In the composite materials sector, in order to achieve C-Neutrality by 2050 as established by EU directives, the use of natural fibres is necessary for the automotive, naval and construction sectors. However, two issues remain unresolved: moisture resistance and end-of-life treatment of materials, avoiding fluorinated compounds (PFA), which are recognised as very dangerous to human health and the environment. The BRILLIANT project aims to explore both of these challenges.

BRILLIANT aims to develop composite materials with reduced environmental impact through the use of natural fibres in combination with protective, hydrophobic and environmentally friendly treatments, associated with bio-based resins. The goal is to reduce the weight of composite materials, overcoming the negative aspects of carbon as a fibre (high embodied energy and C-footprint) and verifying the possibility of using natural fibres such as flax, hemp and bamboo, and/or bio-based resins instead.

The project focused on studying the most promising natural fibres, in combination with protective hydrophobic treatments that are environmentally friendly as they are fluorine-free, developed and patented by the laboratory coordinating the proposal, in order to overcome the serious environmental problem and accumulation of all molecules containing the C-F bond. The natural fibres will be combined with resins, also biobased or derived from secondary raw materials, to stabilise the carbon in the products and identify the optimal structural composites.

The durability of these products will be guaranteed by appropriate hydrophobic treatments (free of carcinogenic perfluorinated compounds), which will also act as fire retardants and easy-to-clean agents, or to introduce other functionalities. Currently, the use of these natural fibres, as well as some basalt-based fibres and biobased resins, is usually limited to interior components, such as those for car interiors. Thanks to the use of nanotechnology and surface finishing, it is possible to effectively address the issue of composites in an efficient and environmentally friendly way. This will allow new areas of application for these materials to be explored.

Find out more: www.brilliant-project.it  

BRILLIANT is developing a highly hydrophobic surface finish for bio-based composites, both natural fibre-based and bio-based resin-based composites. For even better protection and additional functionality (fire resistance and ease of cleaning), the addition of an aluminium surface layer will be considered to ensure longer-lasting functionality and lower maintenance costs, making these composites suitable for demanding applications such as marine and offshore.

Partnership

• NANOPROM CHEMICALS (Coordinator)
• ENEA MCC
• CERTIMAC
• ROMAGNA TECHS.C.p.A.

 Industrial partnership

• BLACKS
• Curti Mechanical Constructions
• CROSSFIRE
• NALUCOAT
• TAMPIERI ENERGIA