RESEARCH
European Recotrans project ends, produces new applications / Use of microwaves to obtain recyclable composites for the transport industry
 One result of the research (Photo: Aimplas) |
Spanish technology center Aimplas (Valencia; www.aimplas.net) has declared the four-year European “Recotrans” research project a success.
The EU-backed project, involving 13 organisations from seven EU countries – Stadler, Gestamp, Mercedes Benz Türk, Arkema, INEA, Tecnoclad, Synthesites, Far-UK, CTAG, ITU, Fraunhofer, Polymec and Aimplas –, finished in September 2021 and focused on cost-effective, recyclable multi-material composites suitable for the transport sector at high production rates. It led to the development of lightweight parts for cars and other transportation application by using new thermoplastic composites produced through the integration of microwaves and laser welding.
Work showed that lasers could be used to obtain stable joints between composite and metal parts, removing the need for riveted joints. Studies were carried out on the recyclability of the thermoplastic composite by using it to manufacture a new part.
Researchers made a car door panel by integrating microwaves in the composite resin transfer moulding process, while the recyclability of the materials was confirmed by manufacturing a demo sample of a car door handle made of 50% recylcate.
The EU-backed project, involving 13 organisations from seven EU countries – Stadler, Gestamp, Mercedes Benz Türk, Arkema, INEA, Tecnoclad, Synthesites, Far-UK, CTAG, ITU, Fraunhofer, Polymec and Aimplas –, finished in September 2021 and focused on cost-effective, recyclable multi-material composites suitable for the transport sector at high production rates. It led to the development of lightweight parts for cars and other transportation application by using new thermoplastic composites produced through the integration of microwaves and laser welding.
Work showed that lasers could be used to obtain stable joints between composite and metal parts, removing the need for riveted joints. Studies were carried out on the recyclability of the thermoplastic composite by using it to manufacture a new part.
Researchers made a car door panel by integrating microwaves in the composite resin transfer moulding process, while the recyclability of the materials was confirmed by manufacturing a demo sample of a car door handle made of 50% recylcate.
28.10.2021 Plasteurope.com [248846-0]
Published on 28.10.2021