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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.
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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.
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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.
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The limitations imposed by the reach regulation have led to a significant reduction in the sector’s activity.
The project proposes several methods without hexavalent chromium, highly toxic to human health and the environment.
Training will be held to implement the new proposals in the Spanish, Portuguese and French industry, with the aim of empowering the sector.
The RESINSURF project, part of the Interreg SUDOE Program and coordinated by CIDETEC Surface Engineering, is aimed at developing surface treatments without hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), used in industries such as metal galvanizing, pigment production and leather tanning. This highly toxic and carcinogenic compound, is harmful to both human health and the environment. For this reason, the EU banned its use in September 2017, under the REACH regulation, with a temporary extension allowing limited use until 2024. This makes it urgent to find alternatives so that the industry dedicated to the sector, which in recent years has suffered an exodus of activity to countries outside the EU where the aforementioned regulations do not apply, does not disappear.
RESINSURF, through the implementation of alternative sustainable technologies, will prioritize the transfer of knowledge and the training of professionals through seminars, workshops and open days, thus training both professionals and companies in the SUDOE territory, contributing to maintaining regional employment.
The project involves companies in the sector such as Titania (Spain), Prifer (Portugal) or Chrome Dur Industriel (France), with which the solutions offered by RESINSURF will be implemented. At the same time, it is planned to work together with policy makers, with the aim of encouraging policies that facilitate the transition to the surface finishing industry.
This project, funded with a budget of almost 2 million euros, is also participated in by other entities in the SUDOE territory, such as INEOSURF, Universidade de Aveiro, Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, Smallmatek and the Association of Surface Finishing Industries (AIAS).
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