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Innovative Development of Alternative Composites to Carbon-Based Materials - Smart Eureka Call Partner Search

Summary

Profile Type
  • Research & Development Request
POD Reference
RDRTR20241022012
Term of Validity
22 October 2024 - 22 October 2025
Company's Country
  • Turkey
Type of partnership
  • Research and development cooperation agreement
Targeted Countries
  • All countries
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General information

Short Summary
This project focuses on developing new-generation polymer nanocomposites as alternatives to carbon-based materials, widely used for their durability and low weight in sectors like automotive and aerospace. By incorporating nanoparticle-sized fillers into the polymer matrix, the project aims to enhance mechanical properties, improve thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and chemical resistance, while reducing energy consumption.
Full Description
Carbon-based materials are widely used in sectors such as automotive, construction, energy, packaging, and aerospace for their high durability and low weight. However, the production of these materials involves high thermal processes such as pyrolysis and carbonization. These processes, conducted at temperatures ranging from 1700°C to 2400°C, can lead to fluctuations in heat distribution, resulting in changes in the mechanical properties of the material and the release of toxic gases during the process. This project aims to develop new-generation polymer nanocomposites as alternatives to carbon-based materials. By incorporating nanoparticle-sized fillers into the polymer matrix, the goal is to enhance mechanical properties while using less energy, as well as to improve thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and chemical resistance. The outputs of this project will serve as an alternative solution in various sectors, particularly in the energy industry.
Advantages and Innovations
The main gas diffusion base material is polyacrylonitrile (PAN).
Since the cost of PAN is higher (compared to other natural fibers such as cotton or bamboo fibre), the demand is expected to decrease to some extent.

However, some factors such as:

-The high cost of gas diffusion layer technology
-Post-carbonization processing
-High graphitization temperatures of raw materials (~1700°C) to achieve increased conductivity
may hinder the growth of the market.

With this project, an alternative layer with high-performance features will be created without requiring high energy costs.

With polymer nanocomposite layer:

-Lower energy usage
-Alternative to carbon fabric
-Strong mechanical properties
-Alternative component in the fuel cell market
Stage of Development
  • Concept stage
Sustainable Development Goals
  • Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
IPR description
The company's expertise nanomaterial production, polymer synthesis, polymer characterization and analysis.

Partner Sought

Expected Role of a Partner
I) Partner for Polymer Nanocomposite Synthesis

Determination and supply of polymer type (trials can be made by purchasing alternative polymers).
Determination of nanocomposite type; it will provide the carbon fabric properties used in the fuel cell (rGO, carbon nanotube, etc.).
Determining the preparation method to obtain a homogeneous mixture (melt extrusion, solution dispersion, etc.).

II) Partner for Fabric Performance Investigation

Determination of fabric performance properties and comparison of the surface with carbon fabric.
Type and Size of Partner
  • Big company
  • SME 11-49
  • SME 50 - 249
  • SME <=10
Type of partnership
  • Research and development cooperation agreement

Call details

Framework program
  • Eureka
Call title and identifier
SMART EUREKA - 8TH SMART CALL
Coordinator required
No
Deadline for EoI
Deadline of the call

Dissemination

Market keywords
  • 09004008 - Other manufacturing (not elsewhere classified)
Targeted countries
  • All countries