| By Ana Viñuales | CIDETEC Surface Engineering |
| In the current scenario of technological-digital transition, there is a growing demand for connected and interactive systems based on functionalized and/or sensorized surfaces. In this context, plastronics, also known as “in-mold electronics” (IME) is a new technology for manufacturing printed electronic devices incorporated in plastic materials, with high added value functions or features, increasingly demanded by sectors such as the automotive, white goods, health, packaging, etc. For example, it allows making switches without mechanical elements and having smooth surfaces integrating touch elements, sensors, lighting, antennas, etc. and improve human-machine interaction (HMI). The advantages that IME technology introduces compared to conventional silicon-based electronics are numerous, including: the elimination of mechanical switches, reducing both the number of parts and the complexity of the products; the reduction of the parts thickness (up to 80%) lightening the weight by up to 70% and allowing more functions to be offered in less space; the possibility of using organic materials, reducing the environmental impact, etc. The IME process consists of 4 main stages: – Printing functional inks on a plastic sheet to generate the circuits, sensor elements, etc. – Hybridization of rigid components (such as LEDs). – Thermoforming of the flat sheet to give it the desired shape. – Over-injection of the sheet with a plastic material, thus obtaining the final piece. CIDETEC Surface Engineering, as an international reference centre for research and innovation related to surface engineering and polymeric materials, has more than 15 years of experience in 2D printed electronics. In the current scenario, CIDETEC is going one step further and is investing in IME technology, equipping itself with strategic equipment and acquiring in-depth knowledge of all stages of the process, with a special focus on the high-pressure thermoforming phase, a much more recent and advanced technique that offers extremely high precision and operates at lower temperatures than other conventional thermoforming techniques, allowing the use of a greater variety of materials. To this end, CIDETEC has recently acquired a high-pressure thermoforming unit from NIEBLING (model SAMK 720), the leading brand in this technology worldwide. CIDETEC thus becomes the 5th R&D centre in Europe to have this unique equipment, which will contribute to the positioning of the centre and the Basque Country, placing them at the forefront in the field of printed electronics/IME. The objective is to develop R&D projects that allow us to acquire in-depth knowledge of how the process affects different materials (plastic sheets and printed conductive inks) and to manufacture prototypes with embedded electronics for future technology transfer to companies that require this type of products, mainly in the automotive sector. |
Surface Engineering
Egoitz Luis Monasterio, Business Development Manager for Automotive at CIDETEC Surface Engineering, discusses the center’s capabilities in In-Mold Electronics, covering the entire value chain to meet the demands of a rapidly growing market driven by electric and connected vehicles, while also expanding into new sectors. The recently acquired NIEBLING SAMK 720 high-pressure thermoforming equipment at CIDETEC Surface Engineering is the only one of its kind in the country.
Experts discuss the future of epoxy resins and their role in creating recyclable materials within the CUBIC project.
CIDETEC Surface Engineering was the venue for the second training session of the academic program under the CUBIC project, organized in collaboration with Specific Polymers on October 9th. The event gathered 21 participants interested in exploring the journey of epoxy resins, from their discovery to their use in vitrimer technology, to develop more sustainable composite materials.
The training addressed the challenge of replacing petroleum-derived monomers with bio-based alternatives and the potential of adaptable covalent networks, which enable the creation of self-healing, moldable, and recyclable materials. Additionally, the use of 3R epoxy resins patented by CIDETEC Surface Engineering in the production of circular materials was highlighted, with a particular focus on their chemical, mechanical, and thermoforming recycling processes.
This session provided researchers with a valuable opportunity to acquire and share knowledge on the new generation of sustainable resins and composite materials.
In collaboration with INCOM and SOFITEC, it will develop new and more sustainable composite materials for sectors such as wind, transport, construction or aeronautics.
The COMAR project focuses on finding new ways to recycle and reuse waste from composites based on thermosetting and vitrimeric matrices, through different chemical recycling techniques, such as pyrolysis and solvolysis.
The aim of the project is to develop new products for the construction, wind energy and transport sectors, based on materials obtained from the recycling of composite waste, under conditions that preserve or, if necessary, restore the mechanical properties of the fibres obtained. The by-products obtained, for example, in processes such as solvolysis, will lead to the formation of new matrices that can be used in these or other sectors of interest.
This will aim to:
• Establish innovative ways to reuse and recycle composites waste to minimise energy consumption and maximise the properties of the recovered fibres.
• Enhance the sustainability of the composites industry through the valorisation of by-products.
• Reduce the environmental impact of solvolysis and pyrolysis by exploring the use of catalysts.
• Provide a waste recovery strategy for each application.
• Promote the circular economy in the composites sector.
• Promote digitalisation and Industry 4.0 in the composites sector in order to improve productivity, quality and costs.
CIDETEC Surface Engineering collaborates with INCOM and SOFITEC:
Together with INCOM, CIDETEC is working on the creation of next generation fully recyclable, 3R glass resin composites, from recovered fibres and cores. These materials will be validated by INCOM in the manufacture of prototypes for sectors such as wind, transport and construction.
On the other hand, the collaboration between CIDETEC and SOFITEC is geared towards the aeronautical sector, where the use of more sustainable composites is also being explored. CIDETEC is responsible for recovering high added value carbon fibres from first generation composites based on 3R glass resins, for reuse in new second generation composites.
The COMAR project, funded by the CDTI through the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2021-2027, aims to achieve sustainability and reduce the environmental impact in the composites industry, promoting the circular economy in this sector.
