The AIMPLAS Composites Department focuses on different areas of polymer-matrix composite technology. In addition to technical services related to the conformity of processes, products placed in the market and training activities for companies in the sector, the main activity of the department is the development of R&D projects, whose main goal is to find innovative solutions channelled through the companies of the sector.
One of the most original lines of the Department is the development of Biocomposites obtained from raw materials that come from renewable sources. The properties of these composites are in many cases similar to those of products obtained from petroleum derivative resins and traditional supports. Therefore a gradual substitution for the latter is expected.
The development of thermoset resins curing technologies through the use of electromagnetic radiation (MW and UV) came from many successful investigations in recent years. The employment of such technologies allows to drastically reduce cycle times, lower emissions of volatile organic compounds, and decrease the amount of scrap from composite material parts. The wind and aeronautics sectors already have some developments of AIMPLAS in this field.
Moreover, the Composites Department leads different projects aimed at the reutilisation of tyres that are no longer usable. There are at present different initiatives under way both at national and international level for the industrialisation of the solutions found by the Institute as a result of the development of various projects.
In the training area, AIMPLAS organises and gives general courses that include composites in their syllabus, as well as specific courses such as:
- Composites Manufacturing Processes: Infusion.
- Polyester Laminator.
- Advanced Design and RTM Moulds Manufacturing.
- Composites: Raw Materials and Transformation Processes.
