A collaboration between TWI Ltd and London South Bank University (SBU) has resulted in the creation of a new world-class centre of excellence for polymer technology – named PolyMERIC (The Polymeric Materials, Engineering, Research and Innovation Centre) – which aims to advance the research and development of polymeric materials, and how they can be used by the industry.
TWI
TWI and London SBU launch PolyMERIC
High-temperature and performance engineering thermoplastics are typically used in the automotive industry
Polymer-based materials are increasingly sought-after for their lightweighting properties, versatility of application, and ability to achieve high performance levels in aggressive environments. PolyMERIC will seek to create new polymeric materials, and associated testing and inspection techniques that can be adapted and integrated for use across a wide range of industries. Specific areas of focus will include materials innovation, smart polymers, recycling, selection and evaluation of existing polymers for new applications, and PhD studies to enhance proprietary research.
Speaking on his appointment as Director of PolyMERIC, Amir Khamsehnezhad, formerly of TWI’s Polymer team, said: “This Innovation Centre will advance innovation in polymer materials, techniques and applications at TRLs one to three, building the base and providing new knowledge for the use of non-metallics across the industry … Our aim is to make a high impact amongst the engineering community and to raise the profile of polymers.”
PolyMERIC is one of a growing number of Innovation Centres, hosted by TWI, achieving technology excellence and accelerating research to meet socio-economic and environmental challenges.
The centres share research and technology capabilities and undertake joint research programmes to develop the next generation of technologies and engineers in selected research disciplines.