Pulp-based lightweight composite structures with EMI shielding function for vehicles (PulpFun)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE SICOMP AB - RISE SICOMP AB, Piteå |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 475 000 |
| Project duration | May 2019 - February 2020 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme Bioinnovation |
| Call | Test your hypothesis – step 1 within BioInnovation: innovative projects of higher risk. |
Important results from the project
The PulpFun hypothesis aims to evaluate the feasibility of developing lightweight multifunctional composite structures for vehicles that can be made using pulp fibre sheets with thermoplastics. The technology for processing PulpFun preforms and composites were developed, which could tailor density and porosity of resulting composites, and is feasible to be scaled up. An arrange of electrical conductively was achieved, leading to tailorable anti-static and EMI shielding effect. A stage 2 project will be applied to provide feasible solutions to scalable processing and products.
Expected long term effects
The PulpFun hypothesis developed a composite containing 70 wt% thermomechanical pulp fibres through compression molding; density, mechanical and damping properties could be tailored by molding conditions. The processing of PulpFun preform is feasibly to be scaled up and possibly implemented in pulp mills. By using recycled carbon black and industrial grade graphite, respectively, a range of resistances were achieved, from the level of 100 to 10 000 ohm. This could lead to tailorable electrical conductivity, anti-static and EMI shielding effect in the resulting composites.
Approach and implementation
A consortium composed of state-owned forest industry Sveaskog, Sweden leading pulp and paper company Holmen, composite industry representative Podcomp, and European leading composite research institute RISE SICOMP, was built up in the hypothesis project to evaluate the feasibility of the PulpFun concept. The feasibility of the hypothesis was verified. The results will be disseminated to automotive industry. The consortium will move forward with more automotive partners in a next stage to implement the concept for scalable processing and products.