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ENABLE
Environmentally Acceptable Pretreatment System for Painting Multi Metals
(GA No: 262473)
With increasing demands from customers and public authorities on using environmentally acceptable processes there is a great need for SMEs within the metal surface painting industry to change pre treatment process. Today’s pre treatment system, zinc phosphating, is a chemical process with high consumption of water and energy and with use of potentially toxic chemicals like nickel and zinc.
New environmentally acceptable pre treatment processes based on non dangerous chemicals, free from heavy metals, causing no sludge formation, and requiring less process control have been developed during the last 10 years. The project addresses the problem to replace the “standard” pre-treatment process for out-door use, zinc phosphating, with a new process. This is the only way to meet the increasing demands from customers and authorities. The magnitude of the problem can be understood by the fact that the process in use has 40 years of experience and the new processes have a completely different way of protecting the product.
The research performed in the project will result in improved and verified test procedures; quality assured corrosion protection and process control.
www.enablepretreatments.com
Karin Lindqvist
karin.lindqvist@swerea.se
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MULTILAYER
Rolled multi material layered 3D shaping technology
(GA No: 214122)
Various emerging markets in the field of non silicon multimaterial micro devices offer a huge potential for commercialisation in the near future. However, solutions for mass-production for most of them have still to be developed. The objective of the MULTILAYER project is to develop a set of solutions for the large-scale production of micro devices based on a technology we call Rolled multi material layered 3D shaping technology and using the concept of tape casting and advanced printing techniques.
This technology will enable to manufacture complex multifunctional 3D-micro parts on a layer by layer manner and in a high-throughput context. Each layer can be given a specific structure. They will be printed and contain channels and cavities that are open or filled in a very high precision manner. The microsystems will have as basic building material ceramics, which is a clear advantage in applications that require high temperature, corrosive environments and long time reliability. Furthermore, it will allow spatial resolutions under 10 µm and the ceramics tapes developed will be down to 10 µm thin.
Johanna Stiernstedt
johanna.stiernstedt@swerea.se |
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NOTEREFIGA
Novel Temperature Regulating Fibres in Garments
(GA No: 203831)
The objective of the project is to develop novel temperature regulating fibres and innovative textile products for thermal management, selected by the SME segment of the textile industry in Europe. The temperature regulating effect is achieved by novel methods of incorporating large amounts of phase changing materials (PCM) in textile fibres. When the body temperature increases, the PCM melts and absorbs the heat from the body in the form of latent heat. Then, when the temperature drops, the PCM crystallizes and the stored heat is released again.
Bengt Hagström
bengt.hagstrom@swerea.se |
MORGaN
Materials for robust gallium nitride
(GA No: 214610)
The MORGaN project adresses the need for new materials for for electronic devices and sensors that operate in extreme conditions, expecially high temperature, high electric field and highly corrosive environment. It will take advantage of the excellent physical properties of diamond and gallium nitride heterostructures. The association of the two materials will give rise to the best materials and devices for ultimate performance in extreme environments. Both materials possess durability and robustness to high temperature, radiation and electric field.
The packaging and metallisation of an electronic device or sensor are important elements in extreme conditions. Metal contacts must be stable and the package must be thermally compatible with the device requirements and chemically stable. MORGaN proposes a novel technological solution to electron device and sensor modules. Advanced 3D ceramic packaging and new metallisation techniques based on the emerging technology of MN+1AXN alloys will also be explored.
Per Johander
per.johander@swerea.se
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DISC REGENERATION
Novel biofunctional high porous polymer scaffolds and techniques controlling angiogenesis for the regeneration and repair of the degenerated intervertebral disc
(GA No: 213904)
30% of European workers experience back pain, and it is the most frequently reported work-related disorder. The proposed work seeks to provide a cure for lower back pain by developing porous scaffolds and technology which will repair a damaged intervertebral disc (IVD) by enabling its regeneration to a natural healthy state or better. Injectable acellular and cell-loaded bioactive polymer-based scaffolds will be developed. These will be designed to be implanted into the patient by minimally invasive surgery. A biomimetic approach will confer the appropriate mechanical and biological properties and enable the inclusion of the requisite cell signalling factors to produce a bio-hybrid structure which closely resembles the human tissue in all its essential attributes. Particular attention will be paid to angiogenesis.
Anna Thorvaldsson
anna.thorvaldsson@swerea.se |
POLYTUBES
A Process chain and equipment for volume production of polymeric microtubular components for medical device applications
(GA No: 229266)
The overall objective of the POLYTUBES project is to develop a process chain and corresponding micro-manufacturing platform for the manufacture of polymer-micro-tubes and tubular micro-components for innovative products (medical and non-medical applications). It aims to create new markets for EU SMEs with innovative and economically competitive micro-products and micro-manufacturing equipment to meet the needs for a wide range of emerging applications.
The development will also support the SMEs to increase business opportunities with new volume production capabilities in micro-manufacturing. The proposed development could place EU in a pole position in the manufacture and innovative applications of micro-tubular products.
Erik Perzon
erik.perzon@swerea.se |
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ENFIRO
Life cycle assessment of environment-compatible flame retardants
(GA No: 226563)
Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) will be phased out because of their environmental hazards. Less toxic alternatives appear to be available already but comprehensive information on their possible toxicological effects are lacking. ENFIRO offers a prototypical case study on substitution options for BFRs resulting in a comprehensive dataset on viability of production and application, environmental safety, and a complete life cycle assessment.
ENFIRO will contribute to the phasing out of BFRs as proposed in the European Water Framework Directive. The approach and the results of ENFIRO will be useful for similar substitution studies, e.g. in REACH. Following a study on literature and industrial information, and prioritizing , three flame retardant (FR)/product combinations will be selected (e.g. metal-based FRs, phosphorous-based and nanoclay-based FRs in printed circuit boards, paints and foam). These will be studied for environmental and toxicological risks, and for viability of industrial implementation, i.e. production of the FR, fire safety and application of the FR into products (electronics, furniture, paints, foams, etc.).
All information from these tests will be used for a risk assessment. The outcome of that assessment will, together with socio-economic information be used in a complete life cycle assessment.
www.enfiro.eu
Dag Andersson
dag.andersson@swerea.se |
DIVEST
Dismantling of vessels with enhanced safety and technology
(GA No: 218695)
The objective of the Project is to define a integrated risk and economic framework applicable to the optimisation of ship dismantling activities and infrastructure, from a social, economic and environmental point of view. The framework will apply across the life cycle of a ship and it will be developed using risk-based and economic modelling/value-based analysis. Particular emphasis will be on the dismantling value and competence chain.
The subjects of concern that have been identified for the call will be addressed as follows:
- a process to answer safety concerns linked to ecological processes for clean and safe dismantling & clean and safe disposal
- an analysis of ships, infrastructure, personnel, with focus on the dynamic interfaces between them, to support research on vessels and infrastructure end of life analysis addressing industrial, ecological and economic criteria
- economic analysis of the main risk drivers of identified ship/infrastructure/process combinations to answer questions on the cost effectiveness of ship recycling.
Karin Garmer
karin.garmer@swerea.se |
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iNTeg-Risk
Early recognition, monitoring and integrated management of emerging, new technology related risks
(GA No: 213345)
iNTeg-Risk is a large-scale integrating project aimed at improving the management of emerging risks in the innovative industry. This will be achieved by building a new risk management paradigm for emerging risks, which is a set of principles supported by a common language, commonly agreed tools & methods and Key Performance Indicators integrated into a single framework. As main impact, it will reduce time-to-market for the lead market EU technologies and promote safety, security, environmental friendliness and social responsibility as a trade-mark of the advanced EU technologies.
The project will improve early recognition and monitoring of emerging risks, seek to reduce accidents caused by them (estimated 75 B /year EU27) and decrease reaction times if major accidents involving emerging risks happen. iNTeg-risk will reach its goals by promoting a EU-wide cross-sectorial life-cycle-based integration across all major disciplines, methods and tools as well as through integration of all relevant stakeholders. The project will be initiated from an empirical basis of 17 individual emerging risk issues (Emerging Risk Representative industrial Applications), and generalize their solutions addressing new technologies, products/materials, production and policies.
The solutions will be validated in a second application cycle, and the overall solution made available to stakeholders in the form of the iNTeg-Risk platform: a one-stop shop for EU solutions addressing emerging risks. It will feature issues of early recognition and monitoring of emerging risks, communication, governance, pre-standardization, education & training, dissemination, as well as new tools such as Safetypedia, Atlas of Emerging Risks, Reference Library...
Mikael Ström
mikael.strom@swerea.se |
CleanCloth
Development of an Antibacterial Cloth Based on Microfiber
(GA No: 231964)
In the CleanCloth project, the aim is to develop a superior cleaning cloth with constant and continuous antibacterial effect, ensuring that no bacteria are left in the cloth and making bacterial re-growth impossible, eliminating the need for using special and time consuming hygiene procedures.Infectious diseases arising in the home setting are a
significant concern. Although a proportion of these infections are caused by direct person-to-person interaction or consumption of contaminated food, evidence shows that a significant amount of infections, not only food-borne but also person-to-person, relate to cross contamination via hands, surfaces or other bacteria containing objects such as the kitchen-cloth. In Europe, there are about 24 million cases reported of illness due to microbial contamination reported annually. However, studies demonstrate that this number is actually much higher, probably ten times higher, due to the mild cases not being reported. The primary causes of diseases due to microbial contamination include Salmonella, Campylobacter, Parasites and Listeria.
The Cleancloth Project is looking at solving three main technological challenges:
- Enhancing the efficiency of the cloth compared to today’s products while complying with European legislation
- Successfully integrating the additive into good quality microfiber
- Environmentally and dermatologcally friendly product
... at the same time keeping a competitive price.
Jonas Aspling
jonas.aspling@swerea.se |
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SAFEPROTEX
High-protective clothing for complex emergency operations
(GA No: 228439)
The idea that constitutes the basis of the proposed project is to address the main issues that currently limit the wide acceptance of protective garments, i.e. protection against multiple hazards, extension of the life-cycle of protective garments, physiological comfort and mechanical parameters. Overall, the proposed research activities aim at addressing the complex risky conditions met in various types of emergency operations, e.g. during accidents involving the threat of chemicals, extreme weather conditions (flood, wind storms, hail etc), small scale fires, or combinations of those. The manufacture of three prototypes is provisioned. In order to achieve these objectives, progress beyond the state of the art is required in a variety of fields. In fact, the project is highly multidisciplinary and requires developments in diverse areas such as polymers science and technology, polymers processing, new additive master batches development and fiber spinning, nanotechnology, plasma technology, sol-gel technology, smart thermo regulating materials, microencapsulation, ergonomic garment design, etc. The major innovations regard, but are not limited to, the development and application of specific functionalizing materials, capable of providing multiple protective functions. More specifically, the main materials to be examined include layered silicates, carbon nanotubes, alkoxysilane primers, chromic materials, antimicrobial microspheres, etc.
www.safeprotex.org
Bengt Hagström
bengt.hagstrom@swerea.se |
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