Projects

NATIONAL COMPETITIVE PROJECTS

TITLE: ELASTOCALORIC MATERIALS BASED ON WASTE RUBBER FOR AN EFFICIENT COOLING.

Reference: 2024 LLAV 00025
Dates:  02/12/2024 - 01/06/2025
Researches: Dr. N. Candau                              

Objectives: The aim of this project is to propose the design of an alternative elastocaloric material as a candidate to replace hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), commonly used in heating/cooling systems. As this project is oriented towards industrial applications, we intend to develop tasks related to the transfer plan (definition of the TRL, IPR, business model, CRLamomg customer/user and others).

TITLE: OPTIMIZATION OF PHOTOPOLYMER MATERIALS AND RESINS IN FLEXOGRAPHY.

Reference: 2024 DI 067
Dates: 14/10/2024 - 13/10/2027
Researches: Prof. M. Sánchez Soto                                

Objectives:  The prposed PhD represents advanced and detailed research in flexographic printing, a specific area that has seen an increasing and significant use of photopolymer materials and liquid resins in its processes. The focus of this doctoral project is twofold: first, to identify the optimal photopolymer material for use in flexographic printing plates and second, to compare its performance with liquid resins that also play a crucial role in the industry.

TITLE: HIGH MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE MIXTURES FROM ECO-POLYMERS AND RUBBER WASTE.

Reference: PID2023-151338NB-I00
Dates:  01/10/2024 - 01/10/2027
Researches: Prof. O. Santana Pérez and Dr. N. Candau                          

Objectives:

Grant EcoPolyRub: PID2023-151338NB-I00 funded by MICIU and AEI and ERDF/EU. 

TITLE: IN-SITU X-RAY DIFFRACTION OF STRAIN INDUCED CRYSTALLLIZATION AND MELTING IN NATURAL/WASTE RUBBER BLENDS.

Reference: ALBA 2023077662
Dates: 15/02/2024 - 18/02/2025
Researches:  Dr. N. Candau     

Objectives:  The aim of the project is to perform in situ X-ray diffraction using a synchrotron source of natural rubber and natural rubber/waste mixtures to determine the ability of these mixtures to crystallize under tension, as well as to define the thermal stability of these mixtures when stretched.

TITLE: POLÍMEROS, COMPOSITS ECOLOGICOS Y BIODEGRADABLES.

Reference: 2021 SGR 01042
Dates: 01/01/2022 - 30/06/2025
Researches:  Prof. Mª Ll. Maspoch Rulduà, Prof. O. Santana Pérez, Prof. M. Sánchez Soto, Dr. N. Candau, Dr. N. León Albiter and Dr. T. Abt.

Objectives:   Grant to support the activities of research groups in Catalonia.

TITLE:  "ECOBLENDS" HIGH ADDED VALUE FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES.

Reference: PID2019-106518RB-I00
Dates: 01/06/2020 - 31/05/2024
Researches: Prof. M. Ll. Maspoch , Dr. O. Santana and Dr. T. Abt                                    

Objectives: Addresing the main current challenges of additive manufacturing technologies, including the formulation of new and multi-materials, optimization of technology to obtain functional parts, finishing and post-processing, increased productivity, etc.   

Grant "PID2019-106518RB-I00"  funded by MICIU/AEI:

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVE PROJECTS

TITLE: NATURAL RUBBER/CELLULOSE NANOCRYSTALS COMPOSITES WITH HIGH FATIGUE AND WEAR FOR ENDURANCE PERFORMANCE (RubNatCell).

Reference:  UNITE! Seed Fund Initiative E-06073
Dates: 01/10/2024 - 31/12/2025
Researches: Dr. N. Candau                             

Objectives:  The aim of this project is to design, characterize and test nanocellulose-reinforced natural rubber materials as reinforcement particles and nucleating agents for strain-induced crystallization. Testing will include tribological and fatigue testing for potential application as resilient rubber materials for pneumatic applications.