THERMOFIRE

THERMOFIRE is aimed at designing, developing and demonstrating three bio-based, flame-retardant thermoplastic composite prototypes for the automotive, aerospace and textile sectors. In technological terms, it looks to: 

• develop polymer matrices that are up to 100% bio-based; 

• obtain natural fibres and combine them with various fire-, smoke- and toxicity-retardant formulations to make composite samples; 

• perform fire tests on the samples to see which formulation best meets requirements. 

In economic terms, THERMOFIRE aims to lower the cost of flame-retardant materials by shortening production times and to increase the market share of bio-based composites. 

As regards the environment, the project has the objective of tackling climate change by using: 

• bio-based materials that have lower carbon footprints and require less energy to process than their fossil-based counterparts; 

• reusable and recyclable thermoplastics; 

• new polymer preparation methods with low environmental impact. 

THERMOFIRE is expected to: 

• diversify the bio-based polymer product portfolio in terms of polymer types and range of applications by developing prototypes for electric car battery containers, aircraft seat covers and binders in non-woven textiles; 

• improve the safety, sustainability and circularity of products containing bio-based polymers; 

• reduce the EU’s dependence on imported fossil-based polymers for use under demanding conditions; 

• contribute to improving infrastructure, enhancing expertise, creating jobs and strengthening value chains in the field of high-performance bio-based materials; 

• support Europe’s moves towards carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability.