Advanced Materials and Processes

The “Advanced Materials and Processes” research area combines the scientific and technological expertise of IMT Nord Europe to formulate and process materials (long-fibre composites, thermoplastic polymers and civil engineering materials).

The research objectives relate to two complementary aspects:

• Development of new materials with optimised structural and functional performance

• Development of new optimised processes from laboratory to pilot scale

The research work is structured around five main topics:

• EStudy of high-performance structural composites and associated processes – thermosetting/thermoplastic matrix composites (bio-based or recycled in particular) and continuous fibres (synthetic or natural) – Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM), film stacking, filament winding (EF/PF), sheet moulding compounds (SMC) – new instrumented and hybrid processes;

• Study of high-performance structural concretes and associated processes – concretes with optimised aggregates (e.g. recycled, sediments, fibres, geopolymers) – alkali-activated mineral binders obtained by flash calcination / pozzolanic reactions, alkaline attack, physicomechanical treatment or carbonation – Organic binders (asphalts, recycled thermoplastics);

• Study of multifunctional thermoplastic materials and associated processes – (nano)filled polymers, polymer/polymer blends and composites, bio-based & recycled polymers, cellular polymers, electroactive polymers – Extrusion / injection type plastics processes, thermoforming, rotomoulding, compression – Multi-material, instrumented and hybrid processes;

• Study of innovative manufacturing and assembly processes – manufacturing processes for thermoplastic, composite and cementitious materials – Laser welding – Hybrid processes;

• Study of the reliability and lifespan of structures – Mechanical-hygro-thermal ageing and analysis of the lifespan of metal and composite structures under complex loads (in particular fatigue and creep) using CND tools, SHM and sensor integration – Concrete ageing by sulphate attacks, carbonation, alkaline reactions, freezing/thawing, among others.

The research teams attach great importance to understanding and optimising the structure-property relationships operating within the engineered materials. The many advanced analytical techniques available in the laboratory (e.g. scanning electron microscopy, X-ray analysis, thermomechanical analysis) are therefore crucial to better understanding structure-property relationships.

The impacts of the manufacturing process on the structure and final performance of materials is also crucial. In this sense, the research teams are interested in approaches combining experimental development and digital modelling in order to efficiently optimise the various manufacturing processes from laboratory scale to pilot scale and even industrial scale.