Sustainable Polymers and Composites

With over two decades of innovation in resin transfer infusion technologies, Northern Ireland has a world-leading reputation in this area. At AMIC, we continue to build on this heritage, working with industry and SMEs to help them develop, lower-cost, higher-performing composite components – including large structures like aeroplane wings and turbine blades. And wherever possible, we use digital enablement and automation to help organisations further reduce costs and speed up manufacturing processes. 

For more than 30 years our team has been regarded as world leading in Rotational Moulding, with an unrivalled international reputation for high quality fundamental research, coupled with practical relevance.  A wide and diverse range of projects are carried out in collaboration with local and international companies. 

These projects range from short-term problem solving, training and consultancy work, to medium-term development and long term applied and fundamental research. Subject areas include cycle time optimisation, new process and product development, process control, automation and new material development. 

Our advanced preforming capabilities bring together Northern Ireland’s world-renowned textile heritage and NIACE’s cutting-edge advanced composite materials design and development expertise. We work closely with industry and SMEs to create complex 3D composite structures, using our in-house 3D weaving loom. 

These capabilities incorporate advanced, bespoke 2D and 3D fibre architectures to ensure the “right material in the right place”. And to help reduce costs and de-risk processes even further, we also offer digital twin development for composite technologies. 

The range of available compounding facilities can be applied to studies on a large number of polymer-based formulations, including polymer blends and recyclate, fibre reinforced thermoplastics composites, filled polymers and nanocomposites. Sample sizes can range from a few hundred grammes to many kilogrammes depending on requirements.    

A large body of associated formulation expertise exists to optimize compound properties or processability. Specialist areas of compounding know-how include biodegradable polymers, flame retardants, natural fibre composites, filler surface treatment technologies, silicate layer clay nanocomposites and carbon nanotubes. 

AMIC is equipped to conduct a diverse array of polymer extrusion processes utilizing state-of-the-art, full-scale equipment. We offer a spectrum of material-specific screw designs, tailored to accommodate various polymers such as rigid and flexible PVC, Nylons, and Linear Low Polyethylene.  Our equipment is highly adaptable and easily configured to suit a broad range of specific industrial requirements, including multi-layer cast sheet, blown film, and tube extrusions. 

Manned by a team of seasoned technicians and process engineers, supported by skilled die design and manufacture toolmakers, our extrusion capabilities ensure precision and reliability in every project.  Explore the possibilities of polymer extrusion with our advanced equipment and expert team, poised to meet industrial demands. 

As well as undertaking injection moulding, the Centre is involved in a wide and diverse range of projects in collaboration with local and international companies. These projects range from short-term problem solving and troubleshooting, training and consultancy work, to medium-term development and long term applied and fundamental research. In addition, the Centre is supported by experienced injection-mould toolmakers.