The Esprit project, set up to develop self-reinforced polymer composites, has announced several new applications made with the new materials.
In 2008, the Esprit project was set up under the EU's FP7 programme with the aim of developing a flexible and efficient way processing of polymers.
Researchers developed a technique of modifying the self reinforcing plastic (SRP) matrix with heat-receptive additives, providing a means to melt the matrix without melting the reinforcing fibres.
The project is coming to an end this month and at a meeting in January the partners presented applications made with the new materials. These include several automotive applications, including a rear diffuser, door panels and acoustic modules, as well as shoe caps and a greenhouse fan blade.
The project partners include