Periodic Reporting for period 2 - NEWEX (Investigation and development of a new generation of machines for the processing of composite and nanocomposites materials)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2019-01-01 al 2022-05-31
The main research objective of the NEWEX project is to build and test a new, innovative extruder. By using the new key/vital component concepts developed during the project: the innovative active grooved feed section (IAGFS), the original rotating barrel segment (ORBS) and the special screw (SS), a completely new, breakthrough extrusion technology will be achieved. For this purpose, an extrusion process using a traditional extruder will be carried out, the above-mentioned key/vital components of it will be developed, a virtual model, a 3D model, and a prototype of the extruder will be made. Using this extruder, the extrusion process will be carried out again. The parameters of the extrusion process, the extruder, and the extrudate will be compared with those obtained by the conventional process. It is expected that the new extruder will provide for the production with enhanced properties and will enable the processing of materials such as composites and nanocomposites that could not be processed so far, as well as other materials such as food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals or recycled materials.
In parallel to the main research and technology development activities, the NEWEX project aims to develop and strengthen collaboration between industry and academia, as well as transfer knowledge between organizations in Central and Eastern Europe and Western Europe. All project activities will be implemented through carefully planned secondments and a stay program planned by the hosting institutions of the industrial and academic partners. The work plan consists of 7 WPs, of which: WP1-4 focus on the study of the extruder, extrusion process and properties of extrudates and tasks to select the best solution of new key parts of the extruder and then build and test the next generation extruder. WP5 focuses on networking activities. WP6 aims at knowledge dissemination (participation in conferences, trade fairs, publications, etc.). WP7 is dedicated to the management and administration of the whole project.
In parallel to the main research and technology development activities, the NEWEX project aims to develop and strengthen collaboration between industry and academia, as well as transfer knowledge between organizations in Central and Eastern Europe and Western Europe. All project activities will be implemented through carefully planned secondments and a stay program planned by the hosting institutions of the industrial and academic partners. The work plan consists of 7 WPs, of which: WP1-4 focus on the study of the extruder, extrusion process and properties of extrudates and tasks to select the best solution of new key parts of the extruder and then build and test the next generation extruder. WP5 focuses on networking activities. WP6 aims at knowledge dissemination (participation in conferences, trade fairs, publications, etc.). WP7 is dedicated to the management and administration of the whole project.
Based on numerical calculations and simulations of polymer flow in the new plasticizing systems, a model of the plasticizing system was selected, which will be made in metal. All elements of the new extruder were designed, the motors and instrumentations were selected, and an automatic extruder control system and extrusion process visualisation were developed. The extruder parts were made of metal and assembled into an extruder. The extrusion process of LDPE with nanofiller in the form of HNT was carried out. The extruder and the extrusion process were studied by determining the pressure and temperature distribution in the plasticizing system and extrusion head, screw torque, specific energy consumption, efficiency, die swelling, extrudate temperature, output, extrusion speed, power supplied to the extruder and transferred by the polymer at low and high screw speed. The properties of the resulting extrudate were then investigated by determining the melt flow rate (MFR and MVR), heat deflection temperature (HDT), phase transition temperature, degree of crystallinity and enthalpy, Young's modulus, pvT, tensile strength, breaking stress, strain at ultimate stress, strain at break, impact strength, hardness and linear shrinkage. The final scientific step was to carry out comparative tests.
All planned training and networking activities were implemented. 6 workshops and 3 training courses were conducted, in addition 5 training courses and workshops were organised, an e-learning platform, project website and social media were being developed.
Training, knowledge transfer and networking are carried out mainly through secondments. We have completed WP3 and WP4. 169.4 secondments were planned and 165.7 secondments took place. The difference is due to the need to adjust the number of secondments to the scope of tasks and availability of human resources, as well as to organisational and security issues arising from the start of the pandemic period caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Project coordination and all Newex project activities are based on GA document 734205. The consortium also has a signed CA before the GA. The project is managed by MB. During the reporting period there were 4 meetings of MB and EAB. All reports and results of the project have been submitted to REA.
IPR issues in our project are governed by GA and CA. IPR refers to the following publications and patents. We aim to publish papers in journals where the copyright is not held by the editor, and ghostwriting and guest authorship are prohibited. IPRs on patents are governed by contracts between the partner and the researcher.
Dissemination of results mainly concerns industrial property rights and publications. In the reporting period so far we have obtained 19 patents and 3 utility models, published 22 scientific publications, produced 3 scientific monographs, 27 chapters in monographs, participated in 12 international conferences and 3 invention exhibitions, obtaining three medals for developed solutions. A project summary conference was organised, conference materials were published, materials were developed to promote the Newex project and Horizon 2020 and MCSA. A website, Facebook page and two videos on YOUTUBE were developed. A number of promotional activities were undertaken, e.g. radio interview, publications in local magazines, and many promotional materials were developed, e.g. flyers, posters, e-mail footers, postcards, banners, calendars, pendrives, pens, etc. The publications have been placed in an open access repository: (https://depot.ceon.pl)
All planned training and networking activities were implemented. 6 workshops and 3 training courses were conducted, in addition 5 training courses and workshops were organised, an e-learning platform, project website and social media were being developed.
Training, knowledge transfer and networking are carried out mainly through secondments. We have completed WP3 and WP4. 169.4 secondments were planned and 165.7 secondments took place. The difference is due to the need to adjust the number of secondments to the scope of tasks and availability of human resources, as well as to organisational and security issues arising from the start of the pandemic period caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Project coordination and all Newex project activities are based on GA document 734205. The consortium also has a signed CA before the GA. The project is managed by MB. During the reporting period there were 4 meetings of MB and EAB. All reports and results of the project have been submitted to REA.
IPR issues in our project are governed by GA and CA. IPR refers to the following publications and patents. We aim to publish papers in journals where the copyright is not held by the editor, and ghostwriting and guest authorship are prohibited. IPRs on patents are governed by contracts between the partner and the researcher.
Dissemination of results mainly concerns industrial property rights and publications. In the reporting period so far we have obtained 19 patents and 3 utility models, published 22 scientific publications, produced 3 scientific monographs, 27 chapters in monographs, participated in 12 international conferences and 3 invention exhibitions, obtaining three medals for developed solutions. A project summary conference was organised, conference materials were published, materials were developed to promote the Newex project and Horizon 2020 and MCSA. A website, Facebook page and two videos on YOUTUBE were developed. A number of promotional activities were undertaken, e.g. radio interview, publications in local magazines, and many promotional materials were developed, e.g. flyers, posters, e-mail footers, postcards, banners, calendars, pendrives, pens, etc. The publications have been placed in an open access repository: (https://depot.ceon.pl)
Newex is a unique solution which will allow SMEs to process polymers, composite materials and nanocomposites that could not have been processed so far or their processing was difficult because of too small flow rate index, small viscosity, too much of nanofiller or very big molecular weight. The solution proposed in the NEWEX project will allow the conscious influence on the extrusion process of these materials by changing the structural features of the grooved extruder section during the extrusion process. We expect that our process will be more effective than the conventional extrusion process, we will be able to extrude more material in a shorter time, the process will be more efficient and the unit energy consumption will be smaller. This applies not only to the polymer processing industry but also to the cosmetics and food industry. The project complies with the principle of sustainable development and has a positive impact on the principle of sustainable development by reducing energy consumption and producing less waste. The use of our machines will increase the competitiveness of enterprises, their turnover and employment.
All Training, Transfer of Knowledge and Networking activities in Newex project contribute to broadening the participants' knowledge, understanding problems at the university and in the industry. We hope that it will have a positive impact on research knowledge and expertise, quality of scientific output (publications, patents), awareness of open access to scientific publications and research data, management skills, grant/proposal writing skills, knowledge of IPR, ability to build and maintain international/intersectoral partnerships, as well as presentation and communication skills. The project will also have an impact on career, personal and professional development, employability and overall satisfaction.
All Training, Transfer of Knowledge and Networking activities in Newex project contribute to broadening the participants' knowledge, understanding problems at the university and in the industry. We hope that it will have a positive impact on research knowledge and expertise, quality of scientific output (publications, patents), awareness of open access to scientific publications and research data, management skills, grant/proposal writing skills, knowledge of IPR, ability to build and maintain international/intersectoral partnerships, as well as presentation and communication skills. The project will also have an impact on career, personal and professional development, employability and overall satisfaction.