GSS EU Science Funding Gateway

Proposals under this topic should:

• Demonstrate, at a relevant scale, the production of bio-based composite materials and products made from bio-based natural (e.g. plant) fibres and/or bio-based synthetic fibres (e.g. lignin carbon fibres), in bio-based thermoset and/or thermoplastic matrices. Proposals can address one or more classes of fibres and matrices depending on the application(s) and products in scope.
• In addition to the demonstration of the innovative composite end product, proposals may also include demonstration of the production of innovative fibres, matrix or both, as well as full formulation with relevant innovative bio-based additives where applicable.
• Meet end-product technical performance requirements dictated by the final application (e.g. mechanical and thermal stability properties, fire resistance, corrosion resistance, durability…).
• Design for sustainability and with a focus on enabling circularity to address major challenges of end of life in end use sectors. Circularity aspects can include also considerations in increasing the recyclable content, biodegradability and/or compostability (under specified conditions). The choice of the end of life option must be compatible with application and technical performance requirements. In case of recycling, the recycling routes for the composite materials in scope should be tested and a strategy should be proposed on the basis of existing practices and infrastructures.
• Address composites manufacturing issues, minimising CAPEX impacts, employing energy- and resource-efficient processes and minimising the amount of hazardous substances used in production.
• Include a task to integrate assessment based on the safe-and-sustainable-by-design (SSbD) framework, developed by the European Commission, for assessing the safety and sustainability of chemicals and materials. Under this context, projects are expected to contribute with and develop recommendations that can advance further the application of the SSbD framework.