New flexible formulations with bio-based plasticisers for rotational moulding – FLEXIROT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The goal of the FLEXIROT2 project is to develop and validate new flexible formulations for rotomoulding by incorporating plasticisers produced from vegetable raw materials such as natural oils. On the one hand, we will develop new polyvinyl chloride (PVC) formulations containing natural oils. On the other hand, we will prepare mixtures of polyethylene with natural fibres, also incorporating these oils.

All the formulations we obtain will be comprehensively characterised on a laboratory scale in order to ensure their quality and to achieve properties suitable for use in rotational moulding and in the envisaged applications. In addition, a mould or insert will be developed using SLM 3D metal printing technology to obtain custom parts by rotomoulding.

Customised pieces are a great novelty in this type of processing, which increases the innovative nature of this proposal. In this way, the aim is to offer the rotational moulding industry new flexible formulations that are more ecological, sustainable and safe.

The replacement of many of today’s monomeric plasticisers by natural polymeric oils, which have a higher molecular weight and therefore lower migration capacity, will also help to improve product safety, mainly in toys.

Project results:

If the results of the study are positive, we will obtain the development of flexible formulations with plasticisers of natural origin that can be used in the rotomoulding process to obtain flexible parts. The elimination of synthetic plasticisers will mean that the final formulation is more ecological, sustainable and safe. This will be an important step forward for the rotomoulding industry, which is currently using mainly synthetic additives.

Furthermore, in the case of polyethylene based formulations, the incorporation of natural fillers will improve the mechanical properties of the final part, maintaining the plasticity and elasticity of the formulation. In any case, new formulations will be obtained that can be transformed in the same way as those currently being processed can, without the need to modify any rotomoulding manufacturing lines.

Project subsidised by IVACE, the Valencian Institute for Business Competitiveness of the Regional Government of Valencia, 50% co-financed through the FEDER Operational Programme of the Valencian Community 2014-2020, under file IMDEEA/2018/39

  • Start date: 01/01/2018
  • End date: 31/12/2018
  • File No: IMDEEA/2018/39. Amount granted: € 85,020.65

SECTORS OF APPLICATION:

  • Industrial processes

TECHNOLOGICAL AREAS:

  • Technological Line 1-1: Printing Technologies
  • Line 2: plastic materials
  • Line 3: Ferrous and non-ferrous alloys

IVACE PROGRAMME:

  • Programme: Individual R&D

CONTACT COORDINATOR:

Financed