Within the scope of SMARTFAN, CANOE is actively developing formulations and processes for nano-enabled sizing systems for carbon fibres. Main objectives are the improvement of both mechanical properties (Inter Laminar shear strength) but also but electrical conductivity of carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP).

Using different kinds of nano-fillers commercially available or synthetized by NTUA, fibres are sized by CANOE and processed into CFRPs by infusion (CANOE) or pre-preg manufacturing and lay-up (INEGI). These developments have led to promising results for applications in high-end structural applications for instance.

On the other hand, CANOE is particularly involved in the manufacturing of fibres, especially from bio-based materials such as cellulose or lignin as well as carbon fibres therefrom. To complete the existing carbonization line in CANOE – on which SMARTFAN sizing developments at larger scale will be performed – a wet-spinning pilot line will be installed during summer 2020 in CANOE facilities in Lacq. This solvent spinning line will be able to produce around 3 tons of fibers per year, and will allow the spinning of various types of polymers, such as cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, lignin, polyacrylonitrile, alginate, after dissolution in a solvent like phosphoric acid, water, DMSO, ionic liquids, among others.