In the project “CTCP – Circular Thermoplastic Composite Production”, 6 SMEs and 2 Universities of Applied Sciences carried out R&D on the circularity of thermoplastic composites.
The project, financed by Regieorgaan SIA, part of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) through a RAAK-MKB subsidy, was successfully completed earlier this year.
The following goals were achieved:
- New material combinations were developed and transformed into UD-tape prepregs. Among these materials: Single Polymer Composites (fibre and matrix are made from the same polymer) and Biobased Composites (natural fibres and biobased polymers
![](https://thermoplasticcomposites.nl/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/CTCP5-1024x547.png)
- Laminates were produced and mechanical properties were determined
- A new weaving machine was designed and built especially for the weaving of UD-tapes
![](https://thermoplasticcomposites.nl/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/CTCP2-1024x587.png)
- Processing technologies with the new TPC prepregs were investigated,
such as: vacuüm forming, pultrusion, compression moulding, over-moulding and 3D printing
![](https://thermoplasticcomposites.nl/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/CTCP1-1024x502.png)
- Demonstrators were manufactured that served the interests of the SME’s
![](https://thermoplasticcomposites.nl/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/CTCP3.png)
![](https://thermoplasticcomposites.nl/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/CTCP4.png)