Partners: ÉireComposites, Plasma Bound, Technological University Dublin.
Funding: DTIF (Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund), Call 5 (led by the Government of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland). € 2.5 million
Disclaimer: This study was funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and administered by Enterprise Ireland under the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, AD ASTRA Project (Contract Ref: DT 2022 3907).
Project Background
Today, the modern aerospace industry faces challenges in achieving resource efficiency, managing supply-chain costs, integrating new composite materials, and addressing manufacturing backlogs. These demands coincide with increasing pressure for sustainability and the necessity for enhanced carrying capacity and flight range. A fundamental shift in aerospace manufacturing processes is imperative to meet these challenges. Central to this transformation is the integration of lighter components, currently hindered by adhesive bonding limitations in lightweight composites.
AD ASTRA Objectives
The AD ASTRA (Aerospace Disruption Ablative Surface Treatment to Revolutionise Adhesion) project introduces a novel surface treatment solution aimed at overcoming these adhesive bonding limitations, thereby facilitating broader utilisation of lightweight materials within the industry. This initiative will introduce a resource-efficient, low-waste, cost-effective manufacturing technology to the aerospace sector. Key objectives include:
- Developing a Controlled Polymer Ablation (CPA) treatment solution prequalified to aerospace standards.
- Promoting wide scale adoption of lightweight composite materials.
- Enhancing sustainability and reducing the environmental footprint of aerospace manufacturing.
- Aligning with national and international sustainability goals and standards.
Project Partners
Funded by DTIF (Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund), Call 5, under the leadership of the Government of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, the AD ASTRA project collaborates with:
- ÉireComposites: Providing expertise in composite material manufacturing and innovation.
- Plasma Bound: Specializing in advanced plasma technology for surface treatments.
- Technological University Dublin: Offering research support and ensuring compliance with aerospace qualifications.
Expected Impacts
AD ASTRA is positioned to have significant economic, environmental, and technical implications. The aviation sector, identified by the EU as pivotal in reducing greenhouse gas and CO2 emissions (accounting for approximately 3.8% of total CO2 emissions), requires diverse technological innovations to achieve sustainability goals. Lightweight composite materials are critical in this endeavor.
This project aims to introduce a resource-efficient, low-waste, and cost-effective manufacturing technology to the aerospace industry, displacing outdated mechanical abrasion and wasteful peel-ply processes. AD ASTRA aligns with National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) in Project Ireland 2040, the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018-2027, and UN SDGs, including Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities & Communities, Responsible Consumption & Production, and Climate Action.
By promoting the adoption of lightweight composites, AD ASTRA will reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in aviation, fostering job creation in sustainability and positioning Ireland as a leader in climate-conscious technological innovation. The advancement of AD ASTRA technology promises cleaner, more efficient manufacturing processes, enhancing aerospace industry sustainability and competitiveness globally.
In summary, AD ASTRA is poised to propel the global aerospace industry forward in sustainability and efficiency through advanced surface treatment solutions, thereby significantly lowering environmental costs and improving manufacturing practices for a greener future.
