About the project

SeaBioComp aims to develop and produce novel bio-based composite materials to replace conventional oil-based products in the maritime industry. The project will produce analytical protocols to evaluate the long-term durability and reduced ecological impact on the maritime environment.

SeaBioComp wants to deliver demonstrators of innovative bio-based thermoplastic composites; with

  • at least equivalent mechanical properties compared to oil-based alternatives
  • proven mechanical durability for the marine environment
  • reduced impact on the environment - with reduced CO2 emission, the possibility of recycling and reduced ecotoxic impact (due to microplastics and leachates)

It is hoped that the results of this project will lead to a shift in mindset along the value chain, that biobased composites offer a realistic alternative for oil based counterparts.

The core outputs of SeaBioComp are:

  • a set of min. 4 semi-industrial pilots of thermoplastic biocomposites, representing the different composite production techniques and with tailored durability
  • realisation of a pilot production machine for additive manufacturing of fibre-reinforced thermoplastic biocomposites at a large scale (1 by 1.5 by 2 meter)
  • optimised analytical protocols to characterise and prove the tailored durability and measure the ecotoxicity effects of the biocomposites in a marine environment
  • proven reduction of ecological impact by at least 50%
  • the formation of a collaborative transregional cluster that will promote a closer, more effective and operational cooperation among the key stakeholders within the bioecononomy (Key Enabling Technology) and more specific the biocomposites for marine environment

 

The project partners include research institutions, university research groups, SME’s and specialist cluster organisations.

SeaBioComp is co-funded under the EU Interreg 2 seas programme, within the Technical Innovation theme.

SeaBioComp runs from March 2019 to February 2023 with an overall budget of €4.1M, €2.5M of which (60%) is funded from the European Regional Development Fund.

The story behind the design of the SeaBioComp logo is:

'The drop makes the stream and "little streams make great rivers". A set of small accumulated efforts eventually leads to something important. The circles in the design represent both small and large initiatives; between them they will form the big river of the final project. The set of circles create a shape to represent the drop of water. Composites are made of two or more different materials that remain separate and distinct in the material but interact to push the material properties beyond the sum of its parts. SeaBioComp brings together multiple important aspects of the research including bio-based resources, textile and composite formations, end-applications, durability testing in simulated and real-life environments. The colour scheme of the logo represents the connection between the green economy and the blue of marine life, as well as the blue and green of water, air and sky'.