Course description
The course will provide you with an introduction to the toughening of polymer matrices (thermoplastic and thermosetting resin systems). The course will introduce you to the mechanical behaviour of polymeric materials and present the theories related to toughening of polymers.
In addition, test procedures to measure toughness and yield strength of polymers will be presented and demonstrated. Analysis of the results requires application of fracture mechanics and the necessary information will be presented to allow simple calculations. Although the toughening will focus on the introduction of a soft rubbery phase into the polymer matrix, other routes to toughening will be presented (interpenetrating networks and nanoparticle toughening)
Cranfield University Composites Centre (Enhanced Composites and Structures Centre) has more than 20 years of experience of research, development and teaching across composites materials, composites manufacture, process control and material/structure performance. The centre currently delivers to an international audience of postgraduate students and industrial clients (Airbus, AkzoNobel, Bentley, Bombardier, Hexcel, McLaren, Rolls-Royce, Safran, Scott Bader, RedBull, Petronas, etc). The centre has unique materials processing, compounding, filament making, nanomaterials production and composites characterisation facilities. We are able to deliver bespoke training courses covering a broad range of composites related topics, via online or in-person attendance.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
Design, manufacturing and materials engineers who work with polymers and composite materials and have an interest in improving product durability, functionality and serviceability.
Training Course Content
Core content
Day 1
- Introduction to polymer resins and their mechanical properties.
- Shear yielding in polymers and toughening mechanisms.
- Mechanical testing of polymers – strength, stiffness and toughness.
- Laboratory demonstration and workshop.
Day 2
- Routes to modifying polymer resins – predominantly improving toughness.
- Theories on polymer toughening and applied case studies.
- Application of toughened resins to fibre reinforced polymer composites.
- Laboratory class demonstrations (DCB/ILSS).
- Review of course and discussions.
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Cranfield University
Cranfield is a specialist postgraduate university that is a global leader for education and transformational research in technology and management. We have many world-class, large-scale facilities, including our own global research airport, which offers a unique environment for transformational education...