AIMPLAS opens a new research centre for new materials and plastic nanotechnology

AIMPLAS opened its new installations in the Technology Park Paterna (Valencia – Spain). The centre is destined for the research of nanomaterials, materials from renewable sources, composites and intelligent materials which contribute to the enlargement and completion of the technology centre´s capacity in relation with R&D.

The new building has a total surface of 4,500 m2 and is divided into three floors. Thus, AIMPLAS will be able to increase the number of research projects that are implemented every year, not least because of its new equipment. Another objective will be an easier transfer of the obtained know-how to the enterprises of the plastics industry in Valencia but also throughout Spain.

At the moment, AIMPLAS is the only technology centre in Spain whose R&D activities are exclusively destined to plastic materials and their transformation processes. Compared with other entities of the material research sector, we provide a high level specialised research team, the best functional equipment for the transformation of polymers and composites as well as a strong mission to transfer the generated R&D know-how for the improvement of the competitiveness in the plastics industry.

Starting our work in these new installations, the research staff of AIMPLAS will be able to improve the capacity to launch new projects, which are related to high-value added plastic materials and innovative transformation processes as well as its use in new applications in knowledge-intensive sectors, for example, packaging, the aeronautics sector, the automotive industry, the construction sector and the medical field. More specifically, we implement projects in relation with the development and improvement of renewable polymeric materials, nanocomposites, flame retardants as well as the improvement of their properties and processes. Moreover, we plan to develop new products, for example, active and intelligent packaging but also products based on recycled materials.

A plastic cladded and sustainable building

The design of the new building follows the same criteria on sustainability which determines the working fields in AIMPLAS. Thus, special attention has been paid to minimise the building´s energy consumption by obtaining the B-energy-rating with an annual consumption of 49,000 kWh and annual CO2 emissions of 32,000 kg. Moreover, the use of the highest possible percentage of plastic materials has been considered in its construction, for example, EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) for a waterproof roof coating, a sustainable material that is easily recycled and that permits to reduce the energetic consumption, but also roof lights and false acrylic and PVC ceiling lights, expanded polystyrene and extruded polystyrene foam insulation or nylon carpets and PVC carpentry.
Without any doubt, one of the most singular elements of the building are the façades, designed with a series of exterior plastic cladding, which reflect an aesthetic, interesting and modern look on one hand, and provide a solar power monitoring system of the building to contribute to its energetic efficiency on the other hand.