Industrial Applications

As part of sustainability concept, there is a great interest in exploiting marble powder dispersed in appropriate polymers for further use in 3D printing. The main challenge is to explore how these components mix and find out which are the main variables into play.

Manufacturing of acrylic glass parts

The company K-tec is interested in investigating, at the microscopic and even molecular level, a specific bonding process used in the production of very large glazing parts for institutional aquariums and swimming pools which are very demanding in terms of optical appearance and mechanical strength. A better understanding of relationship between process parameters and part properties will allow to optimize the design and manufacturing processes of their products.

Design and manufacturing of items from recycled materials

It is in Alisea company’s interest to investigate the potential applications of graphite in businesses other than those commonly known. In particular, new construction materials are being studied with fire resistant qualities, which are composed of a mix of inert materials, already normally used in construction, and graphite, an additive of interest for its specific chemical-physical characteristics (i.e. thermal and electrical conductivity, mechanical resistance, etc.).

Natural fibers and eco-sustainable resins for nautical sector

The material rComposite produced by the company Northern Light Composites is made out of three main components: vegetable fibers, resin and polyurethane. The challenge for Northern Light Composites was to determine how the resin distributes into the material.

Tailor-made Polyurethane Solutions

Traditional polyurethane foams are not strong enough to resist at the working conditions of the production of composite materials. The material INTIVATO has been developed to overcome the traditional PU limitations, with a focus on the press forming technology, which is suitable for mass production. The interest of the company Carùs is studying the chemical and morphological properties of different foaming processes of polyurethane rigid foams.

Wood Processing

Wood can be carbonized by controlled thermal decomposition (pyrolysis) to form a monolithic carbon surface for aesthetical or technological purposes. Wood with carbonized surfaces can also be used for interior decoration. Despite the marketing potentials, these carbonized products have not yet been characterized for the aforementioned applications, both morphologically and chemically.