Sintering of sol-gel vitrimer composites
The VITRISINT project is dedicated to creating a new type of incredibly strong plastic. Instead of traditional methods, these plastics will be formed using a special process involving chemical reactions in a liquid. This will lead to the formation of tiny particles similar to those made in sol-gel processes. These particles will then be molded together under pressure to create materials with outstanding mechanical properties, capable of withstanding high temperatures (up to 300°C). The asset is that these materials can also be recycled, both mechanically and chemically.
Experts from different laboratories in France and Luxembourg will collaborate on this project. They will work on various aspects, such as tweaking the chemistry to improve the plastics, combining their properties to make them more resistant, understanding how they behave during molding using advanced techniques like X-ray microtomography, and testing them in sophisticated carbon fiber materials. They will also explore ways to recycle and reuse these new plastics and the fibers they are mixed with. Ultimately, the goal will be to develop stronger, more sustainable materials for the future with a much lower environmental impact than the current materials.
