The R&D project “RUPTHERMATS” – Research and development of ultralight structural thermoplastic materials for application in semi-structural automotive components -, which began in July 2019 and ended in August 2021, had as its main objective to develop new structural thermoplastic materials and implement their use in Product/Process development by resolving the technological barriers that currently hinder/prevent their use in the manufacture of ultralight semi-structural components (closures) in the automotive sector. The new structural materials that were developed in the project are made up of a thermoplastic matrix (Polyolefins) and fiberglass reinforcement, both continuous and forming technical fabrics. Additionally, to further lighten this type of component (closures), the complete integration of the new structure made of structural thermoplastic material will be carried out with a thermoformed Polycarbonate laminate that could replace the glass pane traditionally used in the liftgate.
R&D Project “RUPTHERMATS”
Research and development of ultralight structural thermoplastic materials for application in semi-structural automotive components
The project was being carried out at the INERTIM RESEARCH S.L. facilities in Burgos (Spain) and had a total budget of €1,000,065. The R&D project was subsidized by the Center for Industrial Technological Development (CDTI) and was co-financed with European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) of the European Union through the multi-regional operational program of Spain 2014-2020.
File identification number: IDI-20191179.
