Thermosets

We offer a comprehensive service in the field of thermoset composites, ranging from formulation of the base material (resin mixtures, additives) to the production or manufacture of the composite (design, simulation and manufacturing process), transformation using conventional and innovative techniques in our pilot plant, and their characterisation (structural and in-use properties).

This broad offer is possible thanks to the highly qualified and specialised nature of our research team, which has more than 20 years' experience in this field, and our modern installations, which host laboratory equipment for the identification and physical-chemical characterisation of the composites formulated (static and dynamic mechanical testing, fire behaviour characterisation equipment, destructive and non-destructive testing equipment...) and pilot plant scale transformation centres, which include, prepreg processing lines, compression presses (325, 80 and 40 tonnes), a pultrusion line, filament winding equipment, resin transfer equipment (RTM injectors, infusion) and mixing systems for formulation preparation.

As composite materials are one of the design fundamentals in industrial sectors such as railway, aeronautics, construction, automotive, machinery... the thermoset materials team's main objective is to promote the use of polymeric materials in a market which demands structures that are able to meet mechanical specifications whilst being ultralight, multifunctional, ecological, fireproof and halogen-free. The new materials developed as a result of our experience enable us to answer such needs whilst continually progressing in terms of the technological and social benefits they provide.

The main lines of activity for this research team are as follows:

• Materials
  • Thermoset resin-based formulations: polyesters, epoxys, phenol-based, …
  • Thermoset resin/(glass, carbon )fibre composites
  • Composites based on materials obtained from renewable natural sources (natural resins and fibres)
  • Polymeric cements
  • Paints and coatings
  • Sandwich panels containing plastic skins con nuclei made from different materials
  • Fireproof thermosets
• Transformation processes
  • RTM injection
  • Resin infusion
  • Preparation of preimpregnated composites: SMC ,BMC, prepregs
  • Compression
  • Filament Winding
  • Pultrusion
  • Vacuum moulding