CHRISTOPHER HUNT University of Bristol Title: WrapToR composite truss structures Description: Wrapped Tow Reinforced (WrapToR) trusses combine the structurally favourable geometry of trusses with the impressive material properties of composites to form ultra-efficient structural members. The research is focused on developing the technology through understanding and improvement of the manufacturing process and the establishment of analytical techniques to predict structural behaviour. MARIA MORISSA LU KU Leuven Title: Improving the water durability of flax fibre composites by using non-dry fibre ANDREAS KLINGLER Technical University of Kaiserslautern / Institut für Verbundwerkstoffe Title: From Brittle to Tough - Damage Tolerance of CoreShell Rubber and Block Copolymer Toughened CFRP Description: The research project aims at increasing the understanding of toughness enhancements of a brittle thermosetting matrix by self-assembling block copolymers and core-shell rubber nanoparticles, and how the microstructure and respective properties translate from the matrix level to a fibre reinforced composite. Subsequently, the gained knowledge is transferred to application-oriented impact tests of thin CFRP panels. NICOLAS LAVALETTE Technical University of Delft Title: Design and Optimisation of Hybrid Truss Structures Description: This research focuses on the design and optimization of truss structures made of pultruded CFRP members. For this purpose, an aluminium-CFRP adhesive joint is designed to efficiently connect the truss members. The strength and weight of the joints are then taken into account within the truss optimisation algorithm. AMIRMOHAMMAD RAHIMIZADEH McGill University Title: Used wind turbines: A recycling solution Description: Our goal is to create an efficient recycling scheme to extract glass fibres from used wind turbine blades and reuse them in new added value products. Through micromechanical characterisation, the optimum design parameters for an efficient composite from the recycled fibres are obtained and used to develop recycled composite pellets and 3D printing filaments with exceptional properties. No140 May - June 2021 / jec composites magazine 49 Description: Water sorption of natural fibre composites leads to the swelling and shrinkage of the fibre, which results in a reduction of the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the composites. Water durability of composites is enhanced by using non-dry flax fibre and resins that have low sensitivity to moisture. COMPOSITES PREVIEW CHALLENGE