On 1 January, the Thuringian Centre for Mechanical Engineering launched a large-scale research project aimed at making the manufacturing processes for plastic components more environmentally friendly.
The ThZM is a network of five research institutions in Thuringia and is coordinated from the Technical University of Ilmenau - the common goal of the EMProBio research group: Plastic products should consume less energy and natural resources over their entire life cycle. The two-year project is being funded by the Free State of Thuringia with 982,000 euros, of which 341,000 euros is for the TU Ilmenau alone, from the European Social Fund Plus.
In the EMProBio research group („Energy and material-efficient production processes for biogenic plastics“) the Thuringian Centre for Mechanical Engineering and its five partner institutions are working on technologies and processes to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in all phases of the life cycle of plastic components and, in particular, to make their production more environmentally friendly. The central approach is to increase energy and resource efficiency in production. For two years, scientists and engineers have been developing sustainable production strategies to reduce energy consumption, emissions and raw materials.
Resource-intensive materials should be replaced by so-called biogenic composite materials made from renewable raw materials, which consume less energy and resources and also bind carbon dioxide. Composite materials such as fibre-reinforced plastics are being used more and more frequently, particularly in lightweight construction. In addition to technical fibres made of glass, carbon or aramid, natural fibres from biological sources such as flax, hemp, jute or wood are becoming increasingly important. The focus of the EMProBio project is therefore on biogenic plastics: Plastics are to be combined with natural materials such as plant fibres. The aim is to produce components that are not only durable but also environmentally friendly.
In order to fulfil the practical requirements of small and medium-sized plastics processing companies in Thuringia, the project focuses on Materials that are commercially available. An industrial advisory board made up of Thuringian companies from the plastics sector and experts in climate neutrality and sustainability ensures that Research is closely aligned with the needs of the economy is.
„With our research work, Thuringian plastics processors will become quality suppliers for biogenic plastic components, with a significantly broader range of services and products. For these small and medium-sized companies, the Thuringian Centre for Mechanical Engineering will be the point of contact for resource-saving production and the corresponding balancing of resources with the expertise we are developing in the EMProBio project.“
Prof Stephan Husung, Coordinator of the research group and head of the Product and System Development department at TU Ilmenau
Source: TU Ilmenau