Article in special issue of Polymers 2023

We are thrilled to share great news from our cluster project, r-LightBioCom. The esteemed members of r-LightBioCom, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) and Leibniz-Institut für Verbundwerkstoffe GmbH, have recently published a joint scientific study “Influence of Enzymatically Hydrophobized Hemp Protein on Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Bio-Based Polyurethane and Epoxy Foams”.

This study explores the use of biomass fillers to enhance the mechanical properties and reduce the carbon footprint of bio-based PU and epoxy composite foams. By adding hemp protein particles, researchers observed changes in density, mechanical properties, and foam structure. In PU foams, hemp protein filler increased density and strength but decreased with a different type of filler. In all cases, biomass fillers improved the stiffness of the foams. For EP foams, only one type of filler was compatible, but it reduced density and strength while changing cell size. Additionally, both foam types filled with the compatible filler showed reduced moisture absorption, indicating successful hydrophobization.

📚 Access the study on the r-LightBioCom website.

We extend our congratulations to the entire r-LightBioCom team for this achievement!