752244Second Generation Structural CompositesClosedVouchersInnovate UKThe mechanical and deformation properties of any material are determined by its microstructure. Traditional structural fibre composites, which have aligned continuous fibres, are very difficult to form because their relatively inextensible fibres dominate the properties of the materials. This new generation of composites composed of discrete fibre domains, which may be dimensioned to provide a wide range of mechanical and deformation properties, solve this problem. They will enable easier, more rapid forming of complex shaped parts, which will reduce composite manufacturing costs and bring safety and maintenance advantages to the end user.