131090Friction enhanced TMC sleeve couplingsClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UKThis project aims to evaluate the use of Ball Bunishing Machine Tools Ltd's patented friction enhancing agents with TISICS advanced silicon carbide fibre reinforced titanium matrix composite technology to create a new light weight corrosion resistant coupling for pipe work. The concept of the study is to exploit the anisotropy in silicon carbide fibre reinforced titanium composites to create a split coupling sleeve that is held pressed against the coupled pipes by positioning an outer hoop wound sleeve over the coupling sleeve to trap the friction enhancing agent between the coupling sleeve and the coupled pipes. Similar couplings could be made in steel but would be heavy. Light weight metals lack strength. Fibre reinforced titanium overcomes the strength issue and BBMT's friction enhancment agent provides extra grip within the coupling.