Program: Innovation and Digital Transition Program (COMPETE 2030)
Program Priority: 1A – Innovation and Competitiveness
Specific Objective: RSO1.1 Develop and strengthen research and innovation capabilities and the adoption of advanced technologies.
Type of action: RSO1.1-02 Business investment and economic valuation of knowledge
Type of Intervention: RSO1.1-02-01 Business I&D
Type of Operation: 1009 I&D Business – I&DT projects (SI)
Operation Code (Back Office): COMPETE2030-FEDER-02148800
Call for Applications: Notice MPr-2023-7 – SIID – Business I&D – Co-promotion Operations
Project Number: 20882
Project Designation: PLASBLOCK – Development of a Multi-Purpose Plastic Block Incorporating Industrial Waste for Application in the Construction Sector
Beneficiaries:
Strategic Partners: Not applicable
Managing Authority: PITD
Intermediate Organism: ANI
Project Location: NUTSII – Centro
Registration Date: 2024-12-23
Approval Date: 2025-03-31
Start Date: 2025-07-01
Completion Date: 2028-06-30
Total Investment: 1.615.729,92 Euros
Eligible Investment: 1.615.729,92 Euros
Financial Support (Non-Refundable Incentive): 1.019.299,81 Euros
Incentive Rate: 63,09 %
Description:
The construction sector has undergone significant technological advancements in various areas over the last few decades, particularly in the integration of information technologies and the digitalization of processes, as well as the adoption of new materials, products, and construction systems, among others. It is precisely at the level of construction materials, products, and systems that there is a growing concern for the environment and its eco-efficiency through the reduction of the carbon footprint. This can be achieved, among other ways, by increasing their lifespan, reducing the type and volume of waste generated in their production, or by valorizing and reintegrating existing waste into their manufacturing process.
PLASBLOCK is an I&D project that aims to create an innovative product/system for the construction sector, namely a plastic block obtained from polymeric materials incorporating waste from the mold, plastics, stone, glass and/or ceramic industries. It is therefore an eco-efficient and eco-friendly product as it allows for the valorization of waste from different industries and its reintegration into the production chain, thus contributing to the reduction of the carbon footprint of various industries.
This new modular plastic block is intended for use in the construction sector as an alternative to traditional perforated ceramic bricks or lightweight concrete blocks for the construction of partition walls (interior and exterior). The plastic blocks will be interconnected by means of "clip" type connections, allowing the creation of structures of different geometries and dimensions, aesthetically pleasing and exhibiting stability, resistance, thermal and acoustic performance characteristics similar to traditional solutions. By analogy, the plastic block concept proposed by the Consortium resembles a large "LEGO" piece, with universal and versatile interlocking, offering a multitude of uses and capable of being integrated into construction for residential housing, industrial units, commercial and service buildings.
This new product/system overcomes obvious disadvantages of traditional partition walls, such as cracking, water absorption, partial demolition for the passage of technical installations, the need for mortar joints, etc. Being a thin-walled plastic block, it can also be filled internally with other materials to give it additional characteristics such as increased mass, thermal or acoustic insulation.
The plastic block will also have a set of pre-existing, but hidden, protrusions that allow the passage of pipes (water, gas, etc.) and wiring (electrical, computer, etc.) in the plane of the wall and in the transverse direction, completely eliminating the need for trenching. There will also be a set of "add-ons" that allow the addition of ambient lighting solutions, ambient sound systems, video surveillance, home automation, aromatherapy solutions, and even natural or artificial vegetation for decorative purposes to the selected blocks. The cladding of walls made with this plastic block can be done in different ways, such as with traditional partition walls using an adherent plaster or through the application of thin plasterboard solutions. One of the solutions that the Consortium intends to study is the development of a smooth or textured, thin, interchangeable panel that can be added to the surface of the block to create personalized and unique decorative solutions. The fact that it is a product developed based on a DIY (“Do It Yourself”) philosophy will allow anyone without specific knowledge to build partition walls quickly and safely, simply by following the product's safety and installation instructions.
The project comprises a set of industrial research and experimental development activities aimed at defining the product's technical requirements and specifications, developing studies for the design and development of the product project, building functional prototypes, conducting tests and validations, and also promoting, publicizing and disseminating the results of the I&D activities.
The project consortium is composed of three companies (MOLDOESTE, MOLDOESTE II and POPDIGIT) and one ENESII (IPLeiria), forming a "complete" consortium led by MOLDOESTE, which complement each other, meeting all the project's needs and ensuring the success of the research, particularly in terms of industrial and product design, mold technology, plastics technology and construction materials technology.
Performance and outcome indicators to be achieved within the scope of the operation:
