperature (Tm) one to form the matrix and an ultra high stiffness and high Tm one to form the reinforcing fibres. To reach unprecedented stiffness in the reinforcing PLA fibres, we will combine PLA with bio-LCP (liquid crystalline polymer) for nanofibril formation. Further, we will increase the temperature resistance of PLA and improve its durability. This way, BIO4SELF will exploit recent progress in PLA fibre technology. We will add

Today, PLA is made from corncobs, sugarcane and sugar beets, but, in the future, it will be produced from agricultural wastes. Using PLA is beneficial because it is a renewable resource that does not (or to a lesser degree) deplete the oil resources. This certainly reduces the carbon–footprint of the end product.

The LIBRE project will utilise lignin-rich side stream feedstock from the pulp and paper industry, blended with a biopolymer precursor fibre, to create a more resource-efficient and sustainable carbon fibre production process.