TNO Activities in the BIOntier Project
The BIOntier project benefits from the combined expertise of two TNO teams: Brightlands Materials Center (BMC) and Biobased and Circular Technologies (BCT). Their collaboration enables effective contributions to various activities within the project.
Current and Future Activities of BCT
Current Activities: The BCT team is currently focused on the lab-scale production of lignin, exploring different production methods and details. Tests are being prepared to evaluate the performance of various lignin types, particularly for biocomposite production. Techniques such as phosphorylation for flame retardants and methylation for low-cost carbon fibers are under study. The produced lignin is shared with project partners for mechanical testing.
Future Activities: BCT plans to coordinate large-scale lignin production campaigns with Fraunhofer. This lignin will be converted into two main products by BIOntier partners:
Lignin-based flame retardants for use case 3 (battery pack housing).
Lignin-based carbon fibers for use case 5 (hydrogen storage vessel).
These campaigns will be conducted twice to allow for adjustments and improve lignin quality.
Current and Future Activities of BMC
Current Activities: The BMC team focuses on conceptual analysis and desk research regarding the end-of-life methodology for various components studied in the project. As subject matter experts, BMC is involved in all use cases to identify the most suitable EoL scenarios. The project covers six use cases across diverse applications, ranging from aerospace to water treatment, requiring a multifaceted approach. BMC ensures material compatibility is respected and that no component compromises further recycling or reuse. Additionally, BMC raises awareness among partners regarding the valorization of post-industrial waste.
Future Activities: BMC plans to focus on recycling and repairing selected use cases. The team will lead two main recycling tasks: WP4, focused on process scalability, and WP7, dedicated to the EoL of parts. BMC will utilize its facilities and expertise to reprocess TPC waste, aiming to retain mechanical properties as much as possible.
Conclusion
The contributions of BCT and BMC to the BIOntier project highlight TNO's commitment to sustainable innovation and effective resource management. Their complementary expertise plays a crucial role in developing advanced, environmentally friendly solutions for various industrial sectors.