The introduction of nanoclay to polyurethane improves properties such as
strength and stability in the resulting foam. Sara Tabandeh from
Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran, Iran, outlines studies
into the synthesis process.
Azrul Mutalib and Hong Hao from The University of Western Australia show
how pressure-impulse diagrams for fibrereinforced polymer-strengthened
concrete columns can be used to predict failure behaviour.
Research into stir casting of a metal composite has shown increased
resistance to dry sliding wear. Materials scientists Zohair Sarajan,
Mehrdad Soltani and SeidAbbas Hoseininejad from Iran outline the process
employed.
Charlotte Meeks, Senior Scientist, and Andy Foreman, Principal Scientist
at QinetiQ, UK, discuss shape memory alloy reinforced composites in
delivering reduced foreign object damage for aircraft.
Chartered Architect John Hutchinson takes a look at the development of
strong natural fibre composite materials and their potential commercial
application in the construction industry.
Dr Rod Martin and Dr Morris Roseman from the Materials Engineering Research Laboratory Ltd (MERL),
outline the essential functions being performed by composites in the oil and gas industry.
Work on thermoforming advanced composites and joining such parts form
the core of a project at Queen’s University Belfast, UK, that
investigates sustainable materials and manufacturing techniques in
transport. Dr Saul Buchanan explains.
Composites that can store electrical energy while also performing a
structural function could offer dramatic weight savings for devices and
vehicles. Dr Emile S Greenhalgh outlines the progress of research into such
materials.
Although unmanned aerial vehicles save lives, their development and
manufacture can be costly. Andrew Mills, Principal Research Fellow in
Composites Manufacturing, from Cranfield University, UK, proposes
solutions.
