Key Contributions to Future Standards

The FLAMINGo project produced the following contributions to standards which provide several key recommendations to ensure the market acceptance and utilisation of developed materials and processes. The main recommendations are:

1. Pre-heating Reinforcement Powder:

1. 1. Pre-heat reinforcement powder to at least 200°C before adding it to the melt to eliminate moisture and prevent the melt from solidifying.

2. Avoiding Degassing After Particle Addition:

2. 1. Avoid degassing after adding reinforcement particles to prevent bubbles from attaching to the particles and removing them from the melt.

3. Hardness Testing:

3. 1. Use greater test forces in hardness testing to obtain representative values that reflect both the matrix and reinforcement phases.

4. Detection of Residual Nanoparticles:

4. 1. Use hardness tests as an indirect method to detect residual nanoparticles after recycling, as an increase in hardness can indicate their presence.

5. Ventilation Systems:

5. 1. Enclose furnaces with ventilation systems using HEPA H14 filters to capture incidental nanomaterials released during processes like aluminium melting.

6. Maintenance Programs:

6. 1. Develop maintenance programs for filtration systems to ensure their efficiency and prevent nanoparticle buildup.

7. Handling Nanoparticles:

7. 1. Implement engineering controls such as local ventilation systems, gloveboxes, and fume cupboards to minimise worker exposure to nanoparticles.

8. Lifecycle Precautions:

8. 1. Ensure comprehensive lifecycle coverage in standards, addressing all stages from production to disposal or recycling of nano-composite materials.

FLAMINGo is continuously engaging with standardisation bodies to integrate its findings into future standards revisions. These recommendations aim to enhance the safety, quality, and market integration of innovative materials and processes developed by the FLAMINGo project.