Specifically, the AcumularEQ project will investigate new conductive plastics, membranes, printed electrodes, and sensors that can be integrated into fuel cells, hydrogen electrolyzers, and batteries for electrochemical energy storage. The STORACHE project will also develop advanced materials, in this case long-fiber thermoplastic composites, for use as reinforcement in hydrogen storage tanks for the automotive sector, enabling a reduction in polluting emissions from this sector. In the field of new materials, the IGNITION project will facilitate the development of new flame-retardant plastics for construction and building applications.
Focused on human health, the SOFTRONIC project encompasses research into elastomers and plastomers, hybrid 3D printing, and the integration of flexible sensors to develop new applications in industrial robotics and the healthcare sector, such as orthotics, prosthetics, and rehabilitation. Meanwhile, the NUTRAFARMA project will develop pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations that can be 3D printed. This will allow for the combination of different active ingredients and will offer advantages in their dispersion, bioavailability, and release. It will also result in cost savings and eliminate the need for solvents during production.
The SOSCO2 project aims to have a direct impact on environmental protection by capturing and utilizing CO2, which will then be converted into high-value-added compounds for industry, such as ethylene, polycarbonates, and carboxylic acids, through thermochemical and electrochemical processes. Meanwhile, the VALPLA project will investigate municipal solid waste, agri-food industry byproducts, and lignocellulosic biomass as alternatives to fossil resources for obtaining bioplastics. The FastBioPack project will develop new packaging based on natural barrier polymers and metallized coating solutions to obtain biodegradable structures under industrial conditions. Furthermore, it will investigate an accelerated biodegradation method that allows for the study of the biodegradation of these new structures, reducing testing time by 50%. The INNOPUL project will be responsible for developing a new thermoplastic pultrusion line for the manufacture of recyclable structural parts that maintain the properties required for this type of application, while NEOREC will focus its research on mechanical and chemical recycling solutions for complex plastic waste that currently ends up in landfills.
Finally, the INVITRO NIAS project will develop an innovative methodology based on in vitro bioassays to support Valencian companies, especially SMEs, in assessing the risks arising from exposure to NIAS (non-intentionally added substances). The aim is to standardize in vitro bioassays to be used as a tool that complements and, above all, simplifies the risk assessment of these substances, which in most cases involves significant effort for both companies and the laboratories responsible for the analyses.
Boosting the SDGs
These projects are aligned with AIMPLAS' commitment to the SDGs, especially SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being, SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13 Climate Action.
These projects are financed by the Valencian Regional Government's Ministry of Sustainable Economy, Productive Sectors, Trade and Employment through IVACE grants with co-financing from the EU's ERDF funds, within the ERDF Operational Programme of the Valencian Community 2014-2020. These grants are aimed at technology centres in the Valencian Community for the development of non-economic R&D projects carried out in cooperation with companies for the 2020 financial year.
