ResearchThe Composites and Polymeric Materials Group use a broad range of measurement technology to understand material behaviour, supporting businesses of all sizes.
Research at NPL is primarily aimed at increasing confidence in the use of composites by industry. This is achieved by improving the understanding of the material behavior and performance through the full life cycle.
NPL develops new measurement methods, equipment, standards and design software. Tailored testing solutions and measurements are undertaken to international standards. Collaborative research can be directed towards innovative measurement solutions or international standards development.
The Composites activity focuses on the performance of materials and structures.
The Polymeric Materials research focuses on the processing properties of fluids, and the performance of polymeric materials.
Composites
- NPL's Composite Design Analysis (CoDA) software is used in aerospace, automotive and construction industries to assist with the preliminary design of material synthesis.
- Development and validation of cure assessment tools that cover the glass transition temperature (Tg) and other physical measurements by the different techniques and uniquely provide traceability to the chemical state of cure to form standards and manufacturing processes.
- NPL’s environmental testing facilities and expertise cover a wide range of conditions including: static heat ageing, sub-zero exposure, humidity (hot/wet) exposure and chemical immersion (water, acids and alkaline solutions) at ambient and elevated temperatures.
- NPL research focuses on developing measurement methods and predictive analysis for characterising interfacial properties of fibre-reinforced plastics and the role of the interface and interphase on thermal and mechanical performance of these materials.
- NPL has considerable experience and the facilities to provide test methodologies and models that are required to avoid the catastrophic consequences that can result from the failure of materials in a wide range of different commercial applications.
- NPL research is focussed on developing the measurement infrastructure for characterising the performance of structures fabricated from polymer matrix composites.
- Development of test methods to support design of composite components comprising of thick material sections
Polymeric Materials
- NPL research focuses on developing measurement methods and predictive analysis for characterising interfacial properties of fibre-reinforced plastics and the role of the interface and interphase on thermal and mechanical performance of these materials.
- Nanoindentation test procedures have been developed to obtain mechanical properties (hardness, modulus and creep) directly from manufactured components.
- This project will enable the characterisation and design of improved multiphase, micro-structured and surface engineered materials, e.g. thermoelectric devices, enabling the development of new and improved products.
- Modelling can help predict cycle times in injection moulding, which can cut manufacturing costs.
- NPL is seeking to increase the use of plastics in more demanding environments through the development and standardisation of new test methods.
- Reliable characterisation of the rheological behaviour of materials is important for for the development of new materials, design of processes, and for quality control of materials in production.
Previous research areas
- Plastics are increasingly being used in applications where prediction of their long-term deformation performance is an important design consideration.