Sustainable composite manufacturing for high-volume automotive applications
Research group activity
Lightweighting of vehicle structures is a key enabler in the drive for low-emissions mobility. Finding new material solutions and combinations of materials that yield high mass-specific performance whilst still meeting cost and production volume targets is critical. Our research focuses on the development and demonstration of manufacturing processes using sustainable polymer composite materials, combining industrial processing studies with advanced characterisation techniques and state-of-the-art predictive modelling tools.
Project Description
The use of thermoplastic composites (TPCs) has grown in both the automotive and aerospace sectors in recent years. This had led to a surge in the amount of post-industrial and end-of-life waste TPC material being produced. Unlike thermoset composites based on cross-linked polymer matrices which are typically sent to landfills or incinerated, thermoplastic composites can readily be reheated and reformed into complex shapes.
This project will investigate the mechanical properties of discontinuous short fibre thermoplastic composite parts manufactured from waste generated during an industrial thermoplastic composite laminate making process. The student will actively support the manufacturing and characterisation of test specimens using industrial equipment and will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data. This project will allow the optimization of further processing of these 're-used' thermoplastic materials.
Required Skills
Enthusiasm for hands on practical work is essential and experience working in a lab would be desirable. Full training will be given for equipment and experimental techniques required for the project.
