Sustainable composites: the project ECOGEL CRONOS gets its patent

Last 14 June, the project ECOGEL CRONOS, coordinated by AIMPLAS, got the patent to protect its results.

Thanks to this research, a new formulation has been obtained. It consists of a powder gelcoat for composites with electrical conductivity properties that solves problems related to the conventional use of this type of coatings.

The volatile organic compound emissions (VOC emissions) and the long curing times it requires are the main drawbacks of conventional coatings. Through the application of this in-mould powder coating, it has been possible to achieve the reduction of polymerization time and VOC emissions (completely removing styrene emissions) during the polymerization of the coating.

This powder in-mould coating also allows removing secondary painting stages for the final finish with electrostatic paint. All this reduces considerably the manufacturing costs and increases the production ratio.

The patent was applied on March 2016 and it will be in force until 7 March 2036.