From Science & Research
From Science & Research Alternative composites for marine applications There is a growing demand for composites for applications in a marine environment due to the growing markets for fish and seaweed farming, energy harvesting, boats, pontoons, anchoring and buoy elements, etc. At present only petrol-based composites are being used. Concern is growing about the long-term ecological impact. Litter and microplastics are contaminating the sea, having a detrimental impact on sea-life. There is a need for renewable materials to be developed; reducing the depletion of the fossil based materials, limiting emission of greenhouse gases and reducing ecotoxic impact of microplastics. At the same time, the materials need to meet the highest technical performance and withstand the long term harsh marine environment including mechanical forces, aggressive environment, intense UV light etc. Meeting this duality is a major challenge. SeaBioComp is aiming to address this challenge. The project will develop demonstrator bio-based composite alternatives to potentially replace traditional fibre-reinforced composites commonly used in the marine industries. Traditional oil-based products including fishing and seaweed farming components, energy harvesting equipment, boats, pontoons, anchoring and buoy parts are potentially being addressed by the project. The biocomposites will not only reduce the depletion of fossil-based resources but should also limit the emission of greenhouse gases and the ecotoxic impact of microplastics, while allowing recycling through the use of thermoplastic biopolymers. Through the development of the bio-composite demonstrators, the project aims to significantly shift the GOALS DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATORS OF DURABLE BIOBASED COMPOSITES FOR THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT Drive for innovation in new composite materials 1 semi industrial production equipment Bio-based thermoplastic composites demonstrators Bio-based thermoplastic composites Self reinforced composite Reduce the environmental impact of composite maritime industry components 4 different technical demonstrators Microplastics formation Newly developed analytical methods and protocols Natural fibre reinforced composite Continuous filament additive manufacturing Evaluate durability and long-term ecological impact from microplastics Ecotoxicological effects Long term durabililty Monomer injection into natural fibre by RIFT 44 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/20] Vol. 15
By: Sarah Johnson Marketing and Events Marine South East Southampton, UK From Science & Research perception within the marine industries that the use of bio-based composites can offer a realistic and viable alternative. The demonstrators and developed analytical protocols will help both industry and public authorities to address the growing concern regarding the global production and consumption of oilbased plastic materials and the long-term ecological impact of plastic litter and microplastics in the marine environment. SeaBioComp wants to deliver demonstrators of innovative bio-based thermoplastic composites; with • at least equivalent mechanical properties • with -application dependent- tailored durability (2 to >20 years) • with reduced CO 2 emission (30 %), and reduced ecotoxic impact (due to microplastics) Since thermoplastic composites are envisaged, the recycling potential of recovered materials will be demonstrated as well. Overall the ecologic impact should be reduced by >50 % compared to conventional oil-based counterparts. This should lead to a shift in mindset along the value chain, that the biobased composites offer a realistic alternative for the oil based counterparts. The project partners include research institutions, university research groups, SMEs and specialist cluster organisations. SeaBioComp is co-funded under the EU Interreg 2 seas programme, within the Technical Innovation theme. SeaBioComp runs from March 2019 to August 2022 with an overall budget of EUR 4.1 million, EUR 2.5 million of which (60 %) is funded from the European Regional Development Fund. SeaBioComp is led by Centexbel (Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium) and combines experts in polymer research, textile and composite formation with marine institutes, sector cluster organisations and public authorities. Anyone interested in this important and growing area of bio-based materials for the marine environment is invited to join the Interest Group (see website below). Subscribers to the Interest Group will be kept informed of relevant events and forums, project activities, results etc. The aim of the Interest Group is to stimulate inclusive engagement of external stakeholders and interested parties including the triple helix of academia, industry and public authorities. www.seabiocomp.eu | www.seabiocomp.eu/interest_group Think Sustainable PLASTPOL Meet us at: Stand D-35 M·VERA ® Bioplastics With our M·VERA® range of biobased and biodegradable plastics (certified to EN 13432), we provide you with customised solutions for your application: • Film Such as shopping bags, fruit and vegetable bags or agricultural films • Injection Moulding Such as packaging, coffee capsules, cutlery and others • Color, Carbon Black and Additive Masterbatches Our team of highly experienced plastic specialists is pleased to help you – contact us! BIO-FED Branch of AKRO-PLASTIC GmbH BioCampus Cologne · Nattermannallee 1 50829 Cologne · Germany Phone: +49 221 88 8894-00 Fax: +49 221 88 88 94-99 info@bio-fed.com · www.bio-fed.com bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/20] Vol. 15 45
