These materials are made from fibers and technical films fused together without the use of glue. In a previous project, the university found that material off-cuts and end-of-life products could be compressed into panels that Aluula says are lightweight and durable. During the recycling process, the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers of the original materials are kept intact, and panels incorporating the fiber are up to ten time stronger than those molded from unrecycled UHMWPE, according to the company.
Plans are to develop and refining applications for the panels that require light and strong material properties and result in an end product that can be recycled more than once, Aluula says.
