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Development of a low termperature processing method for the production of natural long fibre filled polypropylene sheet

Objectif

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.

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Régime de financement

Cooperative - SMEs-Co-operative research contracts

Coordinateur

E.S.P. PLASTICS LTD
Contribution de l’UE
Aucune donnée
Adresse
New Road, Co Durham
CROOK
Royaume-Uni

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Aucune donnée

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Dernière mise à jour: 25 Mai 2022

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Permalink: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/507666/fr

European Union, 2024