During 2019, the project achieved its first milestone, with work carried out both on the insertion of technical carbon fibres using Tailored Fibre Placement (TFP) technology, and on manufacturing composites via Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) with thermosetting and fireproof resins.
During this year, LIGHTCOMP 2020 aims to develop functional lightweight composites with properties including heating, lighting and even the ability to measure physical parameters using integrated sensors.
The challenge lies in the use of smart fabrics, functionalised resins and cores for low weight, combined with mechanical and functional properties that meet the needs of a sector as demanding as transport.
At the same time, environmentally friendly composite materials will be developed using natural fibres to replace conventional carbon fibres, and recycled carbon fibre textile substrates so that waste can be reintroduced into the production chain.
The main objective is to obtain high added-value solutions for the private land transport market by developing low weight composites with functional characteristics.
To achieve this goal, three areas of action have been defined:
Composite material elements used in the bodywork and external vehicle components.
Composite material elements used in the interior cabin linings of vehicles.
Composite material elements used in the structure of vehicles.
The results will include high-performance textile-based structures using embroidery technology with technical fibres such as carbon, glass or polypropylene. These fibres offer a high degree of physical stability which, when formed into a composite, greatly reduce the weight of the materials, offering structural characteristics similar to much heavier components. The difference in the properties offered by technical fibres compared to natural fibres or recycled carbon fibres will also be evaluated.
FILE: IMDEEA/2020/35
This project has the support of the Conselleria d’Economia Sostenible, Sectors Productius, Comerç i Treball de la Generalitat Valenciana, through IVACE, and is co-financed by EU ERDF funds, within the ERDF Operational Programme of the Comunitat Valenciana 2014-2020.
