Processing

  • Application

  • Development

Increasing efficiency in processing of nano-enabled biobased materials by additive manufacturing technologies

A unique heading prototype will allow surface modification while printing in one step.

What we want to achieve: The main benefits from this pilot line for SMEs and companies will include competitive costs of dedicated processing equipment to produce complex3D printed parts and products at a very competitive cost, unlocking a change in their manufacturing processes and reducing manufacturing time by more than 50%. Download pilot line pdf

Processing for confining polymers. Production of nano-layered films with high barrier properties

Production of recyclable and/or biodegradable bio-based nanolayered films /sheets providing high barrier and optical properties.

What we want to achieve:
  • A single film with thousands of layers with nano-range thicknesses are obtained through a series of Layer-Multiplying Elements (LME): 1000-5000 layers with 25-100 um thickness.
  • High gas barrier properties thanks to multinanolayering of films and biaxial stretching
  • Extrusion of films of 25-250 um and up to 600 mm in width. This extrusion flat die is also equipped with a deckling system to have more flexibility in film width.
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Process and data optimisation in the surface treatment concept

SuTCo (Surface Treatment Concept) is a versatile pilot-scale coating and film preparation line with several coating units (e.g. rod, cast, slot and spray). Various bio-based dispersions and polymers have been applied with a rod coating applicator on fiber-based substrates.

What we want to achieve:
  • Upgraded surface treatment pilot line enables fast development of end-products for SMEs, while ensuring a high flexibility to adapt to their needs.
  • SMEs can enter the market 25% faster with optimized products.
  • The industrial productivity will be improved by 20% with thin coating layers and lower environmental impact due to recyclable and reusable materials.
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Large smart surface for industrial scale-up

Development of smart surfaces with embedding electronic functionalities, such as printed/stretchable/flexible antennas/filters, sensors, actuators, organic FT-circuits (e.g., gate drivers), piezoelectric energy harvesters as well as SMD (surface mount devices),bare die and LEDs.

What we want to achieve:
  • The possibility to realize prototypes and studies using a large set of printing and characterization equipment prior to an industrial scale-up.
  • Other benefits: Industrial transfer of printed electronic functions and related technologies, Research and Development services in the field of printed electronics and Training of future pilot line operators.
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Production of electrodes for the optimisation of the production of bio-based materials

The manufacturing of roll-to-roll electrodes of at least 60m length that will be tested in industrial sized ultracapacitor cells. This electrodes will be produced using novel cellulose in water-based slurries.

What we want to achieve:
  • The pilot line will allow companies developing new materials and electrodes, based on water processing and bio-based slurries, to manufacture electrodes in order to evaluate their performance, production methods and cost.
  • The pilot line services will allow SMEs and companies to optimize and test new products or manufacturing processes.
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Compounding and processing of nano-enabled bio-materials

The Extensional Flow Mixer METEOR (patented by IPC) is used to develop new formulations with an efficient dispersion of additives while reducing the overheating, and so the thermal degradation of sensitive material, like PLA.

What we want to achieve:
  • A quality control will be integrated thanks to an inline capillary rheometer to be able to optimize compounding parameters. Control compounding parameters for zero material degradation and optimize distribution of the micro and nano-fillers.
  • Inline integration of 3D printing filament at 2 diameters 1.75 and 2.85 mm. Additionally, a flexible cooling system will be implemented with water or air for water-sensitive materials.
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