Project aims to convert waste into construction materials

These materials will be developed within the framework of INNOBITE (Innovative Biocomposites), a European Commission FP7 collaborative project co-participated by several research centres and European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including the UK’s Exergy.

According to a statement, the research, led by Spain’s Tecnalia, is based on two ideas: the revalorisation of the inorganic fraction of wheat straw and the production of cellulose nanofibres out of recycled paper.

Once isolated, these two compounds will become high-performance additives in new polymeric composites.

The two most abundant fractions of wheat straw — lignin and cellulose — will become, respectively, polymeric matrix and reinforcing material.

The new composite materials will be validated by designing and developing dividing panels for compartmentalisation and profiles for decking and fencing.

These new products will be evaluated against appropriate resistance and durability standard tests to guarantee compliance with minimum technical standards and endorsing its launch to market.

They will also be subjected to biodegradability trials, aiming to highlight the environmental benefits over current solutions.