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Energy Efficient Processing of Thermoplastic Composites Lightweight composites are growing rapidly across industries due to a powerful combination of performance benefits, economic incentives, and environmental pressures. Among these, thermoplastic composites are experiencing particularly rapid growth because of their recyclability, which distinguishes them from traditional non-recyclable thermoset composites. 

Thermoplastics can be reheated and reshaped multiple times, making them recyclable — unlike thermosets, which are permanently set after curing. This characteristic aligns perfectly with the growing global emphasis on sustainable materials and circular economy principles. As industries face increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprints, thermoplastic composites offer a viable path to achieving these environmental goals. 

In addition to sustainability, thermoplastic composites generally offer superior mechanical properties, such as high toughness and impact resistance, excellent fatigue performance, and high damage tolerance. Components made from thermoplastic composites can be welded or repaired using heat, a distinct advantage over thermosets, which cannot be reshaped or repaired once cured. This enhances both the durability and serviceability of composite structures, making them attractive for a wide range of applications. This is a collaboration with an industrial partner (https://metol.co.uk/) and they are part funding this PhD project.

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