Green chemistry synthesis
MICA’s scope of intervention covers the entire lifecycle of materials:
- Agri-sourced (natural fibres), recyclable or recycled raw materials
- A highly efficient process with low energy consumption (LED photopolymerisation, solvent-free chemical synthesis, etc.)
- Increased product durability due to surface functionalisation (anti-corrosion, anti-tag, etc.)
- Upcycling of products, co-products, waste (material recycling, composting, back to soil, methanisation, etc.),
Carnot MICA develops and offers new eco-friendly synthesis routes on an industrial scale.
Agri-sourced materials
Carnot MICA is an expert in plant-based materials, whether fibrous and used as reinforcements for composites, or whether chemically modified to produce biosourced polymers.
MICA is committed to a policy of upcycling different biomass sources not used in foodstuffs (human, animal), namely:
- Polysaccharides or derivatives
- Derivatives of plant triglycerides and micro-algae
- Natural aromatic compounds (lignin, tannin, etc.)
- Bacterial polymers
Carnot MICA develops processes to make naturally-reinforced composites. Sport, transport, environment, fashion and construction are the most relevant business sectors here.
Active materials for depollution
Carnot MICA produces mineral, hybrid and biosourced materials mainly from agricultural co-products, for use in the treatment of liquid and gas effluents. These materials can be:
- Zeolite or related materials (mesoporous silica, natural clays or synthesis materials)
- Organic/inorganic lamellar hybrids obtained through grafting or cation exchange, or via soft synthesis (low temperature and non-aggressive environments)
- Lignocellulosic biosourced materials (different kinds of biomass from various sources) modified by different types of processes (thermal, chemical, etc.)
MICA is also developing multifunctional composite materials. The regenerability or upcyclability of these materials is frequently incorporated into their design.
Material upcycling/recycling
Carnot MICA is developing new technologies for recycling thermoplastic materials and composites to make products with a reduced environmental footprint. Two processes have been developed.
Thermosaïc® technology:
- A circular economy principle
- A patented thermomechanical process
- For upcycling thermoplastic composite materials
- No separation between the matrix and fibre
- Mechanical resistance is similar to the original material
ThermoPRIME® technology
- Recycling materials with high added value
- Innovative upcycling of thermoplastic waste
- Mechanical characteristics are greatly superior to the original material with the addition of long or continuous fibrous reinforcements
- End-of-life production of durable and recyclable composites
MICA provides businesses with a 3-in-1 pilot production line for recycling thermoplastic composite materials. This modular production line, based on Thermosaïc® and ThermoPRIME® technologies, upcycles end-of-life materials in two ways:
- By manufacturing recycled panels from thermoplastic composites
- Upcycling (using recycled products to produce superior quality materials) unfilled thermoplastics into panels with fibres
This equipment can also be used to shape parts by stamping.
Biomasse upcycling, bioprocesses, pyrolysis, methanisation, composting
Carnot MICA is developing its expertise in upcycling of all types of biomass using various techniques:
- Composting, methanisation, combustion, pyrolysis, torrefaction, gasification
In this field of research, Carnot MICA:
- Conducts pilot tests on different scales on the composting, methanisation and torrefaction/pyrolysis of biomass
- Assesses the agronomic efficacy and environmental impact of by-products generated during these processes
- Studies the composting of biosourced plastics and the degradation and quality of the compost end product
- Develops a circular economy approach to land
Agricultural upcycling/fertilisation
MICA assists manufacturers in the development, characterisation and formulation of fertilisers, biostimulants and microbial biocontrol agents. It has developed specific skills in micro-organism encapsulation to optimise their efficacy once in the soil.
The use and fertilising potential of formulated biochars and activated carbons is an area of expertise in which MICA is particularly focused:
- Plant nutrition (nitrogen, phosphorous, etc.)
- Soil acidity correction
- Growth stimulation and aerial and root development of plants
- Abiotic stimulation to increase resistance to stress (drought, cold, early frost)
- Impact of soil resistance to erosion
- L’impact sur la résistance des sols à l’érosion
- Soil enrichment using organic matter
Eco-innovation/Ecodesign
Carnot MICA is developing and offering eco-innovation tools that set manufacturers apart from their competitors, increase their market share, help them anticipate unavoidable challenges and incorporate the societal dimension in the products and services they offer.
Carnot MICA has a combination of tools for measuring environmental impact (lifecycle analysis in particular), support methods (training, creativity sessions) and materials knowledge to provide ecodesign assistance across different business sectors.
This innovative approach also promotes meaningful values that help to unite teams.
