The project is organised into four complementary R&D strands, which are interconnected and consistent with one another:

1. Advanced acoustic solutions, involving the development of new textile materials (fibres and non-woven textiles (TNT)), functional coatings and texturing solutions for sound absorption and diffusion, based on numerical aeroacoustic simulations and designed to improve comfort in electric vehicles by reducing interior noise without compromising weight or energy efficiency.

2. Functional solutions, focused on the creation of multifunctional decorative coatings with greater durability and surface protection properties;

3. Smart solutions, dedicated to the integration of sensors, functional circuits and lighting elements, promoting new human–machine interaction functionalities;

4. Recycling and recovery, aimed at incorporating recycled polymers and developing processes for the recovery of industrial waste, thereby strengthening circularity and resource efficiency. In addition, the aim is to strengthen industrial synergies and enable these processes in other equally demanding sectors, such as the household appliances sector, where aesthetic requirements and food-contact certifications are essential.

The main expected outcomes include new materials and coatings with acoustic, functional and decorative properties, prototypes of air vents and interior panels that are low-noise and highly aerodynamic, smart components with integrated sensors and lighting, industrial processes adapted for the use of recycled polymers, and simulation tools and technical guidelines for the design of next-generation car interiors.

PIEP is responsible for developing functional solutions through laser decoration and functionalisation. The use of laser technology will enable aesthetic and decorative features to be combined selectively, allowing for the customisation and personalisation of components. In terms of decoration, the aim is to explore LDS laser texturing of plastic surfaces with micro- and nanometre-scale patterns, enabling new visual and/or tactile effects, as well as light scattering. On the functional side, the metal deposition of different metals will be studied, creating a premium finish on the plastic part. This approach will increase the added value of plastic parts, reduce the need for additional processing stages, and enhance the integration of functions into components of great importance to the automotive industry.