Lactide in in situ polymerisation (ISP) during monomer infusion under flexible tooling (MIFT)

Abstract

The ERDF/InterReg 2 Seas Mers Zeeën SeaBioComp project sought to develop durable bio-based composites for use in the marine environment. The long-term ecological impact of plastic litter and microplastics in the marine environment is a growing issue that has gained considerable momentum in public perception and global media. Bio-based polymers, or polymers from renewable resources, could be a viable substitute to conventional oil-based polymers for many applications. The change might significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and has potential to ease end-of-life issues if the materials are biodegradable. One of the polymers of interest is poly(lactic acid), or poly(lactide) produced from the dimer. The SeaBio- Comp project primarily used compression moulding or fused filament additive manufacture of the polymer to produce demonstrator components.