This research programme for the enhancement of polymer processing has four global objectives:

• to address current constraints in polymer processing technology, particularly those related to thermal issues;
• to enhance processing, for example in reducing cycle times, without any detrimental effects on product properties;
• to enhance tailoring and control of final product properties via process technology;
• to provide a platform for synergy between major processing laboratories and UK industry.

Polymer processing research groups at three Universities are working together to tackle these objectives. Each of the research groups at Bradford, Brunel and Belfast have special expertise in complementary areas of polymer processing, and this programme ensures strong interconnections between the three groups.

Three process strands are included, namely Extrusion, Injection Moulding and Free Surface Moulding, each of the three sites acting as a hub for one of the strands. The research objectives can be divided into science and engineering threads, each of which involves collaboration between all three groups.

Thermal control

Improved control of current heating and cooling methods
New developments in process technology
Effects of processing on melt variables and product morphology

Enhanced process measurements

Development of temperature monitoring techniques
Computer modelling of temperature and flow fields

Development of rapid processing methodologies

Novel heating methods to increase heat input rates
Additives fillers and blends for enhancement of thermal conductivity
New materials with improved heat transfer capabilities.
Reactive processing Polymer melt rheology related to flow induced instabilities

Material characteristics resulting from rapid processing

Effects of high cooling rate on product properties Results utilised to enhance computer modelling of processing.

Control of properties through processing

Links between microstructure, morphology and processing properties Control of molecular and fibre orientation.
Process modelling of orientation

Modelling of processing and properties

Development of experimental techniques and modelling COMPPRO links