A consortium from 5 countries and made up of a total of 11 partners, amongst which is Gaiker-IK4, is undertaking the European Polyfire (Processing and Upscaling of Fire-Resistant nano-filled thermosetting polyester resin) project, the aim of which is to design and develop nano-composites and coatings of a halogen-free polyester nature and which have enhanced fire-resistant properties. The new materials will be adopted for their use in sectors as exigent as construction and rail transport and shipbuilding sectors. This project is financed within the remit of the VII Framework Programme of the European Union with an overall budget of 3.1 million euros over a three year period.
Gaiker-IK4, as experts in fire prevention and extinction and with 25 years’ experience in developing new plastic and composite materials, is leading the activities related to the design of halogen-free fireproof formulae, as well as their transformation and subsequent characterisation. The design of the formulae is focused on the synergic behaviour between the nanoparticles and the various traditional halogen-free fireproof materials, the subsequent transformation being undertaken using manual lamination techniques, infusion and RTM.
Gaiker-IK4 is also taking an active part in tasks related to determining the optimum conditions of dispersion/exfoliation of the nanoparticles within the plastic matrix, analysing different laboratory-scale methods (traditional agitation, “rotor-stator” dispersion, sonication, etc.).
Once the research is finished, anticipated for August 2012, the results obtained by the Polyfire project will enable the development of much safer products with respect to fireproofing behaviour. The bodies participating in Polyfire also aim to produce industrial quantities of some 1000 tons annually, both with the processes of manufacture and functioning of the nanoparticles as well as with the subsequent dispersion/exfoliation in resins of a thermostable polyester nature.