The OceanLFT project focuses on recycling maritime nets and ropes. The polymers used in these materials will be used to produce long glass fiber reinforced granules (LGF). The university's contribution consists of developing an inline plastic analysis method for the in-process characterization of OceanLFT compounds with regard to their mechanical/thermal properties and any polymer degradation that may be present. Specifically, this includes the development of a dynamic bending sensor and a dynamic FTIR or viscosity sensor, including control via LabView.

In addition, an optimized LFT manufacturing process for reactive in-situ compounding using a twin-screw extruder on a laboratory scale with a throughput of 10 to 30 kg/h is being researched. Based on these results, the laboratory findings will then be transferred to a pilot production of LFT upcycled granulates on a technical scale with a throughput of 150 to 300 kg/h.

Finally, the university is supporting the implementation of a suitable automotive LFT demonstrator component using injection molding and the developed upcycled materials. The subproject is thus making a significant contribution to the development of innovative sensor technologies and sustainable lightweight construction processes in the automotive sector.