Today nanotechnology lets foresee many opportunities for new materials with significantly improved properties as well as revolutionary applications in large industrial fields. However nano-industry stakeholders are currently encountering great problems with hazard control in their plants. Because of their size, nanoparticles released in air cannot only lead to violent explosion but can also impact on the worker health. The NANOSAFE2 project will hence develop and validate at industrial scale a complete hazard management strategy, including: - innovative detection, traceability and characterization techniques for engineered nanoparticles covering the whole chain of some reference particles including production, conditioning, storage, transportation, transformation into final product, during product life and at the end of product life (disposal). - a framework for obtaining conclusive toxicity data of generic interest of the reference particles and the development of new and cheaper rapid screening methods using in vitro techniques and in silico (computer simulation) models - advanced technologies to limit both exposition to nanoparticles and leaks to environment by designing safe production equipment, handling automation, dynamic confinement, individual protection devices, filtration, etc. - evaluate both societal and environmental impacts and contribute indirectly to new legislation and standardization measures relevant for nanoparticles, by involving regulatory bodies (members of CEN). In order to achieve such ambitious goals, the NANOSAFE2 project will gather for a 4-years duration, 5 European industry leaders and 3 innovative SMEs which will share their expertise in production and integration of nanoparticles, supported by 13 research centres of excellence and EU-leader universities and 2 CEN members. 6 EU countries and 1 new member state (Slovenia) are represented within the consortium. NANOSAFE2 covers the whole 'value-chain' of stakeholders.

Many times when a product, process or service is evaluated, the whole life cycle is not consistently consider, and although the unsustainability may be detected, no solutions are get in practice to promote a real sustainability. Part of the blame of this circumstance is due to the fact, that technical solutions, science developments and environmental measures do not go together. The aim of this integrated project is the optimisation of the new sustainable life cycle of an environmentally friendly, safe and human health compressor oil, taking into account all life phases and joining science, technology and environment disciplines, bringing to a less resources consuming and eco-efficient use industry. This approach includes the optimisation of initial life phases using glycerine from biodiesel as renewable resources and developing a clean production technology to transform it, in a polyglycerol esters derivate oil to be used in compressor applications. On the other hand, the optimisation will be completed taking into account a traditionally no consider phase, the use phase, by designing an innovative compressor device base on micro/nano-materials to replace harmful antioxidant additives and to lengthen the oil life making it more efficient.The new knowledge obtained from these activities will serve as input information to develop a ecoindicator based on biodegradability and toxicity measurements, which will fill the gap existing for a reliable environmental assessment of bio-lubricants.

The objective of this IP is to support the less RTD intensive sectors of textile, biomedical and food industries in the development of more sustainable and safer processes through eco-innovation (new products and production systems). Plasmas are studied since years, but the main problem faced by this technology is the durability of the treatment. This project involves new plasma processes that are able to bring innovative properties with a lifetime close to the final products' one. This breakthrough will be achieved by developing existing knowledge in plasma processes and functional materials in combination with new plasma systems for nanotechnology. The ACTECO project will : - contribute to the modernisation of the industry and to the adaptation to the new economy, - substantially improve overall quality within the value chain, - minimise waste, use of hazardous substances and resource consumption. In this context, ACTECO addresses the objectives of the 3.4.3.3.1 workprogramme of the call. The objective-driven approach is mainly focused on new products by reaching hyper functional surfaces in association with the use of new plasma processes. The radical innovation is to provide new tools for an eco-production adapted to traditional sectors. The first phase of the workprogramme is related to Research at laboratory scale on the development and optimisation of the surface modification processes in constant interaction with an Equipment development activity. The second phase is focused on Applied Research by optimising existing prototypes at pilot scale. The new processes will be then developed through pre-industrial applications comparing the several facilities involved in the project (real devices and real environment). Both phases will be driven and monitored by market and consumer needs analysis, as well as by sustainability targets taking into account the economical, social and environmental impact.'

The aim of this project is to replace conventional glazes on tiles and other high temperature processed materials with an innovative coating. The NovaCOAT consortium aims to develop a nanocomposite coating that is matured at much lower temperatures than the current conventional inorganic glaze coating and has the technical specifications acceptable for ceramic tile applications.The low temperature coating technology is environmentally very sound because it decreases the use of heavy metals and allows use of new decoration technologies and pigments that can not be combined with current high temperature glazed decoration. New decoration techniques and the resulting products will give manufacturers tools to produce truly unique products and thus increase the competitiveness of all participating SMEs.

The goal of HOLIWOOD is the development and holistic industrial implementation of thermal treated hard wood.Two product lines are followed: -pre assembled load bearing walls for the construction of eco²building (incl. flooring) -noise protection barrier system With these products the technical and economic breakthrough will be targeted for thermally treated wood exhibiting superior properties in terms of durability and sustainability. By this way, energy and resource consuming materials such as concrete, aluminum and plastics will be replaced. The research and development activities focus on gathering basic know-how concerning the wood properties, paying special attention to statics, acoustics and manufacturing. The usage of Thermowood for load bearing construction parts is a technological innovation leading to a broad range of application in the house construction area. The integration into the construction of ecobuildings is a very promising approach for which the need has been expressed by leading architects. Beside the excellent properties, the market claims additional functionalities. The interdisciplinary approach of HOLIWOOD therefore additionally aims at the development of functional coatings. These nanocoatings shall base on modular design, offer ecological coloration and inhibition of the wood graying for more than 20 years. For indoor use the focus is on additional functionalities. The strong participation of SMEs demonstrates the importance of the investigated field of research in this traditional industrial sector. The consortium has been established based on an ongoing international project. Additional partners have been included to cover all necessary fields of R&D. Training and demonstration will prepare future costumers for the new products in due time. Exploitation strategies and demonstration activities complete the holistic approach in HOLIWOOD.For this purpose an eco²building and 1km noise protection barrier made of Thermowood

Cements and concrete are essential components of the construction environment and, relative to other permanent materials,are environmentally appropriate for the future. Yet improvements can and must be made: the industry has lagged behindothers in developing a materials-oriented approach. This proposal will close the gap by developing the relevant base ofenabling science and providing pan-European training for the 21st century. In the preparation of this proposal five self-fundedforums have been organised . These involved the leading academics and industries of Europe. The RTN project will addressthe need to undertake high quality precompetitive research, to train a new generation of researchers equipped forinterdisciplinary methodologies and prepare the industry to embrace change. Additionally it was accepted that the industryoperates internationally and that the scattered academic expertise in Europe should work in a more coordinated manner thanhitherto in response to these challenges.A MC RTN represents the best way to achieve our goals with an intersectorial grouping of 6 universities, 4 Institutes and 7Industrial parners, including a SME and an Industrial Association. The research programme is oriented around 3 themesadressing short, medium and long term needs of the field: (1-deterioration of cement matrices 2- Physical and mechanicalverification of performance; 3- new and nnovative cement based materials) to lay the basis for future technological andscientific breakthroughs. In each theme the aim is to demonstrate the value of a fundamental approach. The trainingprogramme of NANOCEM is 75% research-oriented to provide to the network fellows a muldisciplinary approach towardscementitious materials. In addition, social science, environmental, industrial and normalisation issues will be provided throughone-week courses each 6 months to enable the fellows to face the new scientific and technological challenges.

The InPro project will completely transform the Early Design phase of a building (new or renovation) project. At this influential phase, which represents only a fraction of the lifecycle of a building, decisions are made that determine over 70% of the total lifecycle costs. The transformation will be achieved through radical Early Design processes, supported by breakthrough innovations in business concepts and ICT solutions, that integrate four crucial aspects of Early Design: - Open and flexible collaboration between all stakeholders of the building value chain - Design from a lifecycle perspective - Decision support to make 'informed choices' based on knowledge of each decision's consequences on the building lifecycle - Early planning of build and operation processes based on computer enabled simulations of smart digital prototypes The consortium covers the whole construction value chain and is lead by five large and innovation-driven companies of the sector. InPro also includes a number of renowned European research organisations in construction, industrial processes and ICT, plus leading software companies and standardisation experts. It is also supported by the InPro Research Cluster with already 30 active members. With an estimated budget of 17 million euro over four years, InPro gathers a strong combined mass of industrial leadership and scientific excellence. InPro will have a significant impact on lifecycle costs, sustainability, inclusion of construction workers and low-tech SMEs in the Information Society, take-up of multifunctional and nano materials, and much more. The research work is accompanied by roadmaps and strategies for a widespread take-up of innovation. InPro will be a first powerful step in a paradigm shift in the European construction sector to using knowledge-based processes and open collaboration for an efficient, effective and sustainable built environment.

Textile structures are extensively used in construction in forms of geotextiles. The retrofitting of existing masonry walls and soil structures is particularly important for earthquake protection of historic buildings and protection of earthworks against landslides. Unreinforced masonry structures are highly vulnerable because being originally designed mainly for gravity loads they often cannot withstand the dynamic horizontal loads in case of strong earthquakes. Soil structures, such as embankments, are subjected to landslides after heavy rainfalls or during earthquakes. Hence the necessity to develop efficient methods for the retrofitting of existing masonry buildings and earthworks and of related monitoring systems to possibly prevent the structural damage. The broader aim of POLYTECT is the development of new multifunctional textile structures for application in construction for the retrofitting of masonry structures and earthworks. The different functions the textile structures need to incorporate comprise a combination of the following: to increase ductility and structural strength; to monitor stresses, deformations, acceleration, water level variation, pore pressure, to detect presence of fluids and chemicals, to measure structural health. Enabling technologies include the combination of warp-knitted grid-like reinforcing basic structure and rope-like reinforcement, the incorporation of optical fibres into textiles; the incorporation of sensors e.g. by coating fibres with nanocrystalline piezoceramic materials. The proposed breakthroughs include the: use of textile material as load-bearing part of the building; use of multifunctional textiles for stabilisation and monitoring; use of nanostructured materials to tailor the interface properties; incorporation of sensors based on nanocrystalline piezoceramics and optical fibres, development of an impedance-based health monitoring technique.

Superhydrophobic or hydrophobia coatings have been used in the recent years for several applications, such as easy-to-clean surfaces. Since 2001, photocatalytic self-cleaning glazing have been launched on the European market. These latter products are based on the photocatalytic property of a thin layer of TiU2 deposited at the surface of the glass. When exposed to UVA radiations, TÌ02 reacts with the oxygen and water molecules present in the atmosphere to produce free radicals leading to oxidative species. These species are able to degrade organic stains adsorbed on the surface into volatile molecules. Both technologies gather products designated by the general term of 'self-cleaning'. At the moment, self-cleaning glazing are only tested according to existing appropriate national or international standards to qualify optical and energetic properties. In building applications for example, these new glazing must pass the EN-1096 standard. But there are no certified nor normalized tests to evaluate the self-cleaning performances of these products. hi order to define appropriate tests for the self-cleaning properties of nano-structured surfaces, the project will be based on three main achievements. - The acquisition of a thorough understanding of the real soiling mechanisms at microscale level on glass and self cleaning coated glass. - The enhancement of fundamental knowledge on the interactions between self cleaning coating ability and pollutants, occurring at a nano scale level. The development of measurement methods for self cleaning ability and the carrying out of a prenormative study on glass soiling and self cleaning glass. A certification test definition for self-cleaning properties, based on the benefits they bring to customers will be provided.

The demand of training in cryogenics for researchers and students has steadily increased following the development of research at low temperatures in physics and technology (nanoscience, nanotechnology, material sciences, low noise electronics, detectors for astrophysics, cryogenic propulsion for rockets, superconducting magnets for accelerators in particle physics and large scale fusion research, etc.). The objective of the Course is to provide European young researchers from laboratories, large scale facilities or industry, with practical training at the doctoral and post-doctoral level in the field of Cryogenics. This will be achieved by lectures and practical courses given by teachers belonging to prestigious European research centres and leading cryogenics enterprises. Training several hundreds of young researchers in advanced cryogenics requires adequate facilities and skilled technical staff only available in a few large low temperature laboratories in the world. In Europe, Grenoble and Helsinki are internationally leading institutions is this field, with a long tradition in training in Cryogenics. Two training courses are foreseen (Grenoble and Helsinki), as well as two conferences, organised in two other European countries. This course will contribute to develop the competitiveness of European research and industry by providing valuable training, disseminating scientific and technological knowledge, favouring the links between academic and industrial research, and creating strong professional links between event participants from different countries. This activity will also enable researchers of countries where knowledge in cryogenics is not developed to bridge a technological gap. The participation of women, underrepresented in our field, will be encouraged. The positive effect of these courses is demonstrated by our experience of cryogenics training at the level of undergraduates (Socrates CEE Programme).