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BIO-BASED LONG LASTING SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE BY DESIGN SURFACE COATINGS FOR DEMANDING AND EXTREME CONDITIONS

Project description

Sustainable bio-based coatings for a greener future

Surface coatings are essential for protecting materials in demanding and harsh environments. However, many of them are fossil-based, which contributes considerably to energy consumption and climate change through GHG emissions. The EU-funded BLUECOAT project aims to develop 12 bio-based, low-carbon coating formulations specifically designed for the marine, textile and construction industry. They are using materials such as biopolymers, natural fibres and plant proteins. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45 % while cutting down on harmful volatile organic compounds. The project’s coatings will deliver antifouling and anti-corrosion for ship hulls, antimicrobial durability for outdoor garments and flame-retardant, antifungal properties for insulation boards. BLUECOAT pioneers safe and sustainable by design criteria, and explores recyclability and biodegradability, providing viable and eco-friendly solutions for the future.

Objective

Surface coatings are essential for protecting materials and enhancing their functionality, but the reliance on fossil resources necessitates safer, sustainable alternatives that maintain high performance while reducing environmental impact. To address these challenges, BLUECOAT will develop 12 safe, sustainable, bio-based, and low-carbon emission coating formulations for the marine, textile, and construction sectors that are challenging and demanding conditions for coatings. The project will explore 4 bio-based feedstocks: bio-derived polymers, natural fibres, bioplastics, and plant-based proteins, to develop 6 optimized coatings consisting of bio-based PU, bio-based silicone, PLA, natural fibres with antimicrobial agents (such as chitosan and curcumin), and encapsulates with Phase Change Materials (PCM). BLUECOAT formulations will cut GHG emissions by 45% and minimize Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) while delivering superior performance under industrially relevant conditions (TRL 5). BLUECOAT solutions will provide antifouling and anti-corrosion protection for ship hulls, weatherproof, antimicrobial, and durable features for outdoor technical garments, and flame-retardant and antifungal for insulation boards in marine, textile, and construction sectors, respectively.
The BLUECOAT’s vision is to establish a suite of comprehensive Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design criteria guiding the development of bio-based coatings throughout their lifecycle, emphasizing circularity, energy and resource efficiency. The project will conduct the ex-post environmental assessment, techno-economic feasibility of scaling potential products, socioeconomic impact analysis for ensuring sustainable market adoption and long-term viability of the developed coatings. It will also explore End-of-Life strategies like biodegradability and recycling to extend material utility and support sustainable practices.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-JU-RIA - HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-JU-CBE-2024

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Coordinator

THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 662 486,25
Address
Edgbaston
B15 2TT Birmingham
United Kingdom

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Region
West Midlands (England) West Midlands Birmingham
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 662 486,25

Participants (12)

Partners (4)

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