INEGI’s Eco-Compass Project highlighted at Euronews

The Eco-Compass Project has caught the attention of Euronews which has resulted in an article (text and video) explaining what is being done. The main objective of the cooperation of the Chinese and European partners, including INEGI, in Eco-Compass is to develop and assess multifunctional and ecologically improved composites from bio-sourced and recycled materials for application in aircraft secondary structures and interior.

In the Euronews article (available here) Jens Bachmann, one of the project co-coordinators, explained that they are trying to find bio-sourced alternatives for the aircraft structures such as ceiling panels, the side panels and the overhead bins. He also said that today these materials are made of very lightweight "sandwiched" material with fibreglass surface which they are hoping to replace with natural fibres from flax plants.

Carmen Sguazzo, a researcher from INEGI, highlighted that natural fibres are lightweight and can have a low cost. “Within the automotive sector, for example, they are currently and quite widely used. In this case, before being implemented, bio-based materials will be thoroughly tested according to Aviation Standards in order to guarantee durability and safety conditions. This fundamental part of the work is being performed within the Eco-Compass consortium”.

At INEGI, tests are being carried out to evaluate fire resistance, since natural fibres are highly flammable and solutions must be found. “The role of INEGI, as the Portuguese scientific partner of the project, is to contribute together with European and Chinese partners, in enhancing the flammability properties of the investigated materials”, said the researcher from INEGI.

Xiaosu Yi, Eco-Compass project co-coordinator, said that they have been already working with Airbus and also with the Chinese aviation industry to demonstrate the new bio-sourced materials.