Self reinforced bio-based polymers

AI Quick Summary

The scope of this project is the development of a self-reinforced biobased polymers. Thematic focusA promising approach to composite recycling is the concept of “self-reinforced polymer” composites (SRPs) or “all-polymer” composites, in which a polymer matrix is reinforced with oriented fibres or tapes of the same polymer. The absence of “foreign” reinforcements means enhanced fibre–matrix interfacial adhesion and more importantly, full recyclability without the need for separation of fibre and matrix. The concept was first presented by Capiati and Porter using oriented polyethylene (PE) reinforcement and PE matrix with different melting temperatures. This concept will be use in this study based on bio-based polymers. Additionally, when the polymers involved are both biodegradable, there is the opportunity the use two different polymers, thus expanding the processing and properties’ window.Degree of innovationHigh: Offer of a fully biodegradable, bio-sourced composite materials as whole, wholly eliminating the problem of waste disposal, respective separation of components.EffectThe need for lightweight design leads to increased use of composite materials. Especially the use of glass and carbon fibres with a duroplastic matrix results in huge challenges for recycling. By incorporating thermoplastic matrices only half the recycling problem is addressed. With the proposed approach it would be possible to develop 100% recyclable materials, which could be adopted to any shape and therefore used universally.With the secondary goal of developing not only bio-sourced but also bio-degradable materials the need for recycling would be shifted to composting. This will be most important for components, where recycling is either not feasible or not justifiable with the necessary tasks (collection, transport, shredding, compounding, …).The use cases will determine the balance between achievable properties and the recycling potential.Methodological qualityThe funds will be used by FHNW to enable melt spinning of selected polymers. First spinning trials will be performed, initial fibres will be processed, characterised, and compared to the requirements of Ensinger. Through continuous discussions, further refinements of the polymer selection and process parameters will be performed. The ability to draw fibres with suitable characteristics for the composite industry will be the basis for further developments and further innovation projects or joint developments including all partners.Gender and DiversityAll parties are driving towards a sustainable material future, to which a sustainable and diverse team structure is key. The project respects both genders.Actions to reduce imbalances and inequalities and measures to promote gender equality should be included among the different aspects. These measures are related to:promoting the access of women in sectors where they are under-represented;promoting the access of women to decision-making;promoting the co-responsibility of public administration, companies and care work;preventing gender-based violence;promoting proactive actions to eradicate gender-based violence;eliminating gender stereotypes and rolesScope and Tasks The work packages will be:· WP1: Selection of possible based and/or biodegradable polymers and characterisation· WP2: Melt spinning of fibers and characterisation of properties· WP3: Feasibility test to consolidate a self-reinforced polymer plate· WP4: Development of possible process routes towards production of textilesIn order to reach the goals of this project, WP2 and WP3 need to be completed. These two will demonstrate and highlight the potential of self-reinforced polymer for composite materials. Budget and Co-FundingWe would ask for 25000CHF funding which will be used by FHNW (WP 2,3). 20% of the third-party contribution will be paid by Ensinger.The budget will be used to cover personell costs for investigation, manufacturing and testing.

Project Idea Metadata

• Project Idea Name: Self reinforced bio-based polymers
• Date: 10/13/2022 11:04:30 AM
• Administrators:
  • Christian Brauner

Project Idea Description

Thematic focus

A promising approach to composite recycling is the concept of “self-reinforced polymer” composites (SRPs) or “all-polymer” composites, in which a polymer matrix is reinforced with oriented fibres or tapes of the same polymer. The absence of “foreign” reinforcements means enhanced fibre–matrix interfacial adhesion and more importantly, full recyclability without the need for separation of fibre and matrix. The concept was first presented by Capiati and Porter using oriented polyethylene (PE) reinforcement and PE matrix with different melting temperatures. This concept will be use in this study based on bio-based polymers. Additionally, when the polymers involved are both biodegradable, there is the opportunity the use two different polymers, thus expanding the processing and properties’ window.

Degree of innovation

High: Offer of a fully biodegradable, bio-sourced composite materials as whole, wholly eliminating the problem of waste disposal, respective separation of components.

Effect

The need for lightweight design leads to increased use of composite materials. Especially the use of glass and carbon fibres with a duroplastic matrix results in huge challenges for recycling. By incorporating thermoplastic matrices only half the recycling problem is addressed. With the proposed approach it would be possible to develop 100% recyclable materials, which could be adopted to any shape and therefore used universally.

With the secondary goal of developing not only bio-sourced but also bio-degradable materials the need for recycling would be shifted to composting. This will be most important for components, where recycling is either not feasible or not justifiable with the necessary tasks (collection, transport, shredding, compounding, …).

The use cases will determine the balance between achievable properties and the recycling potential.

Methodological quality

The funds will be used by FHNW to enable melt spinning of selected polymers. First spinning trials will be performed, initial fibres will be processed, characterised, and compared to the requirements of Ensinger. Through continuous discussions, further refinements of the polymer selection and process parameters will be performed. The ability to draw fibres with suitable characteristics for the composite industry will be the basis for further developments and further innovation projects or joint developments including all partners.

Gender and Diversity

All parties are driving towards a sustainable material future, to which a sustainable and diverse team structure is key. The project respects both genders.

Actions to reduce imbalances and inequalities and measures to promote gender equality should be included among the different aspects. These measures are related to:

• promoting the access of women in sectors where they are under-represented;
• promoting the access of women to decision-making;
• promoting the co-responsibility of public administration, companies and care work;
• preventing gender-based violence;
• promoting proactive actions to eradicate gender-based violence;
• eliminating gender stereotypes and roles

Scope and Tasks

The work packages will be:

· WP1: Selection of possible based and/or biodegradable polymers and characterisation

· WP2: Melt spinning of fibers and characterisation of properties

· WP3: Feasibility test to consolidate a self-reinforced polymer plate

· WP4: Development of possible process routes towards production of textiles

In order to reach the goals of this project, WP2 and WP3 need to be completed. These two will demonstrate and highlight the potential of self-reinforced polymer for composite materials.

Budget and Co-Funding

We would ask for 25000CHF funding which will be used by FHNW (WP 2,3). 20% of the third-party contribution will be paid by Ensinger.

The budget will be used to cover personell costs for investigation, manufacturing and testing.

The scope of this project is the development of a self-reinforced biobased polymers.