Welcome to the PRIME Project website

The project has received EC funding under the FP7 framework to develop a process to engineer and manufacture medium to high value 3D Products from mixed recyclate.

Project Goals

The project proposes to develop a cost-effective, flexible moulding technology to manufacture high value, complex, recycled polymer products (80-98% mixed waste polymers) with similar or identical mechanical properties to virgin polymer, metal or timber alternatives. The process must be suitable for a wide range of complex products such as flood barriers, temporary walkways, emergency structures and buildings, and marine products.  To achieve this we have recruited ARMINES, MatRI, and Brunel University who have strong capabilities in mould design, process optimisation and material science. Further, we have recruited Acorn, who are a proven innovator in manufacturing using mixed polymers. Together the consortium has defined the following overall technical aims which will be achieved through several SMART scientific and technical objectives:

• Capability to manufacture complex three dimensional components from a combination of virgin polymer, mixed recycled polymer and reinforcing materials.
• To achieve mechanical strength/stiffness adequate to replace aluminium alloys for some applications without excessive increases in cross section (strength to weigh ratio etc).
• The option of being able to incorporate either discrete reinforcing materials or composite skins without compromising recyclability.
• Capability to produce components that are resistant to UV, Ozone, water, fire and other  environmental degradation mechanisms.