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NewsConference AnnouncementPolymer IRC Spring Meeting2 April 2012 Polymer IRC Laboratories, University of Bradford, Polymer IRC Conference Room (WB19)The IRC Spring Meeting, will be hosted at Bradford on Monday 2 April from 9:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This meeting is aimed at the IRC's industry colleagues and members of the IRC sites. This year's meeting will include overviews from each of the site Directors, an industry contribution, and specialist technical presentations by the IRC's academics. There will also be the opportunity to view the extensive, world-class Polymer IRC Polymer Engineering Laboratories at Bradford, including unique facilities for polymer micromoulding and other micro and nanotechnology activities, solid phase orientation, and pharmaceutical processing. The IRC warmly welcomes organisations to join this meeting. To do so, please complete the very simple membership and attendance form at the following link: Attendence Form How to find us: Bradford Industry Group Meetings29th April 2012, Polymer IRC Laboratories, University of BradfordThe aim of the BIG is: 1. To encourage development of the polymer industry
by: 2. To expand the industrial involvement of the world-class Bradford laboratory and the wider Polymer IRC, developing leading edge, high academic quality programmes of relevance to industry. Future meetings will typically consist of technical
presentations from Bradford, the wider Polymer IRC, and industry, with
lunch and networking, and discussion of strategic matters potentially
for influencing government thinking and initiatives. Normally, three
such meetings will take place per annum. Interfaces & Interphases in Multicomponent Materials1st to 3rd September 2010, The Ridge, SheffieldThis is a merged meetin of ICCI and IPCM IIMM is the merged meeting for the scientific community with interests in interfaces and interphases in heterogeneous materials such as composites and polymer blends. Further Details Polymer IRC Spring Meeting 201026th March 2010, University of DurhamThe IRC's Spring Meeting took place on 26th March 2010 at the University of Durham. Over 60 delegates listened as speakers told them about the latest developments in polymer science across the four universities. Industrial colleagues updated the audience on the latest in product innovation by their organisations. This interactive meeting always provides an opportunity to catch up with colleagues across the polymers sector and allows plenty of time for networking between Industrialists and Academics, providing inspiration for collaboration and innovation. Access the Latest Polymer IRC Annual ReviewGet updated on the latest collaborative research and knowledge transfer opportunities through the Polymer IRC A New Management Structure for the Polymer IRCProfessor Randal Richards joined the IRC as Director in the autumn 2008 for a limited period, to help the IRC undertake a review of its operations and structures. Following Randal's departure at the end of 2009, the IRC has adopted a new managemnt structure. The academic directors of the IRC, will take turns as Chair of the Executive Group. The first director to take the chiar is Professor Peter Olmsted head of the Polymers and Complex Fluids Research Group at the University of Leeds. Peter's interests are in theoretical soft condensed matter, primarily complex fluids and including biological fluids. We would like to thank Randal for his work with the IRC over the past year and wish him a happy retirement. Polymer LINKS 13The September 2009 issue brings includes further information about:
Polymer Links 13 (263kB PDF) OBE for IRC DirectorRandal Richards, IRC Director has been awarded an OBE in the 2009 new year's honours list for his services to science. Congratulations Randal! Polymer LINKS 12The 12th edition catches up on staff movements within the IRC - with a lot of old names taking on new positions. Highlights include:
Polymer Links 12 (250kB) A New Director for the Polymer IRC - Randal RichardsProfessor Randal Richards will take over from Professor Tom McLeish IRC as Director of the Polymer IRC from 1st November 2008. Tom McLeish has been Director for the past five years and has moved from the School of Physics and Astronomy in Leeds to take up the post of Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at Durham University. Randal has previously worked as Chief Executive, Strategic Delivery for RCUK; Interim Chief Executive for EPSRC; and Director, Research and Innovation at EPSRC. Prior to this he was Head of the Chemistry Department at Durham University and an active member of the Polymer IRC during its first 11 years of operation, specialising in Polymer Physical Chemistry. Tom McLeish expressed his delight at the new appointment: “In Randal Richards the IRC will benefit from an internationally respected polymer scientist who is also experienced at managing science and science policy at the highest national level.” Randal Richards said: “I am looking forward to working with all in the IRC to maintain and continue its development and contribution to polymer science and engineering in a research environment that is continually changing.” Foresight WorkshopsPolymers and “Plastic in People”- Thursday 6th November 2008, BirminghamThis workshop will look at how polymers perform in medical roles from replacement joints through to drug delivery mechanisms and plastic blood and the future possibilities for new materials and applications. Polymers and “Building Blocks” in Construction - Wednesday 19th November 2008,Emirates Stadium, LondonThe theme of this workshop is sustainability. This includes climate change mitigation and the challenge of developing materials that can cope with flooding, either by taking up and releasing flood water minus contaminants on recession, or by being truly water resistant. It is also includes sustainable construction materials and materials that are recyclable and recycled into other materials or to be reused. Polymers to “Light up Life” - January 2009Can the challenge of cheap and renewable energy sources be met with the help of polymers? The opportunities presented by polymer photovoltaics and fuel cells will be considered at this workshop. For more information please contact Steve Morris BSR Midwinter MeetingThe School of Mathematics, University of Leeds will host this year's BSR Midwinter Meeting entitled Microstructure and Rheology on 15th/16th of December 2008. This is an excellent opportunity to explore the latest theoretical and experimental research on crystallising, transitional and multiphase materials. Delegates are invited to submit presentations and posters (prior to 1st October) to Dr John Embery. Further details Tel. (+44) (0)113 343 3898. Registration Form "Lightening the Load": A workshop on polymers in transport9th September 2008, Coventry Transport Museum, Coventry Transport, the environment and the price of fossil fuels are hot topics for industry and the public alike. Polymers can play a significant part in increasing fuel efficiency and reducing transport costs through light composites in vehicle construction and through polymer production from renewable sources. This workshop is organised jointly by the Polymer Innovation Network and the Polymer IRC. For more details and how to apply, please download the following document: Lightening the Load workshop (57kB) Newsletter (June 2008 - issue 11)In this issue:
Download your copy below: Polymer Links, June 2008 (548kB) FaraPack Knowledge ShopTowards Greener PlasticsWednesday 23rd July 2008, 09:00 - 16:30 Weetwood Hall Conference Centre, Leeds Meeting tomorrow’s environmental challengesSwitching to green polymers raises a host of important questions that need to be understood if a company is going to gain the true benefits from their use. What are the green plastic options? What are the barriers to adoption? What are the drivers and which green plastics route should you adopt? Towards Greener Plastics is your opportunity to discover the answers to these questions through hearing the views, opinions and experiences from leading players in the manufacture, conversion and use of green plastics representing the entire packaging supply chain including: Dr Easan Sivaniah: Polymer IRC and University of Cambridge Russell Mills: Director of Innovations & New Technology, Dow Mike Taylor: Business Development Manager, Innovia Films David Fowler: Packaging Technologist, Boots Rüdiger Iden: Senior VP BASF, honorary Professor, University of Düsseldorf, and Co-Chair of the European Technology Platform for Sustainable Chemistry. Dr Paul Fowler: Founder Bio-composites Centre, Bangor University Iain Ferguson: Commercial Packaging Manager, Co-op Retail Group Ed Kosior: Managing Director, Nextek Our academic experts will provide the latest insights on current and future research into the continued development of green polymers, providing you the understanding you need to make a more informed decision on the adoption of green plastics. Registration This one day Knowledge Shop in conjunction with the Polymer IRC, University of Leeds, will prove highly beneficial to anyone involved in polymer production, selection, design, development and packaging. The fee to attend is: £550 + VAT £350 + VAT for Faraday Packaging and Polymer IRC members For further information please contact Joanne Brice or Tel:+44 (0)113 284 0214 New Frontiers in Polymer Waste Management29th February saw the first of a series of Foresight Workshops being organised and managed by the Polymer IRC on behalf of the Polymer Innovation Network. Entitled “New Frontiers in Polymer Waste Management” the workshop, held at the National Railway Museum in York,the day brought together 30 representatives from the recycling and related industries, academia, private research and other organisations such as WRAP to examine the challenges and opportunities presented by polymer waste management. Speakers set the scene to current perceptions to polymer waste, the evolving global market,key players,potential impact of new legislation (especially REACH) and the lobbying being carried out by trade associations, technically proven options that are available and a thought provoking look at what might be possible with used bottles transforming into a growing medium for plants – proven in the laboratory! For more information (Email h.e.clancy@leeds.ac.uk) NewsletterThe December 2007 edition of the Polymer Links, the newsletter of the Polymer IRC is now available online in pdf format (see link below). Articles include:
Polymer Links, December 2007 (566kB) Polyfilm 2008 8th-12th September 2008, SheffieldAn international conference covering thin polymer films including polymer crystallisation, polymer brushes, glass transition, soft nanotechnology. More Details (Email s.h.cowley@sheffield.ac.uk) UKIERI/Polymer IRC Workshop on Polymer Surfaces17/18 December 2007, DurhamThis meeting, sponsored by the UK-India Education and Research Initiative, the Polymer IRC and CENAMPS will include a half-day training course in Polymer Surfaces, an introduction to UKIERI and CENAMPS Guest Lecture, a Workshop for the IRC Industrial Club and presentations by PhD students and postdocs. To register interest email Irene Harris (Email m.i.harris@dur.ac.uk) More details: Conference flyer (PDF 48kB) SOMS Industrial Workshop - Tuesday 8th January 2008, Leeds"The Technology of Molecular Self-organisation"A workshop highlighting the technical opportunities offered by the most recent developments in molecular self-organisation and self-assembly research, and exploring potential applications with industrialists working in related sectors. To register contact Katie Moore: (Email k.l.moore@leeds.ac.uk) More details (PDF 250kB) Faraday Discussion 139: The Importance of Polymer Science for Biological Systems26 March -28 March 2008, University of YorkThis unique international discussion meeting will bring together researchers from different backgrounds (physical chemistry and biology) to share their knowledge and foster new collaborations and directions. More details: FD139 flyer (PDF 132kB) Polymer Links 9 (August 2007)Launch of the Boeing Dreamliner. 100 years of plastics. New developments at Bradford. Switchable glue, plus the news from around the IRC: Polymer Links 9 (PDF 416kB) Regional Award for Bradford's Polymer CICThe Polymer CIC at Bradford has received an award for its work with Taylor Products Ltd on plastic manufacturing and energy efficiency. The industry-university collaboration was one of five to be honoured at the recent annual Yorkshire Forward Centres of Industrial Collaboration awards. Investment in Micro and NanomouldingA new £2.2 million extension to Bradford's polymer engineering labs will put the centre at the head of world-wide developments in micro- and nanomoulding. State of the art equipment will allow the centre to manufacture high-added-value products to the benefit of UK companies. Centre for Micro- and nano moulding A Feast of Fun!The Polymer IRC hosted a one-day symposium to celebrate the contribution made throughout their careers to Polymer Physics by Professor Geoff Davies, Dr Alan Duckett and Dr Mike Brereton, of the School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds. [Link to Full Review | http://www.irc.leeds.ac.uk/feast/feast.htm] Previous Polymer Links 7Polymer Links 8 (December 2006) (PDF 517kB) Polymer Links 7 (December 2006) (PDF 353kB) Looking for Job Vacancies in Polymers?2006 Annual Review and directoryOur annual review covering the work of the IRC over the last twelve months, plus a printed copy of staff skills (See Skill Search) is now available. 2006 Annual Review (PDF 451kB) Bradford Research Showcase and International LectureLeading research from across Bradford University was given an airing at the University’s third annual research showcase which formed part of the events in their 40th Anniversary celebrations. The 29 November saw practical workshops by Research & Knowledge Transfer Support for staff in the morning and poster displays filled the new Atrium in the afternoon, demonstrating the breadth of research carried out at the University. The focus of the day was on knowledge transfer and the commercial value of Bradford’s intellectual property and facilities. Optometry’s research into displays and perception caught the eye of the evening’s guest speaker, Professor Sir Richard Friend of Cambridge University and founder of Cambridge Display Technology and Plastic Logic and member of the Polymer IRC Board. The final events of the day took place in the University’s newly completed Norcroft Conference Centre, which forms part of the campus’ emerging Science Quarter. An exhibition focussed on areas of knowledge transfer, including the Polymer IRC and Farapack Polymers, Polymer, Wireless and Pharmaceutical Innovation Centres of Industrial Collaboration (CICs), together with the regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward. The evening concluded with an international lecture by Professor Sir Richard Friend entitled Conducting Polymers: from Innovative Science to Commercial Exploitation. The talk gave excellent coverage to the fundamentals of conductive polymers, through to applications and their commercialisation and drew an excellent range of penetrating questions, mainly related to the physics and technology. Sir Richard expressed his enjoyment of the visit to Bradford – “there is a real buzz about the place, and, as I'd expected, very welcoming”, and the excellent communication he found in the Research Showcase across the disciplines; he was also “really impressed by the state of your (Polymer IRC) labs” and said that he “did not know of anything else on that scale – a resource of great importance to us all”. Following the lecture, Sir Richard presented Sarah Senior with the first Tom Ashdown Enterprise Award. Sarah, a graduate of Media Technology and Production, has started her own video and multimedia production company, Shoot Productions, after receiving support from the University’s business start up unit Think Business@Bradford. Phil Coates, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Transfer and the Polymer IRC’s Associate Director at Bradford said: “It was fantastic to see our research community in one place during the research showcase, clearly demonstrating our research culture, giving energetic demonstrations of their work and stimulating awareness and engagement of research at Bradford.” “Various visitors commented warmly to me on the liveliness and clear value of the event. I appreciate the work which goes into it – and I am already aware of a range of good things which will come from this event.” More Awards!Congratulations to Professor Richard Jones, (University of Sheffield) and Professor Phil Coates, (University of Bradford). Richard was elected as a fellow of the Royal Society in May and Phil has recieved an award for his personal contribution to the plastics industry in early June. Polymer LinksLatest newsletter from the PolymerIRC, covering modelling of composites, closer links with the British Plastics Federation, conferences, courses and the prize Sudoku. An OBE in the IRCCongratulations to Professor Tony Ryan, the Polymer IRC's Asssociate Director at the University of Sheffield, who has been awarded an OBE in the 2005/6 New Year's Honours list for services to science. Tony's research interests are in structure development during polymer processing, but he has applied the understandings he has developed in this field to a number of applications in polymer science, including nano-scale devices and the development of synthetic skin. He was the Royal Institute Christmas lecturer in 2002. The IRC Links to the British Plastics FederationThe Polymer IRC,has recently joined forces with the British Plastics Federation's (BPF) Business Support Network. This further strengthens our links with industry, helping to develop communications between industry and active research groups in UK universities. Philip Law, BPF Public and Industrial Affairs Director said: "We are delighted to welcome The Polymer IRC to the BPF's Business Support Network. Affiliations with Universities is essential for the UK Plastics Industry in order to enable continued support to those companies moving to a higher technical plane" Samsonite Introduce Curv Composite to SuitcasesThe self-reinforced polypropylene single polymer composite material, developed in the Physics Department at the University of Leeds, has recently been utilised by luggage innovator, Samsonite, to launch a new range of suitcases under the X'Lite name. The Curv® material, produced under licence by Propex Fabrics GmbH at their factory in Gronau, Germany, (www.curvonline.com) combines lightweight and outstanding impact strength which makes it ideal for protective applications. It is already used by Nike for a range of soccer shinguards (BPS Contour) and other applications, such as automotive undertrays, are the subject of ongoing development programmes. For further details on the background science of the self reinforced polymer composite materials see the recent review article (‘The Science and Technology of Hot Compaction’, Polymer, 45 (2004) 1413) and for further details of the Samsonite story see the press release on the netcomposites website or email p.j.hine@leeds.ac.uk Training Courses Take Off at SheffieldIRC Polymer Science & Technology Modular course-31st October 2005 – 8th November 2005 Another success story – this 5 day modular course option proved to be a hit, with 71 delegates attending in total, 30 from Industry and 41 students from around the four Universities. Each day we had between 28 and 33 delegates registered. Day one (Basic Polymer Science) commenced on the 31st October at the Hilton Hotel in Sheffield. Everyone arrived in good order, with the exception of a couple of stray delegates, who inadvertently turned up at the University of Sheffield Chemistry Department. They were swiftly removed to their correct destination, in time for coffee! Days two (Characterisation & Analysis) and three (Polymer Chemistry) followed on in a similar vein. Day four we escorted our delegates to the University of Bradford for the Polymer Engineering module. Having braved the M1 traffic we arrived eager for the day’s events. In addition to the classroom experience participants were given some lab demonstrations which went down very well. Thank you Bradford! Friday (Polymer Physics) was back at the Hilton. For those who opted for the full five days it had been a busy week, although the coffee and lunchtime breaks gave everyone a chance to relax, mingle and for some to engage in a little business. The Polymer Dynamics and Macromolecular Rheology course was scheduled to take place on the Tuesday 8th November, at the University of Sheffield. This course was very popular with the maximum number of delegates attending. In addition to the modules we had the pleasure of Steve Smith and his colleague from Anton Paar providing a demonstration over lunch on their latest kit and other demos from Andy Pryke from Fara Pack Polymers Ltd. The Polymer IRC is very pleased at how well the course was attended and the feedback from the delegates affirmed their approval. The presentations by all the speakers were very well received, and a thoroughly good week was had by all. Many thanks to all those involved! Watch this space for details of the next training event. In this two-week course the Polymer IRC to gives you access to the largest pool of polymer expertise in Europe to cover a wide range of basic topics. The course offers an introductory week of the five core modules shown above, followed be a second week (commencing 8th November 2005) of individual tuition in an area of interest to you, tours and equipment demonstrations. To book your place on a course, request a brochure or any further details, please contact: Shelagh Cowley (Email s.h.cowley@sheffield.ac.uk, Tel: 0114 222 9537 or Fax: 0114 222 9389). Polymer Manufacturing MNT Focus GroupTwo open meetings were held at Bradford in the Polymer IRC/Polymer CIC laboratories, run by the DTI MNT Network . In the first meeting Alan Smith (DTI) led a roadmapping exercise, which led to a report. The second meeting established the Focus Group for this area . The main emphasis of this Focus Group is on manufacturing processes for micro and nano products, including tooling, process technology, sensors and product/product design - but, necessarily, also touching on the whole supply chain, including novel and conventional materials, with or without nanofillers, and recognising the vital material-processing-structure-property inter-relationships – including how tailoring of materials may aid processing or deliver end product functionality. Focus groups in various areas of the MNT field are being established to link nodes in the MNT Network. Phil Coates gave a presentation to the DTI MNT Network meeting in London on 29 September 2005 and Malcolm Butler presented the Yorkshire regional umbrella activity for MNT. An ‘Interwise’ meeting (on line oral and visual discussion via the web) was hosted by Bradford on 20 October 2005. MNT Focus Group(p.d.coates@bradford.ac.uk), Yorkshire Forward MNT m.a.butler@sheffield.ac.uk Inkjet Printing Gets a Boost at LeedsThe CIC (Centre of Industrial Collaboration) in Digital Printing is accredited by Yorkshire Forward. The CIC in Digital Printing consists of a consortium of four partners including The University of Leeds (Department of Colour & Polymer Chemistry and School of Mechanical Engineering), Faraday Packaging Partnership, Leeds College of Technology and Print Yorkshire (British Printing Industries Federation). The CIC in Digital Printing’s mission is to improve the competitiveness of the digital print industry. It will achieve this by bringing together world-class research and development resources for printing to provide services including technology transfer, consultancy and training. The prime focus of the CIC in Digital Printing is to engage the printing industry regionally. However, it will also seek to engage nationally and internationally, so establishing itself as one of the very few centres of excellence in printing science and technology. The CIC in Digital Printing will also seek to maximise collaboration with other CICs, so establishing new areas of business development. The Centre will commence its operation on 1st July 2005 followed by a launch event in September 2005. For further information contact the Director, Dr Long Lin on 0113 34 36735 or l.lin@leeds.ac.uk Support for MNT in YorkshireYorkshire Forward announced a £5million funding package for three University-based centres to help the region’s companies exploit the global Micro-and Nano- Technology (MNT) market. The Nanofactory, based at the University of Leeds, the York-JEOL Centre for Nanolithography and Analysis and the Micro- and Nanomoulding Centre, based at the University of Bradford within the Polymer IRC. The Polymer IRC has been awarded £1.2 million to buy equipment and to improve the marketing of nanotechnology activities across the region Bradford has received funding £800,000 over three years to establish the Micro & Nano-Moulding Centre based within the Polymer IRC/ Polymer Centre for Industrial Collaboration at Bradford University. The funding will provide facilities to help regional (and wider) companies overcome hurdles to entry into the area by providing easy access to facilities and expertise. (Contact: p.d.coates@bradford.ac.uk). A further £420k was awarded to the Polymer IRC by Yorkshire Forward to appoint Malcolm Butler, the Manager of the Polymer Centre , as the MNT Manager for Yorkshire and Humber Region (alongside his current role). He will work in this task with Tony Cunningham and others from the Polymer IRC. The key aim of this funding is to find ways of overcoming barriers to the commercialisation of these new technologies. To achieve this a strategic management structure will be set up tasked with: - monitoring the MNT related R&D activities in the Yorkshire and Humber region (both in industry and academia) - stimulating opportunities for exploitation of these technologies by their promotion and networking between key stakeholders - making recommendations has to how the benefits can be maximised in both academic and commercial activities through the identification and sharing of good knowledge transfer practices in the region Ultimately this component of YF funding will underpin the knowledge transfer process for MNT and raise the profile and potential of this new discipline to the region’s industrial base. Contact m.a.butler@sheffield.ac.uk Reviews and abstracts from UK Polymer Showcase meetings can be viewed online at Polymer Showcase. The next UK Polymer Showcase will be held on 12/13 September 2006. For further information Email: polymer .showcase@leeds.ac.uk A power to sootheTo enjoy the true therapeutic benefits of natural philosophy you will need custard powder, water and a little imagination, says Tom McLeish of the Polymer IRC in an article in the Guardian (7th October 2004) A power to soothe - full article MμPP 2
The consortium consisting of all four Polymer IRC academic sites plus the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and the Dutch Polymer Institute, along with industrial representation from BP Chemicals SNC, Dow Benelux N.V., DSM, BASF, Basell Polyolefin, DuPont Teijin Films and Lucite International, has been awarded £5 million fro EPSRC. They will continue their work to develop a co-ordinated approach to understanding and predicting the effects of molecular variables in polymer processing and products. Work in phase 1 allowed the development of world-leading and powerful methodology for developing a molecular-design approach to molecular modelling. The second stage of the project will apply and tale advantage of the capabilities developed previously, but will address fresh science and engineering targets:
Professor Tom McLeish, Director of the IRC and leader of the MμPP consortium said "This is a wonderful opportunity for the MμPP team to continue our work together for a further four years and underlines the lasting value of the multi-site interdisciplinary method of working on which the Polymer IRC was founded." For more details see the MUPP website.
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