Industrial Area
Plastic Materials & Composites
At Eurecat, we combine our expertise in thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers to develop advanced solutions in injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming, and compounding.
At the Plastic and Composites Processes Unit, we specialize in the manufacturing of lightweight plastic and composite components with high mechanical performance, applying advanced manufacturing technologies to optimize the performance and added value of parts across a wide range of industries.
We provide comprehensive support throughout the entire process, from conceptualization to the production of pre-series. Additionally, we master the design of tooling for each stage, allowing us to offer complete and customized solutions tailored to the specific needs of each client.
Research Areas
Thermoplastics
Biocomposites
Development of composites with bio-based resins and reinforcements that have a lower environmental impact than conventional materials.
Compounding
Addition and compatibility of mixtures and composites using advanced techniques. Formulation of mixtures and dispersion method in the fuset.
Recycling
Development of recycling methods with the aim of revaluing and reintroducing waste into the value chain.
Plastronics
Functionalisation of plastic pieces through the integration of electronic elements with reduced weight and dimensions.
Microinjection
Injection of pieces weighing less than 1 gram using conventional injection or ultrasound. Includes proprietary micromould technology.
Nanotexturisation
Surface functionalisation of plastic pieces to give them advanced properties such as hydrophobicity or improved wear resistance.
Thermosetting
Biocomposites
Development of natural materials with vitreous matrix, which improve the recyclability and reparability of composites.
Advanced manufacturing
Development of technologies for the manufacture of structural composite materials with high production rates and lower energy consumption. We use advanced sensors and algorithms to control and automate plastic transformation processes.
Recovery / repairability
Development of composite materials with thermoplastic matrices or glass matrices with repair, adhesion, reprocessability and recyclability capabilities.
Compositronics
Innovative technology that combines composite materials with printed electronics to create functional and lightweight structural components. This technology allows the integration of flexible electronic elements, such as preventive maintenance sensors and real-time monitoring, directly into the matrix of composite parts during the manufacturing process.
LSR
Liquid silicone moulding for the manufacture of high-quality, high-volume parts. Research projects on nanotexturisation and the integration of electronics into silicone parts.
Structural elements
Manufacture of structural parts using lightweight composite materials reinforced with continuous fibres, designed to withstand mechanical loads and offering a high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, using RTM, thermocompression, overmoulding, vacuum-assisted infusion and pultrusion manufacturing methods.
Facilities
Representative Sectors
Contact
Enric Fontcaba
Director of the Plastics and Composites Unit
Telecommunications Engineer from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia and Diploma in Business Sciences from the Open University of Catalonia. His education was completed with a PhD in Computer Architecture from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, with a thesis on numerical optimisation methods in massively parallel platforms for the design of complex optical surfaces.
Since 2016, he has headed the Polymer & Composite Processes (PCP) technology unit at Eurecat, where he establishes the lines of research in sustainable materials, recycling and advanced transformation processes. In addition, he has been involved in the development of Plastrònica technology since 2017, participating in design, industrialisation and prototyping projects.
- Tel. +34 619 11 21 89
- enric.fontdecaba@eurecat.org
Highlighted projects
PIDaaS
Innovative service for identity management based on biometric recognition technologies (digital fingerprint scanner, voice recognition and facial recognition) via mobile devices.
Optinanopro project develops a new technology, based on nanotechnology, with the aim to create self-cleaning solar panels which will lead to increase their effectiveness and lifespan and to reduce the need for inspections.
Development of a product for the construction of light architectural structures that need to reproduce complex geometries modifiable according to different needs.
Multimedia
Thermoforming process for composite materials using vitrimer moulds
Vitrimer materials are a type of polymer with the mechanical behaviour of a thermoset and a processability similar to that of a high-temperature thermoplastic. Thanks to their viscoelastic characteristics at high temperatures, vitrimer materials can undergo a thermoforming process.
Clients
News
Eurecat unveils new patented technologies for healthy nutrition, industrial sustainability and new materials at the Transfiere Forum
The Eurecat technology centre has unveiled patented solutions and technologies at the Transfiere Forum that meet challenges in healthy [...]
Eurecat patents new 100% natural origin vitreous materials for the automotive, construction and capital goods industries
The Eurecat technology centre has patented new one hundred percent natural origin vitrimeric matrices for composite materials which can [...]
Eurecat creates biodegradable plastic derived from natural sources for textile manufacturing
The Eurecat technology centre has created an innovative formulation of polylactic acid, a biodegradable plastic derived from natural sources [...]
Innovations featuring composite materials for the automotive and aeronautical energy transition presented
At the JEC World trade fair in Paris, the Eurecat technology centre has showcased innovations for sustainable manufacture of [...]
Eurecat develops compositronics’ potential for large, functional lightweight structures
This week at JEC World, the preeminent composites event taking place in Paris, the Eurecat technology centre is showcasing an [...]
Eurecat tests manufacturing with Compositrònica, a cutting-edge technology that reduces the weight of electronic elements and makes industrial assembly cheaper
Starting today, the Eurecat technology centre is exhibiting at JEC World, the leading event in the composite field, held in Paris, [...]