Project Description: There is a growing demand for fibre-reinforced composite materials (FRCM) for use in both low and high-performance applications. One aspect that is of increasing interest is the concept of utilising a "smart structure" or "smart material", i.e. a material or structure capable of providing further uses alongside their structural performance. One recent example has been to take traditional reinforcement fibres such as basalt or glass, and to coat them in different metallic coatings to produce materials with properties that are unconvential for traditional fibre-reinforced polymer composites. The resulting effect on the material properties of the coated fibre is still an interest of continual interest and research.

This project, in parternship with the project partner, will look to conduct an experimental study into the tensile strength of glass fibres coated with an aluminium coating. The project will be heavily experimental, and will be supported multiple PhD students based within the Advanced Composites Group (ACG).

Project objectives: The key aims/objectives for the project will be as follows:

(i) Conduct a literature review into the field of metallic coated fibres utilised in composite materials, and their potential future applications.

(ii) Manufacture and test single fibre tensile samples to understand the effect of the coating process on the tensile performance of the fibre.

(iii) Conduct analysis using various forms of microscopy to establish the failure mechanics of the tested samples, as well as the surface quality of the applied coating.