Sustainable Composites
14 June 2022

Speaker 1: Prof. Richard Oldfield (Chief Executive, UK National Composites Centre and Honorary Industrial Professor, University of Bristol)

Talk title: Composites role in delivering net zero

Abstract: The latest United Nations IPCC report stressed that the grand challenges that our planet faces in terms of dangerous climate change will require more than significant cultural change to make rapid, deep and immediate cuts in CO2 – they will greatly rely upon innovative engineering. This is both a massive challenge and a huge opportunity for composites researchers and engineers. In this talk Richard Oldfield, CEO of the National Composites Centre will outline some of the areas where composites are already making a difference and how we need to bring together the best academic research and most creative industrial organisations to accelerate the development of sustainable composites solutions. Utilising the power of digital to optimise processes and reduce time to market, collaborating to create a true circular economy of products and feedstocks and making new discoveries that will literally change the world.

R. Oldfield slides (PDF, 4,233kB)

Speaker 2: Prof. Pascal Hubert (Werner Graupe Chair on Sustainable Composites Manufacturing and Director at the Research Center for High Performance Polymer and Composite Systems, McGill University, Canada)

Talk title: Solutions for zero waste composite prepreg processing

Abstract: The worldwide demand for composite prepregs is in constant evolution due to the growing use of composite materials in aerospace, transportation, recreational products and renewable energy production. The manufacture of prepreg composite parts involves multiple steps. First, multiple layers of pre-impregnated reinforcements with thermoset or thermoplastic polymers are overlaid on a tool, then heated while pressure is applied to achieve gas removal, compaction, and cure. Often, a significant amount of raw material is wasted during the layup process and during the final trimming of the part. Furthermore, if manufacturing defects are detected in the final component, additional costly repair operations or even the rejection of the part can significantly increase the overall manufacturing costs of composite parts. This presentation will present an overview of the research conducted towards the zero waste processing of composite prepregs. New prepreg recycling processes, material systems and production strategies will be presented to reduce manufacturing costs and improve the environmental impact of composite materials manufacturing.

P Hubert presentation (PDF, 3,675kB)P Hubert presentation (PDF, 3,675kB)P Hubert presentation (PDF, 3,675kB)‌