Materials Research Theme

Fabrizio ScarpaProfessor of Smart Materials and Structures

Materials GroupIan Bond Professor of Aerospace Materials

Ian HamertonReader in Polymer and Composite Materials

Valeska TingReader in Smart Nanomaterials

James KratzLecturer in Materials Engineering

Steve EichhornProfessor of Materials Science and Engineering

Fabrizio ScarpaProfessor of Smart Materials and Structures

We develop novel generations of composites with a broad range of multiscale reinforcements, from nanostructures to carbon and

natural fibres, involving design, modelling, manufacturing and

testing

Highlights of 2017• 53 Journal papers published from the group

• 13 papers from the group between ICCM 21, MRS and other conference proceedings

• High-impact review paper (Iredale R, Ward C, Hamerton I. Progress in Polymer Science 69, 1-21)

• £1.3M EPSRC programme to scale up the short fibre alignment technology – HiPerDif.

• >£280 K in other pilot projects (Hitachi, Hexcel, Rolls-Royce, NCC Pull)

Highlights of 2017• Quality of scientific output (Scientific Reports, ACS

journals)• Working with international and UK companies in

developing in full bio-based matrix and reinforcement composites (BBI SSUCHY)

• Interacting with companies and R&D centres to improve particle/matrix interface performance, new classes of carbon fibre composites and nanostructures, layer-by-layer curing and materials simulations tools (iUK and Future Composites Manufacturing Hub)

• Partnerships and collaborations with main players from US, Europe and China

Stable, liquid formulations, suitable for RTM.Reduced cure temperatures. High cured Tg.Now being examined for radomes (as NCC Pull Through Project).

Iredale R, unpublished PhD work.

Solvent Free, Infusible BMIs

Relates processing conditions to material microstructure to reduce development costs and shorten insertion time scales for composite structures.

In-process measurements to relate processing conditions to microstructure

Voids(purple)

Voids(black)

Material property development during manufacture

Injectable and self-forming fibre-composites

(c) (d)

100 μm 100 μm

Fiber

CNC fiber

CAB matrix

(a)(b)

• Short cellulose nanofibers self assemble in-situ in resins to form continuous fibre composites

• Work to be extended to other resin systems and fibres

ACS Macro Letters (2017); 6: 1066-1070.

Cactus fractal fibres for multiscale reinforcement

Supported by Dstl and Bristol SynBio.Fractal fibres from Opiuntus Ficus Indica.Specific bending stiffness 7-8 times higher than axial oneMultiscale reinforcement for energy absorbing composites and bio synthetic scaffolds

Targeted self-healing

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[S Hallett et al., UoB]

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Ply Drops

T-Joints

Open Holes

Scantlings

Luterbacher Mus R, Trask R, Coope T, Bond. Vascular self-healing within carbon fibre reinforced polymer stringer run-out configurations. Comp. Sci. Tech. 2016, 136, 67-75

Cullinan J, Wisnom M, Bond I, Velut P, Michaud V. In-situ repair of composite sandwich structures using cyanoacrylates. Composites A. 2016, 87, pp.203-211

Cullinan JF, Wisnom MR, Bond IP.Damage Manipulation and In Situ

Repair of Composite T-Joints. AIAA Journal of Aircraft 2016, 53(4), 1013-

1021

Functional composite nanomaterials for sustainable energies

• Energy storage (storage of gaseous fuels e.g. hydrogen, electrical energy storage)

• Carbon dioxide capture, gas sensing

Integration into composites allows functional components to be made more

robust, responsive and easily processed/regenerated50 nm

Hydrogen storage Nanoporous materials

Gas capture and sensingHierarchical porous materials

Summary and OutlookExciting new developments in the field of matrices, self-healing and multiscale reinforcements at TRLs 2-3

Use of nano/meso/micro cellulose, wood/plant fibres and nanoporous materials decrease the environmental footprint of future generation of composites

Working on the challenge provided by up-scaling technologies to industrial processes

Collaboration with the Chemistry, modelling and design communities instrumental to bring them to industry.