High performance polymer fibres for recyclable composites (2021–2024)
Abstract:
The project aims to develop novel drawn polymer fibres with aligned carbon nanotubes incorporated inside and
also grafted nanotubes on their surface. Such polymer fibres can be used to reinforce thermoplastics to make high
performance composites with effective recyclability. This is important as the existing thermosetting composites are
not recyclable and significant property enhancement require high loading (>30%) of reinforcing fibres. The
outcomes of this project will be novel technology for making high stiffness polymer fibres and their use in
thermoplastic composites. The benefits will be to allow easy processing and recycling. They will be used in downsizing
of high volume products and high value automotive or aerospace products.