Barbara Project

BARBARA (Biopolymers with Advanced functionalities foR Building and Automotive paRts processed through Additive manufacturing) is a project that strives to develop new bio-based materials with innovative functionalities through the integration of additives coming from bio-mass.

The project addresses the huge amounts of food produced that are thrown away as waste. Therefore, it focuses on reusing bio-waste to develop new bio-based materials with innovative functionalities through fused filament fabrication (3D-printing). The new materials are based on food waste (from vegetables, fruits, nuts like carrots, almonds, or pomegranates) or agricultural byproducts (from corn) with unique mechanical, thermal, aesthetic, optical, and antimicrobial properties. 

Some of their work includes:

• The project validated a new microwave-assisted extraction method for extracting and functionalizing high added value compounds such as natural dyes, bio-mordants, antimicrobials, and natural oils from pomegranate, lemon, and almond shells.
• Corn byproducts are used to extract polysaccharides using subcritical water extraction, which is then further compatibilized using green functionalization techniques and integrated into bioplastic matrices with improved thermomechanical properties and moisture resistance.
• The compounds are used as main matrices or additives to provide the properties needed for each application to the polymeric filaments used in advanced manufacturing processes. After all organic-based compounds have been extracted, filament spools are prepared for 3D printing prototypes using additive manufacturing.
• The 3D printing is optimized for the project materials by developing a heading device that improves the layer adhesion during the printing process and improves the mechanical properties of the final prototypes. 

The project has successfully processed eight successful formulations by this stage. The bio-based product has potential applications in the automotive and building industries. The project plans to create demonstrator prototypes such as car door handles, dashboard fascia for the automotive industry, or molds for Resin Transfer Moulding truss joints and structures for the construction industry.

BARBARA  is coordinated by AITIIP and is in charge of assisting other partners in developing their activities. It is a 42-month research project funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 Framework Program for Research and Innovation. It brings together 10 partners from Spain, Italy, Germany, Sweden, and Belgium and has a 2.7 million euro budget that the EU almost entirely funds.

The solution can provide an alternative for plastics derived from fossil fuels such as petroleum and benefit many industries.