Michelin partnering in nanofibrous material research

On 15 April, Michelin, the CNRS, and the University of Strasbourg inaugurated the SpinLab associated research laboratory. This Strasbourg-based endeavour is dedicated to the study of the electrospinning process for the optimal production of nanofibrous materials, such as adhesives or filtration membranes. Over the span of four years, these teams will collaborate to develop an innovative electrospinning platform, with the aim of creating novel and distinctive fibrous materials tailored for diverse applications in mobility, energy, and environmental sectors – including tyres.

The joint research project, conducted at the Institute of Chemistry and Processes for Energy, Environment, and Health (CNRS/University of Strasbourg), focuses on the manipulation of nanofibers during their deposition through a process akin to ‘electrostatic weaving’. To achieve this objective, the teams will delve into the study of physical phenomena to engineer materials characterised by a fibrous structure organised in three dimensions, as opposed to a random configuration.

Unlike traditional textile technologies that rely on mechanical forces to shape and deposit fibres, the electrospinning process harnesses electrostatic forces. Here, fibres are formed, stretched, and propelled onto a substrate at high velocity under the influence of an intense electric field. This method yields continuous fibres with diameters ranging from 100 to 1,000 times thinner than a strand of hair, which are then assembled into a ‘mat’, a non-woven textile resembling a cotton veil in its random structure.

This collaborative effort will prioritise two main objectives:

• The development of an innovative electrospinning platform to investigate the physical and physico-chemical mechanisms governing the production of multi-component nanofibrous materials, allowing precise control over their morphology and composition.
• The utilisation of electrospinning techniques and eco-friendly methodologies to engineer ‘mats’ with specific attributes tailored for diverse applications. Specific emphasis will be placed on applications in hydrogen and zero-emission mobility, in addition to adhesives.

The research conducted by the SpinLab associated research laboratory holds promising implications for various fields, including medicine (such as biomimetic implants for tissue engineering, wound dressings), environmental protection (air filters, liquid filtration membranes), and energy (fuel cell membranes, supercapacitor electrodes). For Michelin, these advancements will notably address two key challenges: the enhancement of structural reinforcement through electrospun mats, facilitating the optimisation of composites while minimising material usage, and the utilisation of non-woven membranes for their permeability and electrical conductivity properties. Notably, the latter can be impregnated with active agents to impart additional functionalities.

The establishment of SpinLab owes its realisation to support provided by the Carnot MICA Institute.

Tyre applications

“The establishment of this new associated research laboratory with the CNRS and the University of Strasbourg focusing on electrospinning will further strengthen our joint expertise in this innovative process,” says Eric-Philippe Vinesse, Michelin’s director of research and development. “It offers original and promising prospects for creating new materials for critical uses, with applications in mobility, in addition to medicine, the environment, and energy. These uses are central to the Michelin group’s goal: to manufacture high value-added composites that change our daily lives.”

“The CNRS is thrilled about the creation of this new associated research laboratory with Michelin, which will develop innovative materials for applications in tyres, energy, and adhesives, doing so in keeping with the energy and environmental challenges of our organisation,” adds Jean-Luc Moullet, CNRS chief innovation officer. “Michelin is one of our organisation’s key industrial partners, with approximately a dozen active associated research structures, along with numerous research collaborations in connection with shared scientific issues.”