Reliable Integrated On-Line Characterisation Tool for Thermoplastic Compound

Objective

"The SME-driven NanoOnSpect project aims to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative polymer nanocomposites (PNCs), combining developments in online sensor technology, artificial intelligence-based signal analysis and real-time process optimisation to create a comprehensive solution to quality problems.

NanoOnSpect has 3 development aims:
1) Newly-developed online characterisation techniques will be combined in a ""one-box"" characterisation unit. This will be able to determine dispersion, particle size, particle network formation and resulting composite properties online under demanding industrial conditions, with a (factor 2 to 10) higher resolution than conventional online characterisation tools.
2) An Artificial Neural Network and Expert System (ES) module will be developed to analyse sensor signals, predict the complex quality of the PNC and calculate new input parameters for the compounding line.
3) A breakthrough concept will be developed to adapt the mixing process during composite production, based on feedback from the ES.

The characterisation tool and process control technique will allow precise adjustment of the composite properties (e.g. dispersion-dependent properties) during production. This will improve product quality, allow the reliable production of PNCs with tailored functions and reduce waste production. The technology will be validated in existing production lines for two particle types. NanoOnSpect will also deliver in depth understanding of materials and processing, shortening material development cycles and formulation changeovers.

The NanoOnSpect consortium, consisting of 8 SMEs, 2 RTD performers and 2 associations, combines competences in measurement technology/automation, polymer processing technology, end use and demonstration, standardisation, dissemination and training. The project results will dramatically increase competitiveness and strengthen the market position of the mainly SME-based European PNC compounding industry."

Field of science

• /natural sciences/chemical sciences/polymer science
• /engineering and technology/materials engineering/composites
• /natural sciences/computer and information sciences/artificial intelligence/expert systems
• /engineering and technology/electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering/electronic engineering/sensors
• /natural sciences/computer and information sciences/artificial intelligence/computational intelligence

Programme(s)

• FP7-NMP - Specific Programme "Cooperation": Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies

Topic(s)

• NMP-2010-1.2-1 - Novel tools integrating individual techniques for real time nanomaterials characterisation

Call for proposal

FP7-NMP-2010-SME-4
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

CP-TP - Collaborative Project targeted to a special group (such as SMEs)

Coordinator

FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.

Address

Hansastrasse 27C
80686 Munchen
Germany

Activity type

Research Organisations

EU contribution

€ 752 664,32

Administrative Contact

Andrea Zeumann (Ms.)

Participants (11)

AIMPLAS - ASOCIACION DE INVESTIGACION DE MATERIALES PLASTICOS Y CONEXAS

Spain

EU contribution

€ 444 231,25

Address

Calle Gustave Eiffel 4 Parque Tecnologico De Paterna
46980 Paterna Valencia

Activity type

Research Organisations

Administrative Contact

Raquel Giner (Ms.)

NTRAM GENERAL S.A.

Spain

EU contribution

€ 389 002,58

Address

Calle Victor Pradera 45
08940 Cornella De Llobregat Barcelona

Activity type

Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)

Administrative Contact

Jacobo Alvarez (Dr.)

GNEUSS GMBH

Germany

EU contribution

€ 301 160

Address

Monichhusen 42
32549 Bad Oeynhausen

Activity type

Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)

Administrative Contact

Kai Gottwald (Dr.)

FOS FASEROPTISCHE SYSTEME MESSTECHNIK GMBH

Germany

EU contribution

€ 215 173,75

Address

Rutgersstrasse 40
24790 Schacht Audorf

Activity type

Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)

Administrative Contact

Erhard Giese (Mr.)

HUKSEFLUX THERMAL SENSORS BV

Netherlands

EU contribution

€ 244 251,60

Address

Delftechpark 31
2628 XJ Delft

Activity type

Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)

Administrative Contact

Kees Van Den Bos (Mr.)

HBH MICROWAVE GMBH

Germany

EU contribution

€ 300 316

Address

Helmholtzstrasse 1
76297 Stutensee

Activity type

Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)

Administrative Contact

Detlev Hollmann (Dr.)

NEXXUS CHANNEL SRL

Italy

EU contribution

€ 260 034

Address

Via Dei Combattenti 3
21040 Vedano Olona

Activity type

Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)

Administrative Contact

Giuseppe Ponzielli (Dr.)

ADDIPLAST SAS

France

EU contribution

€ 171 246

Address

Allee Pierre & Marie Curie 12
43620 Saint Pal De Mons

Activity type

Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)

Administrative Contact

Maxime Chantegraille (Mr.)

CMB Colorex Master Batches B.V.

Netherlands

EU contribution

€ 151 469,86

Address

Achterdijk 12
5705 CB Helmond

Activity type

Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)

Administrative Contact

Henry Van Tilburg (Mr.)

EUROPEAN PLASTICS CONVERTERS

Belgium

EU contribution

€ 120 294,40

Address

Avenue De Cortenbergh 71
1000 Bruxelles

Activity type

Research Organisations

Administrative Contact

Hans Boon

VERBAND TECHNISCHE KUNSTSTOFF-PRODUKTE EV

Germany

EU contribution

€ 49 710,24

Address

Stadelstrasse 10
60596 Frankfurt Am Main

Activity type

Other

Administrative Contact

Michael Weigelt (Mr.)