A brake pedal able to detect the pressure of the driver’s foot, a paint for vehicles resistant to scratching and with self-repairing capacity, self-lubricating engine components, a low-cost and fire-resistant construction panel or a thermal insulating foam with enhanced efficiency.

These are just some of the applications that can be generated by using new, value-added materials based on carbonaceous nanoparticles, and on the research of which Tekniker-IK4 technological centre is working within the remit of the European CarbonInspired Project.

The development of new materials with enhanced properties is a consequence of the fact that nanometric-sized materials present excellent and unique properties (mechanical, electrical, magnetic, optical, etc.), which enable their application to multiple sectors.

The project initiated its work this year by bringing together the skills of different bodies grouped into a consortium, and amongst which are, apart from the Basque centre, the Centre for Automotive Technology of Galicia (CTAG), the Association for Research into Plastics Materials (AIMPLAS), the Universidade de Aveiro (Portugal) and the Institut Polytechnique de Bordeaux (France).

One of the goals of the project, besides boosting research in a field that has multiple applications, is the creation of a network of transference between Spain, Portugal and the south of France for the application of these materials based on carbonaceous nanoparticles within the automotive and construction sectors.

The network of collaboration between public and private R+D+i centres created by CarbonInspired will act to transfer knowledge to the companies and will provide advice to companies in the southwest of Europe, especially to small and medium-sized companies, regarding the development of new carbonaceous nanoparticle-based products and processes.