MET-OL™- Thermoplastic Composites-making a vital contribution towards circularity and net zero goals.

About this presentation

Metol Ltd have developed a unique low molecular weight thermoplastic polymer, based on PBT, for the production of composite structures such as wind turbine blades, boats pipes and pultrusions etc. This unique thermoplastic oligomer, MET-OL™, melts at 140C into a water-like fluid which aids the impregnation of dense fibre reinforcements. After impregnation the low molecular weight oligomer is polymerised in-situ with the resulting thermoplastic composite exhibiting excellent mechanical properties comparable to conventional epoxy and polyester based composites. The beauty of this thermoplastic oligomer is that at the end of the components life, the polymer and reinforcements can be readily separated, using solvolysis technology, and the materials re-used in other applications. A truly circular approach to use and re-use of thermoplastic composite materials.

Speaker Bio:

Richard Russell is a Composites and Manufacturing Engineer at Hive Composites, having joined the company in October 2023.

Prior to this, he built a wealth of experience from work with Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Technology working as a production and quality improvement engineer for composite F1 components. Prior to this he worked as a Global Process Engineer for Solvay, again in the F1 sector, specialising in cosmetic woven materials for exposed carbon components. He has also worked as a Composites Manufacturing Engineer at Rolls-Royce.

Richard’s masters degree focused on metallic, ceramic and polymeric materials science.

Qualifications

M.Eng, Materials Engineering, The University of Manchester