Development of bio-based polymers with covalently adaptable networks for recyclable natural fibre reinforced composite production - BioCAN

Project summary

● Rationale / Needs to be addressed – Fiber-reinforced polymer composites are crucial for light weight applications and are used across numerous industries like automotive and transportation, marine, ballistic and aerospace. However, an unsolved problem of recyclability exists for structural applications where thermoset resins are used. _x000D_ ● Objectives: The overall objective of the BioCAN project is to demonstrate an integrated process chain that includes the efficient production of new polymeric materials, namely vitrimers, and their processing into natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites that are recyclable._x000D_ ● Potential applications include the automotive and transportation industry. Within the project, the developed demonstrator will be for the backrest of a seat shell structure. _x000D_ ● Impact and potential benefits – The proposed technology would offer a path for bio-based, thermally recyclable thermoset polymer materials for the automotive and transportation industry.