Research database

Polymers, including coatings, are key in modern societies. However, they represent a major health and environmental threat, since they are typically not biodegradable or recyclable, particularly in the case of thermoset coatings. A new generation of biodegradable and recyclable polymeric coatings is, thus, a major priority for researchers, industry, and governments. Thus, fully aligned with the EU Green Deal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, experienced and early-stage researchers from different fields and sectors were gathered around SAFERCOAT to collaboratively contribute to mitigate this problem. Based on a well-balanced training and mobility scheme, the major goal of SAFERCOAT is to share knowledge and to enhance the skills required for the development of a new generation of multifunctional, bio-sourced, and eco-friendly polymeric coatings with high (bio)degradation rate at their end-oflife, to protect cultural heritage objects (e.g., paintings) from weathering or metallic structures from corrosion or biofouling (e.g., aeronautical, maritime/offshore), under a sustainable and circular approach. The project will consider the (i) synthesis and modification of thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers to accelerate their degradation rate at the end-of-life; (ii) optimization, testing and validation by end-users of coating formulations for targeted applications; (iii) assessment of the environmental behavior and (eco)toxicological effects; (iv) revalorization of end-of-life coatings to produce add-value products (e.g., coatings, foams, insects feed). The ultimate goal of this project is the training and sharing of knowledge to sensibilize and to educate a new generation of researchers on coatings degradation and revalorization in the context of sustainability and circularity of polymeric materials, while strengthening the capabilities of academic and business institutions to create innovative solutions for a more sustainable lifestyle of modern societies.