Industry-driven Basic Research Program in CME Next Chapter Project -SIA Award June 4, 2013 Matt Benson, Director of COMTEC

Next Chapter Project Motivation and Purpose: –IAB recommendation to collaborate with industry –Work with industry on specific projects to tweak and enhance materials or processing –Become a repository of knowledge in the field Method: –Applied for and obtained $30k grant from WSU (one year)

Project Goals Develop a program for students to work on basic research that has practical application to the composites industry in the region Develop a procedure to gather and catalog pre- competitive research projects from the regional industry Provide students with extensive research experience, lifelong learning skills and leadership skills Develop mechanisms to sustain the program Establish WSU as a regional center of knowledge in the science and technology of composite materials (long- term goal)

Project: Industry-driven Basic Research Program in CME Work on pre-competitive research projects that can benefit the whole industry in the region Results of the research will be shared with all the companies Informed and invited all companies in the region to participate Visited ten companies and collected about 22 projects

Major Project Areas Recycling Bio-composites Short-term and long-term characterization of materials

Selected Projects Recycling –Source Book for recycled thermoplastics –Improving thermoplastics with recycled thermoset composites Bio-composites –Investigate standards and guidelines for bio- composites testing, processing & properties –Bio-based polymers and fibers –Research potential materials such as stinging nettle

Selected Projects.. Material Characterization –Continuously reinforced thermoplastics Mechanical and thermal properties Optimization of constituents/properties Development of test procedure for proper characterization

Potentials and Challenges Direct interaction with local companies Numerous projects to collaborate on Benefits to both industry and students Challenges –Equipment for thermoplastic processing (Brabender cost $30k - $45k) –Faculty time –Need more support from industry

Sustainability WSU funding will end this summer Applied to Southeast MN Initiative Fund (SMIF) grant NSF Industry & University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) Program –Requires $400k membership fees and a minimum of 8 companies Need ideas and support to continue