Cesma coordinates Relion project for sustainable bio-based materials

The European Commission has approved and funded the Relion project, titled ‘Renewable non-isocyanate polyurethanes for sustainable bio-based innovation’. Coordinated by the Centro servizi metrologici e tecnologici avanzati (Cesma) at the University of Naples Federico II, the initiative aims to develop high-performance, safer, and more sustainable materials for the construction and aeronautics sectors.

The project focuses on creating non-isocyanate polyurethane (Nipu) foams, both flexible and rigid, as well as water-based polyurethane aerogels. These ultra-lightweight insulating materials are intended to replace conventional isocyanates with safer, bio-based alternatives to reduce reliance on fossil raw materials.

With a total budget of 5 million euros under the Horizon Europe Cluster 6 program, Relion involves nine partners from six European countries. The research will evaluate safety, performance, and circularity throughout the entire lifecycle, from precursor synthesis and production to recycling and reuse.