Projects

FRD leads and participates in innovation and research projects on either innovative material design or the enhancement of plant fibres and reinforcements

Our research strategy

The purpose of FRD’s activities is to perfect and develop a range of fractions (fibres, meal, shives) and reinforcements (compounds, nonwovens, roving, unidirectionals, multiaxials) for the markets for first-, second- and third-generation materials.

The strategy to improve the range revolves around three priorities:

Identifying key fibre properties as a function of the intended manufacturing process and the target application
Establishing methods to characterize these key properties, at different material scales if necessary
Improving the production processes for the fibres and associated materials in relation to key properties, in terms of understanding and controlling the parameters that influence such properties.

Our projects

ENAFILIA: Lowering weight

Developing new lightweight polypropylene/hemp materials for the automotive injection market, by using treatments to improve the hemp fibre performance

4 partners
€8 M budget
Project period: 2015-2018

®NAFILean FAURECIA

SINFONI: Organizing a supply chain

Creating the scientific, technological and industrial conditions for setting up a supply chain for technical flax and hemp fibres and preforms for the building & construction and transportation markets

21 partners
€M 14.5 budget
Project period: 2012–2017

®FRD

FINATHER: Mechanical reinforcement

Developing thermoset composites made from oilseed-based resins and flax or hemp reinforcements, for the transportation (automotive, railway) and furnishing sectors

12 partners
€M 3.6 budget
Project period: 2011-2015

®PSA

RIGHTLAB: Quality control

Developing measuring methods for hemp retting rates that are adapted for hemp market applications

4 partners
€M 0.9 M€ budget
Project period: 2016-2019

ISOL: Heat insulation

Studying the feasibility of insulation materials based on hemp and natural oilseed-derived binders

3 partners
€M 0.4 budget
Project period: 2009–2012

MAPROFI: Organizing supply chains

Identifying the impact of cultivation practices in the field on fibre quality

5 partners
€M 1.1 budget
Project period: 2009-2014

CHAMAILLE: Creating sources of supply

Developing an environment-friendly hemp yarn to achieve a piqué knit product with a low environmental impact

4 partners
€M 0.8 budget
Project period : 2013-2017

MATAGRAF: Controlled biodegradability

Formulating an innovative, renewable and biodegradable material for a seasonal stapling system for the market-gardening, wine-growing and horticulture sector

5 partners
€M 1 budget
Project period: 2013-2016

APBTP: Acoustic insulation

Developing soundproof walls that contain plant shives

5 partners
€M 1.4 budget
Project period: 2011-2014

BIONICOMP: Functionalization

Improving the performance of composites made of thermoset elastomer matrices reinforced with natural fibres, using a radiation-induced grafting technique to ensure fibre/matrix adhesion