Novel high performance polymeric composite materials for additive manufacturing of multifunctional components
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Ulster
Department Name: School of Engineering
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
People |
ORCID iD |
Eileen Harkin-Jones (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Yazdani B
(2018)
A new method to prepare composite powders customized for high temperature laser sintering
in Composites Science and Technology
Wang X
(2020)
Effect of water on the breakdown and dielectric response of polypropylene/nano-aluminium nitride composites
in Journal of Materials Science
Golbang A
(2021)
Additive Manufacturing and Injection Moulding of High-Performance IF-WS2/PEEK Nanocomposites: A Comparative Study
in Frontiers in Materials
Golbang A
(2020)
Production and characterization of PEEK/IF-WS2 nanocomposites for additive manufacturing: Simultaneous improvement in processing characteristics and material properties
in Additive Manufacturing
Chen B
(2019)
Fabrication of nanocomposite powders with a core-shell structure
in Composites Science and Technology
Description | Work to date has shown that the inclusion of Inorganic Fullerene Tungsten Sulphide (IF-WS2) nanoparticles to PEEK modifies the rheology and mechanical properties such that processability by fused deposition modelling is improved and mechanical/thermal performance is also improved. A reduction in melt viscosity of 25%, and a simultaneous increase in storage modulus, crystallization and degradation temperature of about 60%, 53% and 100 °C is found with addition of 2wt% IF-WS2 to PEEK. New work with ZnO tetrapods has potential to enhance mechanical properties of these 3DP nanocomposites further. |
Exploitation Route | On possible use of this new material is for an aerospace bearing. Other uses include low cost, 3D printed tooling inserts for injection moulding. Potential applications in medical devices/implants. |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Healthcare Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
Description | - Knowldege trabsfer to the collaborative aerospace company (bombardier) for development of low wear rate bearings from PEEK with better processability and higher mechanical propertieswhich - Knowledge transfer of 3D-printing of high performance polymers and further development of new compounds and processing techniques within the engineering department at Ulster University for both medical and aerospace applications |
First Year Of Impact | 2019 |
Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine |
Impact Types | Societal Economic |
Description | Bombardier |
Organisation | Short Brothers Plc |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Bushing component using new composite materials |
Collaborator Contribution | Guide on design, performance assessment etc on prototype component. |
Impact | New project and new collaboration just started. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Development of novel materials for AM to manufacture bushing |
Organisation | Cytec Industries |
Department | R&D |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Development of new material to make a high performance bushing via additive manufacturing |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of drawings for part, attending meetings |
Impact | New material produced. Under test. Publication in draft form. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Victrex |
Organisation | Victrex |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Develop new composite to enhance their production line. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provide expensive PEEK raw materials for experiments in our project. |
Impact | Not yet available because of new project. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | The project was described to school children in the ''Engineering Futures for primary school children'' science festival at Ulster University and samples were displayed. The children were quick to realize the importance of substituting metals/ceramics with light weight high performance polymers. Also, the concept of advanced manufacturing and its benefits was explained. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | The Engineering Futures for primary school children was held at Ulster University in February 2024 as part of the science festival. There were two sessions each had 60 Primary School pupils (plus teachers). My research team including myself and researchers ran 15 min demonstrations and talks. They were very interested to know about 3D-printing, high-performance polymers and their benefits. They asked very interesting questions about the manufacturing and benefits. They were very aware of the importance of sustainability and recycling of plastic waste. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |