Development and improvement of HYCO'S composites technology applied to aeronautical parts.

• Grant number: 24/00762-2
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Aerospace Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Sergio Luiz Dulcini
• Grantee: Sergio Luiz Dulcini
• Pesquisadores principais: Ivan Luiz de Oliveira Perazzoli
• Associated researchers: Fernando Madureira

Abstract

This research project aims to find significant correlations between the equipment developed by HYCO, processing, and the properties obtained in test specimens in order to enhance the quality, efficiency, and control of processes associated with the production of tapes and thermoplastic composite structures through additive manufacturing. The research will use polymers similar to those used in the Finep project, in order to create continuity in the development process, and also because HYCO's current extruder can process polymers at temperatures below 350ÚC. The growing demand from the Aeronautics industry for lightweight, high rigidity, and mechanical strength materials has driven the development of additive manufacturing technologies and the use of thermoplastic composites. The combination of thermoplastic composites with additive manufacturing provides significant advantages over thermoset composites, such as the ability to manufacture highly integrated structures, the possibility of recycling, and the creation of a circular economy.HYCO has been a pioneer in the domestic market, developing tools and equipment for the production of thermoplastic composite tapes and for the manufacture of parts through Laser-assisted Automated Tape Placement (LATP) process. Scheduled to begin in 2024, the project will have three research fronts to be developed over two years, namely: Development of a thermoplastic composite tape production process; Optimization of the LATP process for the production of thermoplastic composite test specimens; Characterization of the mechanical properties of tapes and test specimens produced by the LATP process.In this way, it is expected that with the end of the project, HYCO will be able to produce thermoplastic composite test specimens with mechanical properties suitable for aeronautical applications, and consequently for other markets as well. The project will have the support of companies interested in the application of this technology, assisting the national industry in adopting emerging technologies, which are essential for Industry 4.0. Thus, the project aims at a commercial opportunity with significant growth potential in various market sectors such as lightweight and heavy automotive industry, agribusiness sector, and especially in the aeronautical industry, through cost reduction in the process and increase in production efficiency of parts. (AU)