In response to growing environmental and safety demands, AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology Centre, is pioneering the development of sustainable flame-retardant composite materials for construction and mobility applications. Through two Valencian Institute for Competitiveness and Innovation (IVACE+i) funded initiatives — REFUGI and NEOCOMP — the organization is engineering next-generation coatings and composites that combine lightweight performance with enhanced fire resistance.
The main objective of the REFUGI project is to develop phosphorus-based flame retardants using mechanochemical processes, representing a step toward more environmentally friendly methods. These flame retardants are being integrated into varnish formulations specifically designed for use on wood.
Carolina Acosta, lead researcher in Mechanochemistry and Reactive Extrusion at AIMPLAS, explained: "The use of flame-retardant varnishes has increased in recent years, as they offer a finish virtually identical to any wood coating, with the added benefit of greater fire resistance. We are focusing on exploring different material sources to produce these flame retardants, prioritizing those that are renewable and recyclable."
This research, carried out in collaboration with the companies Omar Coatings and Decomader, aims not only to improve the efficiency of flame-retardant production but also to reduce the environmental impact associated with their manufacture and application.
The NEOCOMP project focuses on developing high-performance flame-retardant composite materials using advanced manufacturing technologies. This involves producing various parts through innovative industrial processes such as Dry Fiber Placement (DFP) and additive manufacturing. Specifically, NEOCOMP will develop flame-retardant thermoplastic binders for dry fiber, unidirectional dry fiber tapes for DFP, and continuously reinforced 3D filament.
Jaime Lozano, researcher in Construction and Renewable Energies at AIMPLAS, emphasized: "We are working on new composite materials designed to meet energy efficiency, circularity, mechanical performance, and flame-retardant requirements, thus contributing to reducing the environmental impact of industrial activities and advancing toward a greener, circular economy."
The companies Ziur Composites and IT3D are collaborating on this research. Both projects are part of the IVACE+i grant program funded by the European Union's ERDF under the 2021-2027 Operational Program.
Source: www.aimplas.net
