UROP Project

Development of new self-reinforced polymer composites (SRPCs)

Fibre reinforced composites are a key enabling technology for the mobility sector. Self-reinforced polymer composites (SRPCs) offer great potential due to high impact strength. With respect to their performance, the ease of recycling has to be emphasized. Remelting is an option since reinforcing fibre and matrix are made of the same type of polymer. Accordingly, SRPCs can be considered to be environmentally benign materials. The concepts used to produce SRPCs can also be adapted to biodegradable polymers to improve their property profiles. The manufacturing process of these composites is analysed and developed at ITA. In order to establish this new material in the market it is important to identify economic processing parameters and to characterise the resulting composites.

Task

To produce the SRPCs you will have the chance to look into the following process steps: - commingling (intermingling of two different fibres) - weaving of fabrics using the commingled yarns - hot compaction of fabrics to produce the composites You will characterise the material at each processing step regarding: - mechanical analysis - thermal analysis - microscopy to investigate fibre distribution Your contribution is part of a bigger European wide project. By conducting a systematic investigation you will identify the best process parameters for SPRCs to be used by the industrial partners of the project.

Requirements

Knowledge in Textile/Plastics/Mechanical engineering desired but not essential. You should be enthusiastic about the research topic. We are looking for students who tackle challenges proactively and focus on problem-solving.