Kick off meeting of ENVALGRA PROJECT
Starting of the ENVALGRA project, which main objetive is the development of a new generation of environmentally friendly, microalgae oil-based functional fluids modified with graphene family nanomaterials (GFNs)
ENVALGRA project kick off meeting has been held on Asturias last 4 of May. The project partners and the Technological Centre PRODINTEC have meet in order to discuss, planning and manage the launching of the project and the first steps to address the project main objectives: the development of a new generation of environmentally friendly, microalgae oil-based functional fluids modified with graphene family nanomaterials (GFNs)
The ENVALGRA project, framed within the international M -ERA.NET network call, is co-financed by the European Union through the FEDER and regional funds of each participant country (in Spain by the Government of the Principality of Asturias through the IDEPA).
ENVALGRA is formed by a consortium of 4 companies, coordinated by NEOALGAE and in which 3 countries are represented. In Spain are participating NEOALGAE (biotechnological SME focused on microalgal development) and the engineering SVMAC. In Turkey is participating NANOGRAFEN (a Nano Technological Products Chemistry, R&D, Consulting, Industry and Trade Limited Company) and on the part of Luxembourg, LIST (the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology).
Extracted oil from microalgae has taken great attention for industrial-scale production of carbon-neutral biodiesel and brought new insight in renewable energy and sustainability. ENVALGRA aims at the developing of innovative, environmentally friendly microalgae oil-based functional fluids modified with graphene nanosheets (GNS). Different research studies have proven that critical tribological performance influencing properties are higher in chemically modified microalgae oil as compared to vegetable oil. The addition of graphene as an additive in oil formulation will provide impressive lubrication and mechanical properties resulting in excellent wear resistance under a wide range of test conditions. Furthermore, in order to reduce environmental risks and accelerate its future commercialization, graphene will be synthesized from alternative sources such as pyrolyzed waste tire.
The main innovation of ENVALGRA project is that it will entail developing functional fluids with enhanced tribological properties compared to existing ones based on water or vegetable or mineral oil, more sustainable and environmentally friendly and with lower risk of occupational exposure.
