The Department of Materials at Loughborough University has a strong track record in the areas of materials characterisation and materials processing. Within the department the PVC Innovation Centre has considerable expertise in PVC technology, formulation, rheology, mechanical properties and recycling. This is supported by an extensive range of equipment for the processing, testing and analysis of PVC materials. The Chemical Engineering Department at Loughborough University has had a long-standing reputation for PVC polymerisation research.
The School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science (CEAS) is part of the University of Manchester’s Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. CEAS is one of the largest and most diverse schools within this discipline in the World. One of many Research Themes within the School addresses the environmental impact of chemical processes and products along with the development of clean and sustainable process technologies. Research aims to maintain and improve quality of life whilst protecting both local and global environments. This involves a diverse range of technologies applied to common goals rather than a single scientific discipline with multiple applications. The result is an exciting, multidisciplinary theme with innovative and stimulating research potential.
The Wolfson Centre for Materials Processing was established in 1987 as a focus for materials research in Brunel University. Since its inception, the research in the Centre has been based on the development of extrusion and injection-moulding technologies relating to polymer compound formulation, process-induced structuring, nano-composite processing and the processing of metals, ceramics, soft solids and natural materials. The Centre is self-financing and has generated a substantial portfolio of research contracts from the UK and European Government funding agencies and industry.
The IRC (Interdisciplinary Research Centre) Polymer Process Engineering Laboratory, based in the University of Bradford School of Engineering, Department of Mechanical and Medical Engineering, focuses on research into polymer processing, polymer rheology, process monitoring and control process analysis and computer modelling. The Centre has recently completed a WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) funded research project to assess the feasibility of PVC recycling routes in the UK; availability of waste, collection strategies, recycling methods, quality of recyclate, potential markets and economic and environmental assessment of recovery routes. There was also close collaboration from the UK PVC industry in the project.
BC (formerly the Bio Composites Centre) at Bangor University spearhead developments in the science of renewable plant materials technology and turn that science into a clear, commercial advantage for partners and clients.