Development of polymer composites with low ecological footprint by adding residual biomass fillers
The ECOPOLIA project focuses on optimizing, testing, and validating technology for preparing polymer bio-composites using recycled materials, such as biomass waste with a high content of cellulose and fats. This technology aims to create bio-composites with a reduced ecological footprint and improved biodegradability compared to the existing materials. The overall objective is to validate, at the prototype level, two polymer bio-composite blends with a biomass content between 35% and 50%. The project aims to overcome technological challenges associated with biopolymeric composite materials, including mechanical performance, stability in extreme environments, processability, replicability, mass production, compatibility with existing materials, recyclability, and degradability. The project also seeks to promote a transition to more sustainable solutions in the industry. The study of working conditions and optimal ratios between raw materials is crucial for maintaining the properties and functionality of the materials, avoiding a decrease in quality as the percentage of biogenic material added increases. The project is committed to contributing to the development of high-performance bio-composite materials from biomass, with a reduced carbon footprint and a positive impact on the circular economy through close collaboration among partners (KIK, UniValahia, and ECOIND).
