Projects
FlexModulo
FLEXmodulo
Production of PET-based high flexion module pipes
One way to achieve better mechanical properties in terms of flexion, but maintaining the necessary rigidity, would be to introduce polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to replace calcium carbonate. Thus, we seek to develop a material composed of PP and PET with the appropriate characteristics for the manufacture of water pipes. Such process is not industrialized, and it regarded as a novelty for this project. Not only is the material being developed on a laboratory and pilot scale, but the process is further developed until proof of concept in industrial injection and extrusion processes. For the creation of this material, it is necessary to develop suitable compatibilizers to overcome polymers natural immiscibility. This will be one of this project’s main tasks, along with the processing studies of PP-PET mixtures.
An additional advantage of introducing PET is that it can be introduced in the recycled PET formulation, which makes the project more attractive from an environmental and economic point of view.
Objectives
1.
PRODUCTION OF PP/PET-BASED PELLETS
Development and processing of compatible PP/PET-based formulations
2.
INCREASE OF THE FLEXION MODULE
Decreased risk of pipe ovalisation
3.
INCORPORATION OF RECYCLED PET
Incorporation of 30 % of recycled PET
4.
INCORPORATION OF RECYCLED PP
Incorporation of 30 % of recycled PET
5.
REDUCTION OF THE FINAL PIPE DENSITY
Decrease of density compared to PP/CaCO3 based pipes
Activities
1.
Definition of the technical specifications of the material
2.
Laboratory research (Development of compatibilizers and study of PET additives in formulations and processing)
3.
Pilot-scale prototype construction
4.
Validation tests on end customers (Production of PP/PET-based pipes)
5.
Promotion and dissemination of results
Technical data sheet
Project name
FLEXmodulo - Production of PET-based high flexion module pipes
Project code
POCI-01-0247-FEDER-003362
Main Purpose
Reinforce research, technological development and innovation
Beneficiary Entities
Componit Lda. | University of Coimbra
Approval date
20/10/2015
Start date
01/01/2016
End date
31/12/2018
Total eligible cost
EUR 1 477 603.50
European Union financial support | FEDER
EUR 960 468.75
Beneficiary Entities
Cofinanced by
