Development of new materials

We design at laboratory level with computational and experimental techniques.

We prepare small batches of material (hundreds of grams) for validation at TRLs 4-6.

Circular design of low environmental impact products (packaging, dispensers…) and evaluation of circularity (biodegradability and/or recyclability of materials) through life cycle analysis, eco-design, etc.

The idea is to think about the creation process of an industrial product and its components from the beginning with a circular mentality, that is to say, to make it as circular neutral as possible. We try to find opportunities for the circularity that this product can have. We are based on three concepts:

• Evaluation of circularity (biodegradability and/or recyclability of materials) through life cycle analysis (LCA), eco-design, etc. LCA is a methodology that allows the objective, methodical, rigorous and scientific analysis of the different potential environmental impacts associated with each of the stages of the complete (or partial) life cycle of a product. Analysis of the materials inventory (materials in the packaging and physical components), quantification of the carbon footprint associated with the energy consumption of the manufacturing process, evaluation of the direct emissions related to the carbon footprint associated with the logistical processes.
• Climate Neutrality: we work around the concept of biorefinery and industrial symbiosis, taking into account routes of transformation of waste into energy, food (animal and human) and bio-based raw material. Likewise, power-to-gas routes considering renewable sources and their application to both H2 generation and CO2 capture are also considered. For all transformation routes, (photo-)catalytic, thermochemical, electrochemical, biochemical and mechanical conversion technologies will be analyzed.
• Digital Production: we develop virtual sensorization and digital twin concepts based on real-time simulation technologies of processes, routes and waste valorization technologies described in the previous point. We develop simulation techniques to work on the design of new continuous processes and on the transformation from batch to continuous processes as a way to minimize process impact, improve productivity and quality control capability.
• Computational Materials: we develop material simulation techniques to trace the circularity of materials and products.We work on sensorization in material and product use to improve their recyclability.