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Graphene can help produce stronger carbon fibers
This shows the lab experiments and computer simulations used by the researchers to determine that adding graphene to the carbon fiber production process can greatly increase the strengthen of the material. Image: Margaret Kowalik and Adri van Duin/Penn State
A new way of creating carbon fibers – which are typically expensive to make – could one day lead to using these lightweight, high-strength materials to improve safety and reduce the cost of producing cars, according to a team of researchers. Using a mix of computer simulations and laboratory experiments, the team found that adding small amounts of graphene, a 2D carbon material, to the production process both reduces the production cost and strengthens the fibers.
For decades, carbon fibers have been a mainstay of airplane production. If created in the right way, these long strands of carbon atoms, narrower than a human hair, are lightweight, stiff and strong – a perfect application for keeping passengers safe in a vehicle soaring miles above the ground. But carbon fibers have proved too expensive for use in other applications, such as large-scale car production.
"Even though carbon fibers have really nice features, they would make a car far more expensive" with the way carbon fibers are manufactured now, said Adri van Duin, professor of mechanical and chemical engineering at Penn State. "If you can get these properties easier to manufacture then you can make cars significantly lighter, lower the cost of them and make them safer."
Carbon fiber sells for about $15 per pound today, and the team, which includes researchers from Penn State, the University of Virginia and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in collaboration with industry partners Solvay and Oshkosh, wants to reduce that to $5 per pound by making changes to the complex production process. A lower production cost will increase carbon fiber's potential applications, including in cars. The team's research may also lower the cost of producing other types of carbon fibers, some of which sell for up to $900 per pound today.
"Currently most carbon fibers are produced from a polymer known as polyacrylonitrile, or PAN, and it is pretty costly," said Malgorzata Kowalik, a researcher in Penn State's Department of Mechanical Engineering. "The price of PAN makes up about 50% of the production cost of carbon fibers."
PAN is used to create 90% of carbon fibers found on the market today, but its production requires an enormous amount of energy. First, PAN fibers have to be heated to 200–300°C to oxidize them. Next, they must be heated to 1200–1600°C to carbonize them, driving off the non-carbon atoms. Finally, they have to be heated to 2100°C so that the carbon molecules are aligned properly. Without this series of steps, the resulting material would lack its needed strength and stiffness.
In a recent paper in Science Advances, the team reports that adding trace amounts of graphene – only 0.075% concentration by weight – to the first stages of this process allowed the team to create a carbon fiber that had 225% greater strength and 184% greater stiffness than the conventionally made PAN-based carbon fibers.
The team also gleaned insights into the chemical reactions taking place through a series of small- and large-scale computer simulations conducted on several supercomputers. They also studied the properties of each material using laboratories in Penn State's Materials Research Institute (MRI).
"We connected experiments of different scales to not only show that this process works, but it gave us an atomistic-scale reason why these types of additives work," said van Duin, also the director of the MRI's Materials Computation Center. "That knowledge allows us to optimize the process further."
This shows the lab experiments and computer simulations used by the researchers to determine that adding graphene to the carbon fiber production process can greatly increase the strengthen of the material. Image: Margaret Kowalik and Adri van Duin/Penn State
A new way of creating carbon fibers – which are typically expensive to make – could one day lead to using these lightweight, high-strength materials to improve safety and reduce the cost of producing cars, according to a team of researchers. Using a mix of computer simulations and laboratory experiments, the team found that adding small amounts of graphene, a 2D carbon material, to the production process both reduces the production cost and strengthens the fibers.
For decades, carbon fibers have been a mainstay of airplane production. If created in the right way, these long strands of carbon atoms, narrower than a human hair, are lightweight, stiff and strong – a perfect application for keeping passengers safe in a vehicle soaring miles above the ground. But carbon fibers have proved too expensive for use in other applications, such as large-scale car production.
"Even though carbon fibers have really nice features, they would make a car far more expensive" with the way carbon fibers are manufactured now, said Adri van Duin, professor of mechanical and chemical engineering at Penn State. "If you can get these properties easier to manufacture then you can make cars significantly lighter, lower the cost of them and make them safer."
Carbon fiber sells for about $15 per pound today, and the team, which includes researchers from Penn State, the University of Virginia and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in collaboration with industry partners Solvay and Oshkosh, wants to reduce that to $5 per pound by making changes to the complex production process. A lower production cost will increase carbon fiber's potential applications, including in cars. The team's research may also lower the cost of producing other types of carbon fibers, some of which sell for up to $900 per pound today.
"Currently most carbon fibers are produced from a polymer known as polyacrylonitrile, or PAN, and it is pretty costly," said Malgorzata Kowalik, a researcher in Penn State's Department of Mechanical Engineering. "The price of PAN makes up about 50% of the production cost of carbon fibers."
PAN is used to create 90% of carbon fibers found on the market today, but its production requires an enormous amount of energy. First, PAN fibers have to be heated to 200–300°C to oxidize them. Next, they must be heated to 1200–1600°C to carbonize them, driving off the non-carbon atoms. Finally, they have to be heated to 2100°C so that the carbon molecules are aligned properly. Without this series of steps, the resulting material would lack its needed strength and stiffness.
In a recent paper in Science Advances, the team reports that adding trace amounts of graphene – only 0.075% concentration by weight – to the first stages of this process allowed the team to create a carbon fiber that had 225% greater strength and 184% greater stiffness than the conventionally made PAN-based carbon fibers.
The team also gleaned insights into the chemical reactions taking place through a series of small- and large-scale computer simulations conducted on several supercomputers. They also studied the properties of each material using laboratories in Penn State's Materials Research Institute (MRI).
"We connected experiments of different scales to not only show that this process works, but it gave us an atomistic-scale reason why these types of additives work," said van Duin, also the director of the MRI's Materials Computation Center. "That knowledge allows us to optimize the process further."
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The flat structure of graphene helps to align PAN molecules consistently throughout the fiber, which is needed in the production process. Further, at high temperatures graphene edges have a natural catalytic property so that "the rest of PAN condenses around these edges", said van Duin.
With the new knowledge gained from this study, the team is exploring further ways to use graphene in this production process with cheaper precursors. Their goal is to cut out one or more of the production steps altogether, thereby reducing costs even more.
This story is adapted from material from Penn State, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier. Link to original source.
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With the new knowledge gained from this study, the team is exploring further ways to use graphene in this production process with cheaper precursors. Their goal is to cut out one or more of the production steps altogether, thereby reducing costs even more.
This story is adapted from material from Penn State, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier. Link to original source.
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Focus on automation leads to Severstal’s second investment in Airborne
Russian mining and steel firm Severstal’s $10 million investment makes Airborne the first-choice partner in Russia for all composite projects.
Mining and steel company PAO Severstal (Cherepovets, Russia) announced on June 1 that it has made a second investment tranche into Dutch company Airborne (The Hague, Netherlands), a composites fabricator involved in digital automation manufacturing. The total investment in Airborne is more than $10 million.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic crisis, which has placed many of Severstal’s global venture projects on hold, the company says it has led the new investment in Airborne with support of existing shareholders, including HPE Growth. "COVID-19 has intensified the need for automation across most industries. Where before we pursued digitalization to increase our internal efficiency levels, we are now driven by a necessity to guarantee the safety of our people, and safeguard the continuity of our production processes,” says Andrey Laptev, Severstal director of business development and corporate venture products. “Severstal has also made this investment to support entrepreneurs engaged in breakthrough technologies, and to bring promising companies to the Russian market.”
Led by Airborne’s involvement in the automotive, construction, shipbuilding, aerospace and electronics sectors, Severstal and Airborne have entered into a technology partnership agreement in Russia. Under the agreement terms, Severstal will be Airborne’s first-choice partner in Russia for the implementation of all composite projects, including the automated production of composite parts.
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Russian mining and steel firm Severstal’s $10 million investment makes Airborne the first-choice partner in Russia for all composite projects.
Mining and steel company PAO Severstal (Cherepovets, Russia) announced on June 1 that it has made a second investment tranche into Dutch company Airborne (The Hague, Netherlands), a composites fabricator involved in digital automation manufacturing. The total investment in Airborne is more than $10 million.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic crisis, which has placed many of Severstal’s global venture projects on hold, the company says it has led the new investment in Airborne with support of existing shareholders, including HPE Growth. "COVID-19 has intensified the need for automation across most industries. Where before we pursued digitalization to increase our internal efficiency levels, we are now driven by a necessity to guarantee the safety of our people, and safeguard the continuity of our production processes,” says Andrey Laptev, Severstal director of business development and corporate venture products. “Severstal has also made this investment to support entrepreneurs engaged in breakthrough technologies, and to bring promising companies to the Russian market.”
Led by Airborne’s involvement in the automotive, construction, shipbuilding, aerospace and electronics sectors, Severstal and Airborne have entered into a technology partnership agreement in Russia. Under the agreement terms, Severstal will be Airborne’s first-choice partner in Russia for the implementation of all composite projects, including the automated production of composite parts.
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Composites Evolution introduces Evopreg EPC200 epoxy prepreg
Evopreg EPC200 enables variable temperature cure with good surface finish.
Prepreg supplier Composites Evolution (Chesterfield, U.K.) has expanded its Evoprep EPC component epoxy range with the launch of its variable temperature curing prepreg, Evopreg EPC200. Based on a toughened epoxy resin system, the company says it enables curing between 65°C and 120°C when using vacuum bag/oven, out-of-autoclave (OAA) or press-molding processes.
The company notes that Evopreg EPC200 is primarily aimed at fabricators using low-temperature, OOA molding processes who want to produce components with a high-quality surface finish. Composites Evolution also says the epoxy prepreg has a flexible cure profile, which makes it ideal for rapid processing at high temperatures, reducing production time while simultaneously maintaining the same level of performance.
Composites Evolution Evopreg EPC component resins are available in a range of carbon, glass, aramid and ampliTex flax reinforcements.
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Evopreg EPC200 enables variable temperature cure with good surface finish.
Prepreg supplier Composites Evolution (Chesterfield, U.K.) has expanded its Evoprep EPC component epoxy range with the launch of its variable temperature curing prepreg, Evopreg EPC200. Based on a toughened epoxy resin system, the company says it enables curing between 65°C and 120°C when using vacuum bag/oven, out-of-autoclave (OAA) or press-molding processes.
The company notes that Evopreg EPC200 is primarily aimed at fabricators using low-temperature, OOA molding processes who want to produce components with a high-quality surface finish. Composites Evolution also says the epoxy prepreg has a flexible cure profile, which makes it ideal for rapid processing at high temperatures, reducing production time while simultaneously maintaining the same level of performance.
Composites Evolution Evopreg EPC component resins are available in a range of carbon, glass, aramid and ampliTex flax reinforcements.
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UK composite industry report
Composites UK, the trade association for the UK composites industry, has launched an annual report detailing the growth and changes of its supply chain.
The report, which includes data from 2014, covers businesses in the Composites UK Hub, companies by region, local enterprise partnerships, companies by primary market, companies by specialism, specialism by region, specialisms in different markets, and primary markets and regions.
This first Composites UK Hub Report provides industry, academia and both national and local government representatives with the most detailed picture of the make-up of the composites sector in the UK,’ said Composites UK’s CEO, David Bailey. ‘This report provides a comprehensive overview of where composites companies, and high value manufacturing jobs, can be found in the UK and what types of skills and capabilities they have.
Composites UK members can find a free copy of the report on the association website.
This story uses material from Composites UK, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
> source
Composites UK, the trade association for the UK composites industry, has launched an annual report detailing the growth and changes of its supply chain.
The report, which includes data from 2014, covers businesses in the Composites UK Hub, companies by region, local enterprise partnerships, companies by primary market, companies by specialism, specialism by region, specialisms in different markets, and primary markets and regions.
This first Composites UK Hub Report provides industry, academia and both national and local government representatives with the most detailed picture of the make-up of the composites sector in the UK,’ said Composites UK’s CEO, David Bailey. ‘This report provides a comprehensive overview of where composites companies, and high value manufacturing jobs, can be found in the UK and what types of skills and capabilities they have.
Composites UK members can find a free copy of the report on the association website.
This story uses material from Composites UK, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
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Teijin increases short carbon fiber capacity
Increased product capacity will enable the company to better react to European market demands and strengthen its carbon fiber portfolio.
Teijin Carbon Europe GmbH (Wuppertal, Germany), the Teijin Group’s carbon fiber business in Europe, reported on June 26 that it has increased production capacity of its chopped carbon fiber Tenax-E HT C604 6 mm by 40%. In addition to strengthening the development of its carbon fiber product portfolio, Teijin says its increased capacity is a response to the growing demand from European electronics manufacturers and the need for compounds for medical devices.
According to the company, C604’s quality, mechanical properties and electrical conductivity enable the production of high-grade compounds such as plastic granulate reinforced with carbon fiber. Teijin also supplies Tenax short fiber in chopped, pelletized or milled forms and in a variety of sizes to be used in thermoplastics and thermosets and in water-based processes. The products, produced at Teijin’s facilities in Japan and the U.S., will enable more flexible reactions to European market inquiries, says Teijin.
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Increased product capacity will enable the company to better react to European market demands and strengthen its carbon fiber portfolio.
Teijin Carbon Europe GmbH (Wuppertal, Germany), the Teijin Group’s carbon fiber business in Europe, reported on June 26 that it has increased production capacity of its chopped carbon fiber Tenax-E HT C604 6 mm by 40%. In addition to strengthening the development of its carbon fiber product portfolio, Teijin says its increased capacity is a response to the growing demand from European electronics manufacturers and the need for compounds for medical devices.
According to the company, C604’s quality, mechanical properties and electrical conductivity enable the production of high-grade compounds such as plastic granulate reinforced with carbon fiber. Teijin also supplies Tenax short fiber in chopped, pelletized or milled forms and in a variety of sizes to be used in thermoplastics and thermosets and in water-based processes. The products, produced at Teijin’s facilities in Japan and the U.S., will enable more flexible reactions to European market inquiries, says Teijin.
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3D printed FRP footbridge paves way for circular composites
The thermoplastic composite footbridge incorporates a short glass fiber-filled PET specifically designed for 3D printing.
Rendering of 3D printed footbridge. Source | Royal HaskoningDHV and DSM
Royal HaskoningDHV (Amersfoort, Netherlands), DSM (Geleen, Netherlands), a global science-based company in nutrition, health and sustainable living, and the city of Rotterdam announced on July 3 the intention to collaborate in the design and build of a composite footbridge with potential for use of circular composites. Composed of 3D printed fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), the lightweight footbridge will be installed at Kralingse Bos park in Rotterdam, and is said to underpin the city’s goal to offer versatility, circularity and sustainability.
The bridge incorporates a fiber-reinforced plastic from DSM, Arnite, which is a short glass fiber-filled PET that is specifically designed for 3D printing. The current footbridge in Rotterdam uses virgin material, which can be recycled into feedstock for use in a new bridge. All parties note that the next step will be to add recycled content to end-of-life bridges, and that there will be investigation into whether future bridges can be made from recycled polymers, or mixed grades.
“The footbridge as a circular composite, aligned with our city’s aim for sustainability, targets a reduction in our carbon footprint. We are proud to be the first city to test, print and install it,” says Mozafar Said, asset manager from Rotterdam. “We see the use of composite bridges as a smart solution to replacing our older constructions. With more than 1,000 bridges in Rotterdam, we are constantly looking to push the boundaries to develop the next generation of bridges which will be more sustainable and circular with lower maintenance and lifecycle costs.”
According to the companies, the footbridge will be developed in line with the highest standards of safety for FRP bridge design, and the city of Rotterdam’s infrastructure experts in composite bridges will be closely involved in the design and build process.
Additionally, it is noted that sensors might also be included into the footbridge to build a digital twin of the bridge which will optimize maintenance, ensure safety and extend the life span of the bridge. It is estimated that the footbridge will be installed and in use by the end of 2020.
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The thermoplastic composite footbridge incorporates a short glass fiber-filled PET specifically designed for 3D printing.
Rendering of 3D printed footbridge. Source | Royal HaskoningDHV and DSM
Royal HaskoningDHV (Amersfoort, Netherlands), DSM (Geleen, Netherlands), a global science-based company in nutrition, health and sustainable living, and the city of Rotterdam announced on July 3 the intention to collaborate in the design and build of a composite footbridge with potential for use of circular composites. Composed of 3D printed fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), the lightweight footbridge will be installed at Kralingse Bos park in Rotterdam, and is said to underpin the city’s goal to offer versatility, circularity and sustainability.
The bridge incorporates a fiber-reinforced plastic from DSM, Arnite, which is a short glass fiber-filled PET that is specifically designed for 3D printing. The current footbridge in Rotterdam uses virgin material, which can be recycled into feedstock for use in a new bridge. All parties note that the next step will be to add recycled content to end-of-life bridges, and that there will be investigation into whether future bridges can be made from recycled polymers, or mixed grades.
“The footbridge as a circular composite, aligned with our city’s aim for sustainability, targets a reduction in our carbon footprint. We are proud to be the first city to test, print and install it,” says Mozafar Said, asset manager from Rotterdam. “We see the use of composite bridges as a smart solution to replacing our older constructions. With more than 1,000 bridges in Rotterdam, we are constantly looking to push the boundaries to develop the next generation of bridges which will be more sustainable and circular with lower maintenance and lifecycle costs.”
According to the companies, the footbridge will be developed in line with the highest standards of safety for FRP bridge design, and the city of Rotterdam’s infrastructure experts in composite bridges will be closely involved in the design and build process.
Additionally, it is noted that sensors might also be included into the footbridge to build a digital twin of the bridge which will optimize maintenance, ensure safety and extend the life span of the bridge. It is estimated that the footbridge will be installed and in use by the end of 2020.
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Three unknown facts about continuous fiber 3D printing from anisoprint CEO Fedor Antonov
With a decade of expertise, it’s safe to say Anisoprint knows a thing or two about continuous fiber 3D printing. The Russian manufacturer specializes in composite fiber co-extrusion 3D printers capable of fabricating high-strength reinforced parts. The company also develops and supplies the fiber-reinforced materials that enable the multitude of applications of the niche technology.
High fiber volume isn’t everything
Engineers working in composite manufacturing will know that a high fiber volume ratio means a great deal when it comes to part strength. Most professional and industrial components require around 40% – 60% when produced, for example, with traditional automated fiber placement machines. These machines systematically lay down sheets of base material alongside bundles of fibers, using a pressure roller to induce adhesion.
When it comes to additively manufactured composite parts, packing in a healthy 50% would be great but it’s simply not feasible a lot of the time. The problem is: higher fiber volume ratios require more consolidation between the layers to push out the trapped air. This just means more pressure needs to be applied after each layer to get it to bond reliably to its neighbors.
Due to the angular limitations of a roller and the stability limitations of the part being rolled, consolidating certain sections of a 3D printed part, like thin walls or overhangs, may prove difficult. With such pressure, you can’t produce lattice structures — the most optimal shape for composites — since they consist of thin walls. So, the higher the fiber volume, the more design freedom you give up – an unfortunate relationship given that this is supposed to be one of 3D printing’s main benefits.
A roller consolidating layers during automated fiber placement. Image via Anisoprint.
**Chopped fibers vs. continuous fibers
Strengthening fibers can be split up into two main categories – chopped fibers and continuous fibers. They may sound functionally one and the same but have very different effects on the mechanical properties of a part.
Antonov explains: “There is a lot of confusion between short fibers and continuous fibers. Both form composites but only continuous fibers can truly be seen as ‘reinforcements’. Chopped fibers simply fill the material matrix without any orientation while continuous fibers run end to end being oriented in the same direction. Since the strength of the composite lies along the fibers, continuous fibers are the only way to get a strong part.”
The difference is significant. Looking at Anisoprint’s very own in-house test data, a chopped fiber-filled composite tends to be about twice as strong as a pure plastic. Impressively, a continuous fiber-filled composite can be around 30x as strong – a very stark difference.
With a decade of expertise, it’s safe to say Anisoprint knows a thing or two about continuous fiber 3D printing. The Russian manufacturer specializes in composite fiber co-extrusion 3D printers capable of fabricating high-strength reinforced parts. The company also develops and supplies the fiber-reinforced materials that enable the multitude of applications of the niche technology.
High fiber volume isn’t everything
Engineers working in composite manufacturing will know that a high fiber volume ratio means a great deal when it comes to part strength. Most professional and industrial components require around 40% – 60% when produced, for example, with traditional automated fiber placement machines. These machines systematically lay down sheets of base material alongside bundles of fibers, using a pressure roller to induce adhesion.
When it comes to additively manufactured composite parts, packing in a healthy 50% would be great but it’s simply not feasible a lot of the time. The problem is: higher fiber volume ratios require more consolidation between the layers to push out the trapped air. This just means more pressure needs to be applied after each layer to get it to bond reliably to its neighbors.
Due to the angular limitations of a roller and the stability limitations of the part being rolled, consolidating certain sections of a 3D printed part, like thin walls or overhangs, may prove difficult. With such pressure, you can’t produce lattice structures — the most optimal shape for composites — since they consist of thin walls. So, the higher the fiber volume, the more design freedom you give up – an unfortunate relationship given that this is supposed to be one of 3D printing’s main benefits.
A roller consolidating layers during automated fiber placement. Image via Anisoprint.
**Chopped fibers vs. continuous fibers
Strengthening fibers can be split up into two main categories – chopped fibers and continuous fibers. They may sound functionally one and the same but have very different effects on the mechanical properties of a part.
Antonov explains: “There is a lot of confusion between short fibers and continuous fibers. Both form composites but only continuous fibers can truly be seen as ‘reinforcements’. Chopped fibers simply fill the material matrix without any orientation while continuous fibers run end to end being oriented in the same direction. Since the strength of the composite lies along the fibers, continuous fibers are the only way to get a strong part.”
The difference is significant. Looking at Anisoprint’s very own in-house test data, a chopped fiber-filled composite tends to be about twice as strong as a pure plastic. Impressively, a continuous fiber-filled composite can be around 30x as strong – a very stark difference.
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Not only carbon
Carbon fiber printing is often used interchangeably with continuous fiber 3D printing. While carbon fiber is one of the more well known, there are other materials that can be used for reinforcement. Engineers looking to utilize the technology can access fiberglass, aramid, basalt, and even natural fibers as they all have varying properties and use cases.
Aramid, much like carbon fiber, is known for increasing the strength of a part but it also adds excellent impact and damage tolerance – a property not granted by carbon fibers.
Basalt, an economical alternative to carbon, may be preferred when cost-efficiency is key but part strength isn’t very high on the list of priorities. Plastic reinforced with Anisoprint’s Composite Carbon Fiber / CCF typically displays strengths of up to 860MPa. However, plastic reinforced with basalt based material (CBF) sits at 600MPa and is only two-thirds of the price, giving you more bang for your buck.
Readers interested in learning more about the continuous fiber 3D printing technologies currently in the market can sign up for next week’s webinar here. The speaker, Fedor Antonov, holds a Ph.D in Fundamental Mechanics and has over ten years of academic and industrial experience working with composite materials.
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Carbon fiber printing is often used interchangeably with continuous fiber 3D printing. While carbon fiber is one of the more well known, there are other materials that can be used for reinforcement. Engineers looking to utilize the technology can access fiberglass, aramid, basalt, and even natural fibers as they all have varying properties and use cases.
Aramid, much like carbon fiber, is known for increasing the strength of a part but it also adds excellent impact and damage tolerance – a property not granted by carbon fibers.
Basalt, an economical alternative to carbon, may be preferred when cost-efficiency is key but part strength isn’t very high on the list of priorities. Plastic reinforced with Anisoprint’s Composite Carbon Fiber / CCF typically displays strengths of up to 860MPa. However, plastic reinforced with basalt based material (CBF) sits at 600MPa and is only two-thirds of the price, giving you more bang for your buck.
Readers interested in learning more about the continuous fiber 3D printing technologies currently in the market can sign up for next week’s webinar here. The speaker, Fedor Antonov, holds a Ph.D in Fundamental Mechanics and has over ten years of academic and industrial experience working with composite materials.
> source
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Scott Bader joins CHAMPION project to research novel bio-based polymers
The bio-based polymers aim to replace conventional polymers in a variety of applications and promote alternative to end-of-life waste.
On July 28, Scott Bader Co. Ltd (Wellingborough, U.K.) announced that it is one of fourteen partners to have joined the Circular High-performance Aza-Michael Polymers as Innovative materials Originating from Nature (CHAMPION) project, a research and innovation project that aims to replace conventional polymers with novel bio-based polymers for coatings, textiles, homecare and structural adhesive applications.
Scott Bader says the project will run for three and a half years with the objective of improving the sustainability credentials of polymer-based products. So far, the project has been awarded Horizon 2020 Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU) funding and includes fourteen partners from six European countries coordinated by the University of York (York, U.K.).
"The current approaches to polymer production are not compatible with the EU’s circular economy and green ambitions; the CHAMPION project will develop suitable, even superior replacements,” notes Professor James Clark, CHAMPION project coordinator.
According to Scott Bader, novel CHAMPION bio-based polymers obtained via the aza-Michael addition reaction (a simple, accessible addition reaction performed at moderate temperature, possibly without a catalyst and without releasing by-products) will be evaluated as sustainable replacements for polymers used in furniture coatings, home and personal care products, car interior surfaces and structural adhesives. The company says recovery, reuse and recycling (with the option of controlled energy recovery) are the end-of-life (EoL) options planned for the design of products using CHAMPION polymers. All products will be evaluated for sustainability via Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA).
“The composites industry is an enabler of a sustainable society however we must end the reliance on fossil derived chemicals while promoting alternatives to end-of-life waste. This multi-partner EU funded project will show us that we don’t have to compromise on performance to achieve a balance with nature,” says Dr. Steven Brown, technology development manager at Scott Bader, and chair of CompositesUK Sustainability Group.
Scott Bader says the CHAMPION project is another sign of its continued commitment to invest in new technology platforms following the recent creation of Polymer Mimetics, a joint venture with the University of Liverpool (Liverpool, U.K.).
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The bio-based polymers aim to replace conventional polymers in a variety of applications and promote alternative to end-of-life waste.
On July 28, Scott Bader Co. Ltd (Wellingborough, U.K.) announced that it is one of fourteen partners to have joined the Circular High-performance Aza-Michael Polymers as Innovative materials Originating from Nature (CHAMPION) project, a research and innovation project that aims to replace conventional polymers with novel bio-based polymers for coatings, textiles, homecare and structural adhesive applications.
Scott Bader says the project will run for three and a half years with the objective of improving the sustainability credentials of polymer-based products. So far, the project has been awarded Horizon 2020 Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU) funding and includes fourteen partners from six European countries coordinated by the University of York (York, U.K.).
"The current approaches to polymer production are not compatible with the EU’s circular economy and green ambitions; the CHAMPION project will develop suitable, even superior replacements,” notes Professor James Clark, CHAMPION project coordinator.
According to Scott Bader, novel CHAMPION bio-based polymers obtained via the aza-Michael addition reaction (a simple, accessible addition reaction performed at moderate temperature, possibly without a catalyst and without releasing by-products) will be evaluated as sustainable replacements for polymers used in furniture coatings, home and personal care products, car interior surfaces and structural adhesives. The company says recovery, reuse and recycling (with the option of controlled energy recovery) are the end-of-life (EoL) options planned for the design of products using CHAMPION polymers. All products will be evaluated for sustainability via Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA).
“The composites industry is an enabler of a sustainable society however we must end the reliance on fossil derived chemicals while promoting alternatives to end-of-life waste. This multi-partner EU funded project will show us that we don’t have to compromise on performance to achieve a balance with nature,” says Dr. Steven Brown, technology development manager at Scott Bader, and chair of CompositesUK Sustainability Group.
Scott Bader says the CHAMPION project is another sign of its continued commitment to invest in new technology platforms following the recent creation of Polymer Mimetics, a joint venture with the University of Liverpool (Liverpool, U.K.).
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