Current-generation, high-performance (thermoset) fibre-reinforced composites are costly, complex to manufacture, and non-recyclable. "Next generation" (thermoplastic "APA6") fibre-reinforced composites have the potential to combine high performance, sustainability, and significantly lower cost. However, manufacturing challenges have stalled their growth. This project has the potential to overcome critical issues, increasing manufacturing output, productivity, and value capture in the UK. Under this project, ASTUTE Centre of Excellence will deploy its team expertise in advanced computational flow modelling of resin injection and identify product defects arising. The computational model is then exploited to identify best process conditions for various cases.

Current-generation, high-performance (thermoset) fibre-reinforced composites are costly, complex to manufacture, and non-recyclable. "Next generation" (thermoplastic) fibre-reinforced composites have the potential to combine high performance, sustainability, and significantly lower cost. However, manufacturing challenges have stalled their growth. Our manufacturing technology has the potential to overcome these issues, increasing manufacturing output, productivity, and value capture in the UK.

Advanced carbon fibre composite materials score well on performance, strength, and weight; but high cost and manufacturing complexity limits its broader market adoption. Comingled Carbon Fibre is an innovative material which may offer the potential for lower-cost, higher volume composites manufacture. Our project will advance the manufacturing readiness of Comingled Carbon Fibre (CFF) technology in the UK. Through this innovation in Carbon Fibre Materials & Manufacturing, we aim to increase manufacturing output, productivity and value capture in the UK.