Objective
Future product design requires sustainable processes in material development. A break-through approach will use new engineering materials-biocomposites completely made from natural resources-and their manufacturing being knowledge -based. Resource saving, variability in properties, functionality, low costs and eco-efficiency concern the product life cycle. Driving forces are SMEs from less RTD intensive branches producing raw materials of biomass, fibres, wood constituents and biopolymers to supply broad industrial branches in the future. A sustainable breakthrough will be gained if high tech materials are made in contrast to current existing low grade wood plastics and packaging materials to provide substantial profits to raw material supplier and material developer. The objective is to obtain innovations on engineering thermoplastic and thermosetting materials mainly from natural resources, like lignin from the paper industry and a Hydrothermolysis, other biopolymers Polylactide,Polyhydroxy-butyrate,Starch,Furan resins, fibres and fibre mats. The RTD includes the path from raw materials to final top quality engineering composite materials and model products (covers for electronic equipment, car front end, glass frames etc.). Demonstration by prototypes will support dissemination and exploitation of results and will show the benefits of the materials. A concept of sustained skill and training for staff and students will provide work routines and material data access. Such a programme can only be achieved by SMEs if sharing knowledge and equipment being assisted by research centres. The collaborating SMEs expect to increase their capacity and employment by the order of 10% to capitalise on the project. Dissemination and exploitation will enable transfer to plastic and biomass processing industry in the EU. Integration of associations and industrial interest groups will guarantee the spread of the new knowledge and a sustained economic success.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringfibers
- engineering and technologyindustrial biotechnologybiomaterialsbioplasticspolylactic acid
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcompositesbiocomposites
- agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesforestry
- engineering and technologyindustrial biotechnologybioprocessing technologiesfermentation
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
FP6-2003-NMP-SME-3
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Funding Scheme
IP - Integrated ProjectCoordinator
Participants (23)
ZAMUDIO
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CHAÎNEUX - HERVE
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LINZ
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LULEÅ
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MOUSCRON
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EISENACH
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CHESTERFIELD
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ZALEC
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ZELTWEG
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NUSSBACH
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