QB3R – Quality controlled high‐performance components consisting of 100% bio‐based resins with high potential in repair and recycling

Running Time

01.01.2022 ‐ 31.12.2024

Starting point / motivation

Fiber reinforced polymer composites (FRPC) are favorite materials for various applications in which durable consumer goods are aimed. FRPC can be used as perfect lightweight materials and do support excellently sustainability and conservation of resources. This is the case especially if the FRPC consist of natural fibers (NFRP) as reinforcement and a bio‐based resin as matrix material. Although natural fibers are already used in various applications, thermoset resins for durable components in best case are only based on partly bio‐based materials. In the field of high‐performance resin systems today most often petrochemically gained epoxy resins based on Bisphenol‐A are used. These resins are increasingly under discussion due to some toxicological doubts.

Contents and goals

The present project "Quality controlled high‐performance components consisting of 100% bio‐based resins with high potential in repair and recycling" (QB3R) aims to develop epoxy resin systems having a 100% bio‐based carbon content. The QB3R‐resins shall consist of ingredients, which are non‐toxic. The resin should be processable by various different processing techniques and deliver quality controlled durable high‐ performance components. The resin system aimed does relate to the group of vitrimers. Different to thermosets available on the market, it offers capability to be post‐ and re‐cured. Based on this vitrimer functionality, innovative repair and recycling concepts are aimed to be developed. Accordingly, a life cycle extension and a reduced risk of downcycling in case of recycling are gained.

Methodological approach

A holistic approach consisting of a coordinated material development balanced with an according assessment of the processability and a focused development of innovative repair and recycling techniques is aimed. The development of minimally invasive process monitoring concept shall allow the verification of the vitrimer functionality. A life cycle analysis will deliver an according valid database and will assess, whether bio‐based raw materials are ecologically advantageous and which parameters are capable to describe the according functionality in the LCA.

Expected results / conclusions

For fully biobased NFRP the project will gain improved knowledge beyond the state of art in following areas:

• Analysis and development of appropriate synthesizing methods and recipes
• Application of robust manufacturing processes
• Use of minimum invasive process monitoring methods
• Life cycle increasing repair methods
• Recycling procedures with reduced risk of downcycling
• Valid LCA

The so gained fundamental knowledge will result in a starting point, which can be used for future work for specific market relevant developments.

Project management

Univ.‐Prof. Dr.‐Ing. Ralf Schledjewski Institute/Company Montanuniversität Leoben Lehrstuhl für Verarbeitung von Verbundwerkstoffen

Partners of the project consortium

• Montanuniversität Leoben, Lehrstuhl für Werkstoffkunde und Prüfung der Kunststoffe
• Kompetenzzentrum Holz GmbH
• Kästle GmbH
• bto‐epoxy GmbH
• R&D Consulting GmbH & Co KG

Otto Glöckel Straße 2 8700 Leoben
Tel.: +43 3842 402 2700
Fax: +43 3842 402 2702
Mail: Ralf.Schledjewski@unileoben.ac.at