Project objectives:
Short summary
Final products from lighter materials require less energy to transport, which gives engineers and designers the opportunity to increase the efficiency of their products when working with lightweight materials. The Greek SME company is interested in the development of composite lightweight materials with upgraded physicochemical functionality and improved economic feasibility. Positively affecting the materials properties, such as its physical hazards and environmental fate (degradation).
Full description
In recent years, research has been focused on materials with superior physicochemical functionality. For instance, - multifunctional and intelligent materials for energy applications, - nanomaterials that modify physical stimuli, absorb or prevent adsorption of chemicals, and so on. Although the results of research are particularly encouraging, their use in commercial end products is not always feasible, especially in "traditional" industries, due to the high cost of the proposed application. The nanomaterials, in particular, form aggregates that limit their activity and workability, so a limit will be also applied on the economics of their application. The Greek SME company has acquired the know-how on the development of coated lightweight materials based on industrial minerals, which can be applied to a wide range multitude of materials and use cases. A use case of expanded perlite has been already successfully contacted. The aim of the research so far was to formulate the morphology of the substrate and, in combination with the coating or impregnation conditions, to optimize the physical and chemical properties of the “active” layer, the physicochemical reactions and ultimately to maximize the economic benefits of the material in use. The prepared lightweight composites address different applications, such as photocatalytic fillers for paints and plasters, Phase-Change-Materials and fillers with advanced insulating properties for mortars and plasters and lightweight composites for environmental applications (heavy elements & dyes removal). To date the efficiency of these materials have been validated in the lab (TRL4).
Advantages and innovations
The Greek SME possesses the know-how to: i. Modify the physical properties of the lightweight substrates in order to maximize the efficiency of the resultant composite, ii. Prepare lightweight composites with tailored-made properties depending on the final application.
Technical Specification or Expertise Sought
Upgrade from TRL 4 up to a TRL 6-7 (Demonstration in relevant and/or operational environment).
Contact / source: NEXT EEN Widgets (europa.eu)
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