The social challenges of our time – from healthcare and energy to digitization and logistics – demand completely new materials, with properties that do not exist today. Materials that are lighter, stronger, more versatile, easier to process and maintain than anything we know today. And materials that are more environmentally friendly and durable, more predictable in their behavior and longevity under changing conditions. By manipulating the building blocks of nature – atoms and molecules – we are able to create these materials.
EXAMPLES OF RESEARCH AREAS
University of Twente is a forerunner in research, education and valorization within materials science; a field of science that is demanding and at the same time offers great opportunities. Our scientists carry out fundamental research across the boundaries of disciplines, including through the use of advanced computer models. Partly through our participation in various public-private collaborations, we are discovering how to create materials that combine new functionalities with predictable behavior.
TPRC recycles smart materials
TPRC, the ThermoPlastic composites Research Center at Kennispark researches smart materials thermoplastic composites on a daily basis. The fiber-reinforced plastics are much lighter than many existing common materials and can be found in today’s high-end applications in aviation, transportation, industry, energy and healthcare. Consider automotive and aircraft components to achieve weight reduction.
Expertise leads to innovation
Within TPRC, industry experts work closely with researchers from various universities to develop specific knowledge in areas such as press forming, overmolding, joining technology, laser tape placement and simulation of these processes.
