Cost effective high output polymer fibre optic lighting systems. A new flexible composite polymer can transport light over distances beyond 30 metres within diameters of 5mm to 25mm and still be intrinsically bright. The link between composition, transport efficiency and output will be established. Input studies will include tailored external optics and full integration of bright LED's inside the cable. Prototypes evaluated will include, lighting inside display refrigeration, "on person" safety ....Cost effective high output polymer fibre optic lighting systems. A new flexible composite polymer can transport light over distances beyond 30 metres within diameters of 5mm to 25mm and still be intrinsically bright. The link between composition, transport efficiency and output will be established. Input studies will include tailored external optics and full integration of bright LED's inside the cable. Prototypes evaluated will include, lighting inside display refrigeration, "on person" safety and fashion lighting (including novel jewellery), solar powered LED lighting for remote areas (including roadworks, stand alone signs, developing country and remote rural homes), daylight and lamps together in the one cable, and general lighting. Many of these will be developed by the industry collaborator.Read moreRead less
Template-Free Synthesis of Zeolite Nanocrystals and Their Application for Zeolite-Polymer Nanocomposites. A novel method is proposed for template-free synthesis of zeolite nanocrystals, in which polymer hydrogels will be used, in-situ, to control zeolite nucleation and growth from precursor solutions. The as-synthesised and surface modified zeolite nanocrystals will be used to fabricate zeolite-polymer nanocomposites, which will have significant applications in areas including gas separation, ca ....Template-Free Synthesis of Zeolite Nanocrystals and Their Application for Zeolite-Polymer Nanocomposites. A novel method is proposed for template-free synthesis of zeolite nanocrystals, in which polymer hydrogels will be used, in-situ, to control zeolite nucleation and growth from precursor solutions. The as-synthesised and surface modified zeolite nanocrystals will be used to fabricate zeolite-polymer nanocomposites, which will have significant applications in areas including gas separation, catalysts and fuel cells.Read moreRead less
A Novel Approach to Determine Permeability for Cost-Effective Manufacturing of Thermoplastic Matrix Composites. The permeability (resistance of a porous rigid body to a permeating fluid) is an essential parameter for predicting impregnation quality in processing of thermoplastic composite materials. No reliable method exists yet to estimate permeabilities without time-consuming and cost intensive experiments. The aim of the proposed research project is to obtain a basic knowledge in determining ....A Novel Approach to Determine Permeability for Cost-Effective Manufacturing of Thermoplastic Matrix Composites. The permeability (resistance of a porous rigid body to a permeating fluid) is an essential parameter for predicting impregnation quality in processing of thermoplastic composite materials. No reliable method exists yet to estimate permeabilities without time-consuming and cost intensive experiments. The aim of the proposed research project is to obtain a basic knowledge in determining permeabilities of fibre architectures by taking into account their stochastic properties. An innovative approach, based on characterisations of meso-structures of fibre network and simulation of computational fluid dynamics, will be developed to accurately determine permeabilities. The outcome will enable more cost-effective manufacturing of thermoplastic matrix composites.Read moreRead less