The workshop, which is being organised by Composite UK’s Biocomposites Sub-Group, will take place at the Advanced Manufacturing and Research Centre (AMRC) in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, and will give delegates the chance to learn about composite materials that are made from natural sources such as jute and hemp.
It will also give delegates the chance to provide invaluable feedback to the Sub-Group in the form of a panel discussion, led by the sub-group chairman, Anthony Stevenson of NetComposites. The panel aims to discuss the key opportunities for biocomposites, the barriers to their use and the lobbying of funding bodies for research opportunities.
The day will begin with a technical overview session with presentations from Anthony Stevenson (NetComposites), Darshil Shah (University of Oxford) and Brendon Weager (Composites Evolution) with the afternoon session taking on case studies from Alex Grous (Dixie Chemical), Elena Benedetti (AEP Polymers), Pierluigi Ferri (Elmira) and John Hutchinson (Feilden+Mawson). There will also be an opportunity for delegates to view the composite research facilities at AMRC.
Claire Whysall, Communications Manager for Composites UK said: “The research into how composite materials can become more sustainable has picked up a lot of momentum in recent years with some exciting developments being put out there in the form of natural fibre composites. With this event we wanted to bring some of these developments together to showcase what biocomposites can be used for and their properties in comparison to carbon- and glass-fibre composites. It is also an opportunity for our Biocomposites Sub-Group to gauge what is needed by the industry and how they can help to drive it forward.”
