Manufacturing

Composite Manufacturing

Carbon nanotube

The Composites Group is dedicated to advancing research in the discovery, design, manufacturing, and recycling of high-performance polymer composites. Our focus extends from the foundational science of low-TRL blue-sky research to the practical applications at high TRL, encompassing both structural composites and multifunctional composites. Collaborating with internal and external partners. Our goal is to pioneer cutting-edge techniques, spanning modelling, synthesis, fabrication, manufacturing, and assembly/joining. Beyond research, we are committed to fostering composites education, contributing to the broader dissemination and application of our knowledge in academia and industry.

Key research themes

Mechanics of polymer composites
Design and manufacture of composites
Multifunctional composites
Nanocomposites
Recycling of composites
Health monitoring of composites

Current Projects and Achievements

EPSRC funded research on ‘Bacterial magnetosome inspired material discovery for high sensitivity to ultra-low magnetic fields (MIMSUM)’, Ref. EP/W524608/1 (collab. with UK NCC and City, University of London)

Digitalisation of Remote Composites Manufacturing Monitoring’ funded by UKRI-KTP, Ref. KTP013729 (collab. with Airborne Composites Ltd.)

Scalable Multifunctional Ciliated Surfaces for Optimal Flow Control and Self-sensing (Collaborative research with Cranfield University and City, University of London)

Multifunctional through-thickness reinforced composites (collaboration research with Bristol Composites Institute)

Fatigue characterisation and modelling of composites (collaboration research with the SME Magma Global)

Recycling of thermoplastic composites (internal pump-primping project)