TRAVEL is a project co-financed by the Tuscany region aimed at a dual objective: to lighten and provide innovative properties (water repellency, self-cleaning, antibacterial and wear resistance) to motor vehicles.
The first objective is achieved thanks to expanded polymeric matrix composites that were eventually nano-loaded or fiber-reinforced with natural fibers, resulting in the reduction of CO2 emissions of the vehicle. The second instead uses titanium oxide-based coating treatments on external panels or fabrics in internal coatings, resulting in greater performance and functionality.
The activity involved the study of industrial application methodologies of functionalizing coatings and their testing against pollutants and atmospheric agents, in order to demonstrate the effective effectiveness of the coating.