Dr Peter Hine

Research interests

My research involves studying the links between structure (at all lengths scales) and mechanical properties for polymers and multi-phase polymer composites.

My most fruitful research area has been the invention and development of materials that are now termed single polymer composites. In these materials, oriented polymeric fibres or tapes are taken to a critical temperature, while held under pressure: we have termed this process hot compaction. If the temperature is chosen carefully, the outer surface of each oriented element is selectively melted, which on cooling recrystallises to form the matrix of the composite. These materials, particularly based on woven polypropylene tapes (Curv ™), have been found to show outstanding impact, which coupled with a low density and good stiffness and strength, have found commercial usage in luggage (Samsonite - Cosmolite and other designs) and sports armour.

The other main area of interest has been in multiphase polymer composite materials. Long standing collaborations with ETH Zurich (Prof Gusev) and Bradford (Dr Caton-Rose) have explored the links between microstructure and properties. Various microstructural parameters, such as fibre orientation and fibre length, have been evaluated for producing designed mechanical properties. Modelling (both analytical and finite element studies) has been used extensively in these studies to build the links between structure and properties, while being calibrated and tested against real materials.

Current postgraduate researchers

• Xin Zhang
• Alex Gresty
• Ashley Victoria

Projects

<li><a href="//phd.leeds.ac.uk/project/445-all-natural-composites">All Natural Composites</a></li>