The European Commission is giving €6.5 million ($9.5 million) to SustainComp, an effort to create wood-based composite materials with nanotechnology.
SustainComp's goal is to create a number of sustainable, lightweight materials to replace petroleum-based materials. The program aims to use nanotechnology to make biocomposites, materials supported by natural fibers. The project hopes to develop materials that can be used commercially in packaging, transportation and other sectors.
Targeted materials include biocomposite foams to replace expanded polystyrene foam cushioning and insulation, and extruded and molded biocomposites for use in furniture and vehicle interiors.
The project hopes to use a variety of base materials in foams, including wood-based fibers, nanocellulose and bioplastic or starch-based polymers.
The four-year project has a total budget of €9.5 million ($13.9 million) and brings together 17 organizations and companies in Europe. Along with using alternatives to petroleum, SustainComp expects the biocomposite development process to be more resource-efficient that current processes. |
