JEC Composites Challenge 2020: eleven talents for the industry’s future

CANs: Reversibly Crosslinked Polymers and the Future of Composites

Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) are crosslinked polymers comprising a dynamic chemistry which allows their selective and reversible de-crosslinking. In this research, all aspects of CANs are investigated, ranging from their synthesis to their use as recyclable and repairable composite matrices.

WrapToR composite truss structures

Wrapped Tow Reinforced (WrapToR) trusses combine the structurally favourable geometry of trusses with the impressive material properties of composites to form ultra-efficient structural members. The research is focused on developing the technology through understanding and improvement of the manufacturing process and the establishment of analytical techniques to predict structural behaviour.

Extending virtual testing to impact applications

A micromechanical model of composite ply incorporating strain rate dependency has been developed. A novel micromechanical testing technique for high strain rate characterization of composite constituents has been developed for model calibration. Simulation of damage initiation at high strain rates and validation with macroscale testing has been achieved.

Autonomous healing and indication of cracks in fiber-reinforced composites

We introduce an elegant pathway to reducing high maintenance costs by dispersing microcapsules containing a dye and liquid healing agent in our composites. These capsules can extend the lifespan of composites while alleviating the challenges associated with locating damage.

Design and Optimization of Hybrid Truss Structures

My research focuses on the design and optimization of truss structures made of pultruded CFRP members. For this purpose, an aluminum-CFRP adhesive joint is designed to efficiently connect the truss members. The strength and weight of the joints are then taken into account within the truss optimization algorithm.

Used wind turbines: A recycling solution

Our goal is to create an efficient recycling scheme to extract glass fibers from used wind turbine blades and reuse them in new added value products. Through micromechanical characterization, the optimum design parameters for an efficient composite from the recycled fibers are obtained and used to develop recycled composite pellets and 3D printing filaments with exceptional properties.

Spreading of carbon fibre/thermoplastic pre-preg tapes

Varying the width of pre-preg tapes can eliminate defects in complex composite structures. Current methods struggle to produce doubly curved surfaces such as aircraft noses without gaps or overlaps. An improved method, utilized with automated tape placement, can spread pre-preg tapes eliminating gaps and overlaps, boosting the efficiency of complex structures

Improving the water durability of flax fibre composites by using non-dry fibre

Water sorption of natural fibre composites leads to the swelling and shrinkage of the fibre, which results in a reduction of the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the composites. Water durability of composites is enhanced by using non-dry flax fibre and resins that have low sensitivity to moisture.

From Pressure to Geometry: a scalable method for realistic textiles reconstruction

We propose a method to reconstruct the architecture of a dry preform based on simple data acquisition. As the laminate is compacted, a pressure-sensitive film is used to capture the mechanical signature of the layup. Using this information the mesoscale geometry of the preform is interpreted.

“Structural power composites for massless energy storage”

Structural power composites are a new kind of multifunctional composites. Among them, structural batteries consist in light structural CFRP composites capable of storing energy. These new materials could reduce the conventional heavy battery packs’ weight penalties by giving the future electric aircrafts’ structure some energy storage capabilities.

From Brittle to Tough – Damage Tolerance of Core-Shell Rubber and Block Copolymer Toughened CFRP

The research project aims at extending the fundamental understanding how toughness is transferred from a nano phase modified thermoset (up to 28 vol.-%) to a fibre reinforced composite. Subsequently the key aspects to obtain tough and damage tolerant thermosetting CFRPs by the sole modification of the matrix are identified.