- Physical Sciences
This terahertz (THz) spectroscopy platform is designed for intelligent identification and advanced characterization of plastic materials and composites.
It enables real-time differentiation of plastic waste based on composition and degree of degradation, as well as inspection of new plastic products to monitor additive dispersion, degree of curing, and interlayer adhesion.
The system aligns with the objectives of the European Plastics Pact and is intended to play a key role in improving the circularity of plastic materials and optimizing manufacturing processes and the formulation of new polymers and composites.
THz spectroscopy enables non-destructive, real-time analysis and high-resolution imaging of internal structures, providing detailed information about material composition, thickness, defects, and properties.
Equipment
Terahertz (THz) Spectroscopy and Imaging Analyzer
- THz source and detector for spectroscopic and tomographic measurements of plastics and composites.
- High-resolution imaging capabilities for examining internal structures, including thicknesses, interfaces, and defects.
Robotic Inspection Module
- Robotic system for positioning and scanning parts and samples with complex geometries.
- Ability to define inspection paths and routines tailored to different product formats and waste streams.
Application Software Interface
- Software for THz data acquisition, processing, and analysis.
- Tools for developing and implementing customized solutions, including waste classification, curing maps, and additive dispersion monitoring.
- Designed for integration with decision-making models and on-site sorting systems.
- Intelligent, real-time identification of complex plastic waste, including black, painted, filled, additive-containing, and multilayer plastics, for recycling and recovery processes.
- Non-destructive characterization of plastic products and composites to assess thickness, internal defects, fiber orientation, degree of curing, moisture content, and interlayer adhesion.
- Development of customized THz inspection solutions for manufacturing lines and recycling plants, including the definition of measurement parameters and classification criteria.
- Support for the formulation and optimization of new polymers and composites by correlating THz signals with composition, microstructure, and functional properties.
- Support for R&D projects in the circular economy of plastics, advanced manufacturing, and process digitalization, integrating THz data into predictive models and quality control systems.
GAIKER
Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, Building 202, 48170, Zamudio, Biscay
Polymers and Composites:
- Hybrid Materials / Composites
- Advanced Materials
Application sectors
- Capital goods and industrial equipment
- Chemicals and materials
- Plastic waste recycling and recovery, including intelligent classification and separation of complex material fractions
- Plastic and composite manufacturing, including production-line quality control, curing monitoring, and interlayer adhesion assessment
- Automotive, packaging, construction, and consumer goods industries using multilayer, filled, pigmented, or coated plastics
- Suppliers of compounds, additives, and advanced polymer and composite formulations
- Circular economy stakeholders interested in traceability and quality control of complex plastic waste streams
Industrial plan
- IRABAZI · Advanced Manufacturing
