Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/R15702/01
Title:	Micromoulding
Principal Investigator:	Allan, Dr PS
Other Investigators:	Hornsby, Professor P Bevis, Professor M
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	Cinpres Gas Injection Ltd LOT Oriel Ltd
Department:	Mechanical Engineering
Organisation:	Brunel University London
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	07 May 2001	Ends:	06 May 2003	Value (£):	236,021
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Materials Processing
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Aerospace, Defence and Marine Manufacturing
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
Expertise at Brunel and Bradford combines to address both the technology and processing-structure-property interactions in micromoulding of a range of polymers, including polyolefins, engineering thermoplastics and novel or tailored synthesis materials, and exploratory investigations of metals and technical ceramics. The clear potential for micromoulding technology can be increased by several routes, which will be investigated:1. Servo electric injection using a single screw plasticising unit for high precision micromoulding is aimed at micro-scale complex geometry products, but there is no published data on the morphology/structure obtained in these products, which clearly influence product properties and performance.2. Direct compounding injection processing based on small scale twin screw extrusion with a specially designed servo-electric injection unit is proposed to form the basis of a new micromoulding technology, providing small scale compounding/ blending/ injection for blends, nanocomposites, metals and ceramics.3. The SCORIM process applied to very small scale injection moulding, for controlled structuring of products. Close collaboration between Bradford and Brunel is required for the process technology research and product structuring; Nanonindenting and atomic force microscopy are proposed as key techniques for evaluation of morphology and mechanical properties of micromouldings.The project will be managed under the Enhanced Polymer Processing programme.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.brunel.ac.uk