During the session, IPN presented the work carried out within the Drivolution – Transition to the Factory of the Future and Sustainable Plastics – Mobilising Agenda for Sustainable Plastics projects, highlighting the main challenges addressed, the results achieved, and the IPN contribution to the objectives defined under each agenda.

Within the Drivolution Mobilising Agenda, João Paulo Dias, Deputy Director of IPN Testing, Wear and Materials Laboratory, presented an overview of the agenda, highlighting the objectives of the different Work Packages and the role played by Instituto Pedro Nunes in their implementation, in close collaboration with the other CEMMPRE partners, particularly the University of Coimbra.

Fábio Cerejo, Researcher at IPN, presented the results of the activities carried out under Work Packages 12 and 14, dedicated to the development of strategies for the reuse and valorisation of critical raw materials, particularly tungsten carbide (WC)-based feedstocks. The work included ultrasonic atomisation studies, the reincorporation of recovered powders used in Laser Cladding (LC) and High Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF) processes, as well as extensive physical, chemical, mechanical and tribological characterisation of the powders and coatings produced.

The results demonstrated the feasibility of reusing recovered powders without compromising the mechanical and tribological performance of the coatings. Against the backdrop of the challenges associated with the supply of tungsten carbide in Europe, these results represent a significant contribution to the development of more sustainable solutions, strengthening the competitiveness, resilience and autonomy of Portuguese industry.

Within the Sustainable Plastics Mobilising Agenda, João Duarte, Researcher at IPN, presented the results of the environmental performance assessment of the products developed under PPS4 – FrascosMG and PPS12 – BiFibRe. The presentation highlighted the environmental benefits of replacing virgin fossil-based raw materials with recycled and recyclable raw materials in PPS4, and with bio-based raw materials in PPS12.

Through the application of the Life Cycle Assessment methodology, it was possible to quantify the potential environmental impacts associated with the different solutions developed, demonstrating the potential of these approaches to reduce the environmental footprint of products and promote more sustainable production models aligned with the objectives of the green transition.

IPN participation in the CEMMPRE Annual Members Meeting reinforces its commitment to research, innovation and technology transfer, contributing to the development of sustainable solutions and to the competitiveness of industry.

Fotografias: CEMMPRE