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The Wolfson Centre for Materials Processing was established in 1987 as a focus for materials research in Brunel University. Since its inception, the research in the Centre has been based on the development of extrusion and injection-moulding technologies relating to polymer compound formulation, process-induced structuring, nano-composite processing and the processing of metals, ceramics, soft solids and natural materials. The Centre is self-financing and has generated a substantial portfolio of research contracts from the UK and European Government funding agencies and also directly from major industrial companies.Unilever, Rolls-Royce, National Power and British Aerospace have all featured significantly in the work of the Centre.
Injection Moulding : The Centre has seven injection moulding machines ranging from 7 tons to 150 tons. These include two two-component machines and a compounding injection machine. Six of the machines can be run with Scorim and two can also run Multi-Component Laminate Moulding.
Compounding : Versatile facilities are available within the Centre which can be adapted to suit a wide variety of compounding tasks focussing on the use of 30, 40 and 57mm co-rotating intermeshing twin screw extruders including a 46mm Buss Kneader and single screw extruders.
Biodegradable Natural Material Processing : Earlier generations of "biodegradable" packaging are based on modified plastics but biopolymers based on starch and natural fibre have become the front runner candidates for biodegradable packaging as they are from renewable & sustainable resources and compostable to lower the environmental impact. |
