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Welcome
The Advanced Composites Manufacturing Centre (ACMC) is a leading composites R&D facility at the University of Plymouth. Based in the School of Marine Science and Engineering (SMSE), ACMC is active in a wide range of projects, and aims to bridge the traditional gap between academic R&D and the needs of industry. ACMC formally opened in 1987, although the University of Plymouth has been involved with composites R&D since the early 1970s. Since then, we have worked closely with companies in all areas of polymer composites engineering, enabling them to benefit from our research, contacts and experience. We have many years experience in running short courses and workshops in composites design and manufacture, and we have worked with large and small companies in all sectors of the composites industry in implementing new technology, improving processes, testing materials and components and solving manufacturing and materials problems. News New FP7 Research for SMEs funded In-Mould Gel-Coating project The european Research Executive Agency has just awarded ACMC over €1M for the InGeCt project to investigate an innovative environmentally friendly gelcoating technology for composites for marine and wind-turbine applications to reduce VOC emissions, processing time and cost. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) thesis formally submitted (01 July 2011) Nilmini Dissanayake's corrected PhD thesis was formally submitted today. An outline of the project can be found at the Research projects/Natural Fibre LCA link on the menu to the left. The e-thesis (4.227 MB PDF) is free to download from the Plymouth Electronic Archive and Research Library (PEARL). KTP project with Lorient Polyproducts Limited (01 June 2011) Natalia Kopociñska joined the staff as Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate to develop Lorient’s R&D competence and infrastructure in order to enhance the understanding of current materials capability and establish a platform for further product development. New Technology Strategy Board funding: A new Technology Strategy Board scheme is offering funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to engage in R&D projects in the strategically important areas of science, engineering and technology, from which successful new products, processes and services could emerge. Open from 4 April 2011, the Grant for Research and Development (Grant for R&D) scheme will support R&D projects which offer potentially significant rewards and could stimulate UK economic growth. In contrast to the Collaborative R&D programme, Grant for R&D funding is available to single companies. More info Amandeep Virk Amandeep Singh Virk submitted his PhD thesis entitled "Numerical models for natural fibre composites with stochastic properties" in the Summer of 2010 and formally submitted the final bound copy in December. So far, the work resulted in papers in Composites Part A (3), Composites Science and Technology, Journal of Natural Fibres, and Materials Science and Technology (2). See the Jute reinforcements page for details of the project and the associated journal papers. The e-thesis (4.612 MB PDF) is one of the first five research theses in the Plymouth Electronic Archive and Research Library (PEARL). New resin injection machine (19 October 2010) ACMC have taken delivery of a Composite Integration Ciject® One resin injection machine equipped for either polyester or epoxy resin and a Composite Integration one-metre square glass fronted heated/cooled mould tool. The system was commissioned on Tuesday 19 October 2010. Nilmini Dissanayake Nilmini Dissanayake defended her PhD thesis entitled "Sustainable composites using natural fibres and resins from natural resources" in August 2010. The outcome was that the degree be awarded subject to minor corrections. However, the arrival of her first son, Mayon Ariyasinghe, in September will delay the submission of the final bound thesis. So far, the work resulted in papers in Composites Part A (2), Journal of Bio-Based Materials and Bioenergy, and the Journal of Natural Fibres. See the Natural Fibres LCA page for details of the journal and conference papers from this research. Award for Zoeftig KTP (10 March 2010) The Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Zoeftig was awarded the South West Regional KTP Award at a ceremony held in the Grosvenor Hotel in London on 10 March 2010. The project developed a revolutionary seating system, inFINITE, for passenger terminals and also improved the existing product range. The new sophisticated and technologically advanced solution has significantly enhanced Zoeftig’s competitive position in the market. |
 Working with ACMC In the past couple of years we have been concentrating on longer-term projects, and current research funded by the EU, EPSRC and DTI consortia. We are still able to undertake smaller consultancy projects, and can often help companies find external financial support. Contact us for further information.
The following companies kindly support the activities of ACMC:
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