Objectives

The main objective of the project is the definition, development and verification of new composite materials for its use like structural profiles in curtain wall systems in substitution to metallic profiles. Besides, scientific objectives can also be defined:

Development of composite profiles with the following characteristics:
- Mechanical performance equal or better than aluminium profiles
- Better thermal insulation anda weatherability than aluminium profiles
- Easy recyclability
Optimisation of the composite formulation anda processing techniques. Thermoplastic and thermoset polymers will be employed as well as different processing techniques (compounding, extrusion, filament winding, pultrusion)
Optimisation of delamination or intercalation of nanoclays in the polymer via melt procesing
Enhancement of the mechanical properties by fiber and nanoclay reinforcement
Enhancement of fire properties by introduction of nanoclays
Development of a curtain wall prototype at real scale by using the new nanocomposite profiles