The main objective of the project is to mobilise research efforts in the northern regions of Sweden and Finland, and stimulate cooperation between Swedish and Finnish R & D actors and industries for the development of bio-based functional materials. Functionalised wood plastic composites (WPC) and high-performance cellulose fibres (mmcf) shall be tailored to different application areas. The project also intends to carry out joint research activities and disseminate results to those industries looking for sustainable solutions innovative materials and cost-effective processing technologies to generate economic and environmental benefits. The aim of the project is to initiate pioneering work to introduce new features in commercially applied bio-based composite materials and further increase their mechanical properties and durability in order to expand their application in a wider range of industries. The main tasks to achieve this goal are: 1. Material design and customised manufacturing technology. 1.1 Functionalisation of WPC by tailoring functional nanocomposite structures and upgrading commercially applied process technology 1.2 Design and manufacturing of hybrid composites consisting of functionalised WPC and mmcf by developing and optimising manufacturing technology 2. Structure construction and demonstrator manufacturing 2.1 Design of structures using the developed hybrid composite materials according to the requirement of participating industries 2.2 manufacturing of demonstrators and evaluation of their functional and mechanical properties 3. 3.1 Scientific publications and through participation in conferences, seminars and trainings disseminate the results both in academia and in industry 3.2 Stimulate more collaboration between research exporters and industries and initiate new R & D and business projects The project is expected to have a positive impact on academia, industry and the environment in the northern parts of Sweden and Finland. The pioneering work planned will provide new functional WPC and mmcf hybrid composites. This will extend the scope of these materials to more advanced application areas. The demonstrators include floors with built-in de-icing, structural designs for flexible electronics, e.g. printed circuits and antennas, discrete electronic components, and possibly parts of electric vehicles. The project will thus increase the economic and societal value of forest resources in the region and promote the sustainable development of business and society. The project will develop technologies to reduce the use of chemicals that are not environmentally friendly, such as foaming agents and prevent the spread of nanoparticles. The project will strengthen cooperation between Swedish and Finnish researchers and industries in northern communities. The knowledge gained in this project can be used by universities to raise awareness of new opportunities for bio-based materials and eco-efficient manufacturing technologies. New courses at universities related to innovative and sustainable design and manufacturing technologies for functional bio-based composites are expected. R & D actors will help SMEs develop their skills to match the new opportunities with the developed materials, training, consulting and business projects, which will also benefit the growth of business and jobs.
