Investigation of the scale-up of the production and processing of natural fiber-reinforced bio-polyamides for automotive interior applications

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Hans-Peter Heim
• Subject Area: Polymeric and Biogenic Materials and Derived Composites
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 558761098

Based on the findings of the completed DFG research project “Analysis of the emission and odor behavior of natural fiber-reinforced polyamides in correlation with the process conditions during processing” (project no. 388597378), the trilateral transfer project “Investigation of the scaling of the production and processing of natural fiber-reinforced bio-polyamides for automotive interior applications” (SkaNaPA) is investigating the emission and odor behavior of composites consisting of bio-PA and regenerated cellulose fibers on a scale-up from laboratory scale to industrial production. Taking into account the influencing factors identified in the previous project, such as screw speed and temperature during compounding in the twin-screw extruder and the moisture and fiber content of the material, the Institute of Materials Technology - Department of Polymer Engineering at the University of Kassel, the Fraunhofer IMWS and the application partner Exipnos are carrying out investigations into the processability, mechanical properties and the emission and odor behavior of the composites. For this purpose, material properties relevant for use in automotive interiors are identified and optimized by means of additives and adaptation of process parameters during compounding, taking into account the processing properties. In addition, measurements of the processing-related emission load during compounding are carried out. This is followed by the production of an exemplary seat shell using the injection molding process, including subsequent recording and assessment of the product properties. At the same time, Exipnos will carry out investigations into direct processing in order to gain insights into more gentle processing.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants (Transfer Project)
• Application Partner: Exipnos GmbH
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr.-Ing. Maik Feldmann