Objective
The use of natural fibres as reinforcing fillers in polypvopy.lene sheet for automotive applications is becoming increasingly popular within the European Union. This has been driven by environmental concerns, increased recyclability and a move towards more sustainable products and processes. The growth rates for natural fibres in automotive applications are predicted to increase by 4% over the next 7 years. However, due to the relatively low thermal degradation temperature of natural fibres, they degrade under 'normal' processin~ temperatures, resulting in odours, loss of mechanical properties and discclcuration. This has prevented even greater up-take of natural fibres for sheet applications. Technology developed by one of the consortium pa;rtners has shown that traditional plastics processing equipment can be modified to allow for liquid CO2 to be used as a processing aid that allows for processing at lower temperatures. However, this technology is a high pressure and high shear process, unsuitable for the processing of shear and thermally sensitive natural fibres. The proposed project aims to develop the necessary extrusion and mixing technologies to allow for the lowtemperature processing of natural fibre filled polypropylene (using liquid CO2 as a processing aid) to produce a non-woven polypropylene sheet suitable for thermoforming automotive applications. The main objectives are: .To produce a sheet material based on renewable resources with better mechanical and thermal properties and recyclability than those currently on the market. .To develop innovative technologies for low-damage sheet production. .To remove the need for expensive and environmentally harmful fibre chemical treatment. If these objectives are achieved then the SME participants will obtain a technological edge leading to increased competitiveness. In-line with the objectives of the EU and Framework 6, the product and process developed will contribute towards sustainable manufacturing.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
- engineering and technology environmental engineering waste management waste treatment processes recycling
- engineering and technology materials engineering composites
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering automotive engineering
- engineering and technology materials engineering amorphous solids
- social sciences economics and business economics sustainable economy
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Data not available
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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.
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.
Coordinator
CROOK
United Kingdom
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.