We develop innovative, commercially-successful composite solutions that help our customers benefit from better materials, processes and business opportunities
Our services
Within each of our 6 service areas, we have a wide range of capabilities in terms of equipment, facilities and know-how. You can browse these here, search, or contact us to discuss your requirements.
As independent consultants, we can help you understand the competitive landscape within the composites sector and assist you in identifying new opportunities for your business
We can undertake studies to understand composite market sizes, capacities, demands and technology trends, including foresighting of future trends
The high growth composites market is often seen as an interesting prospect for investors or those looking to diversify their business - we can assist you in identifying routes in
To help assess the competitiveness of your product, we can perform benchmarking studies to assess its relative technical and commercial strengths and weaknesses
We have developed lightweight self-reinforced polymer (SRP) composite materials for body and vehicle armour that provide high levels of ballistic protection against a range of threats
High-performance reinforcements and resins for composites that are produced from sustainable, non-fossil fuel resources - natural fibre reinforcements and bio-derived resins
The development of modified composites that meet or exceed the stringent fire requirements of sectors such as aerospace, marine, rail and construction
We have developed lightweight natural fibre-based alternatives to conventional glass-based long fibre thermoplastics (LFTs) for injection moulding
Our scientists and engineers within our material and process development centres are at your disposal for the development and evaluation of new composite materials
Using our suite of testing and analysis equipment, we can evaluate the performance of polymers and composites, and provide guidance on further improvement
The functional modification of polymers and composites using nano-additives to improve aspects such as conductivity, fire performance and toughness
Development and pilot-scale production of novel preimpregnated ("prepreg") composites via both solvent and hot-melt processing routes
The development of processes for manufacturing composite materials such as prepregs, tapes and moulding compounds, including the design and construction of pilot lines
We have a wide range of processing equipment for undertaking small-scale production trials - prepregging, injection moulding, compression moulding, and more
High-quality unidirectional carbon fibre-reinforced thermoplastic tapes for automatic tape placement, tape winding or compression moulding
Development and/or evaluation of novel fibre and fabric reinforcements for composites - natural fibres, recycled fibres, thermoplastic fibres, and others
Thermoplastic composites based on a single type of polymer (e.g. polypropylene-reinforced polypropylene) - lightweight, impact resistant and recyclable
We can provide a technical assessment of your material, process or component using our suite of manufacturing facilities and testing equipment
Thermoplastic (e.g. polypropylene, nylon, PEEK) matrix composites - suitable for high volume compression moulding, tape placement or injection moulding
Custom formulation, evaluation and benchmarking of thermosetting resin systems according to specified processing and performance requirements
Our design engineers can help you visualise your products using computer-aided design (CAD), or can prepare your existing CAD models for structural analysis
Where there is a requirement to design a composite component in accordance with a specific standard or norm, we can work with you to ensure design compliance
We can provide an independent verification that the design of your composite product is fit-for-purpose, or advise you on modifications that might be necessary
We can undertake investigations to understand the reasons behind the failure of a composite component or structure - both in-the-field studies and supporting laboratory analysis
A computational tool for simulating and analysing the response of a structure to applied mechanical or thermal loads - used for design verification and optimisation
The flexibility of composites derives from the wide range of material choices - we can guide you in the selection of reinforcements, resins, cores, additives and coatings
We can undertake on-site inspections of your composite assets to assess ongoing fitness-for-purpose and, if necessary, suggest remedial action
We have a range of heated presses and tools for the consolidation of thermosetting and thermoplastic composite laminates and sandwich structures
The blending of two different yarns to produce a single mixed yarn - used for producing hybrid reinforcements for composites such as carbon/glass or carbon/aramid
A straightforward production process in which reinforcing fibres are placed in an open-mould and manually wetted-out with resin using brushes or rollers
A high volume manufacturing process in which a molten thermoplastic (sometimes containing short reinforcing fibres) is injected into a mould at high pressure
We have developed techniques for rapidly and uniformly heating thermoplastic composite and self-reinforced polymer (SRP) sheet materials using microwaves
Development and pilot-scale production of novel preimpregnated ("prepreg") composites via both solvent and hot-melt processing routes
A well-controlled production process in which a liquid resin is injected into a dry fibre preform within a closed, matched metal mould
The shaping of thermoplastic matrix composite sheets through the application of pressure and heat, usually performed using matched metal tools in a heated press
We have pilot lines for the thermoplastic pultrusion of unidirectional fibre-reinforced tapes and rods, including an optional facility for the chopping thereof
A method of forming thermoplastic sheets in which the heated material is moulded to shape by drawing it over a mould by the application of a vacuum
A flexible method of producing thermosetting composite parts in which a liquid resin is drawn through a dry fibre preform under atmospheric pressure by the application of a vacuum
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) can be used for determining the melting or curing characteristics of a polymer matrix for a composite - a useful development tool
DMA measures the change in the viscoelastic properties of a polymer with changing temperature, e.g. for determining glass transition temperature or curing characteristics
We have equipment for measuring the electrical conductivity of modified polymers and composites, e.g. due to the addition of conductive additives or nano-additives
Quantifying the proportion of fibres vs polymer in a composite material - an important determinant of mechanical performance and processability
Measurement of the heat distortion temperature (softening point) of a polymer due provide an indication of its useful working upper temperature range
We can measure the important mechanical properties of a composite to accepted standards and norms - stiffness, strength, flexural properties, impact, etc.
Measurement of the degree to which a thermoplastic polymer flows when melted - important for understanding its moulding characteristics
We have apparatus for determining the moisture or solvent content of a material by measuring its change of mass following heating
If you have a training requirement that falls outside of our standard offerings, we can work with you to develop content that is specifically tailored to your needs
Introductory training on the basics of composite materials and their manufacturing - a one day course that assumes no prior specialist technical knowledge - suitable for all
Hands-on training in some of the common composite processing techniques - hand lay-up, vacuum infusion, compression moulding, and others
Our services
Composite materials find wide-ranging application across many market segments. Here are some of the industries with which Coventive is engaged.
The aerospace sector uses high-performance composite materials extensively, primarily to reduce the weight of aircraft and thereby reduce fuel consumption and operating costs, or increase range. For aircraft interiors, fire performance is a key requirement – Coventive is developing new materials that meet or exceed the industry’s stringent fire requirements.
Whilst composites are used in mainstream automotive applications, they tend to be restricted to low-performance semi-structural parts. Material costs, cycle times and production volumes generally limit their use for structural components. Coventive is working to develop new materials and processes that overcome these limitations.
Their low weight, durability and mouldability are the key drivers for using composites in infrastructure applications. Lightweight composite bridges, tanks and pipes can be easily installed, whilst allowing designers to achieve freeform shapes. Our consultants can help you assess the fitness for purpose of your composite structures.
Multifunctional composites open-up some exciting possibilities for consumer goods – for example, unique aesthetics, electrically conductive polymers, composites with high heat transfer, and materials with self-sensing capabilities. Coventive is working to explore how composites and nano-composites can provide such capabilities.
Fibreglass boat hulls were some of the earliest applications of polymer composites, exploiting the ease with which they can be moulded into one-piece, freeform shapes. Today Coventive is working with builders of much larger ships, exploring how fire-resistant composites can support modular construction techniques for passenger cabins.
Composites are routinely employed in trains and buses, most notably in train cabs and passenger interiors. As with other transport sectors, the fire requirements of the rail industry are very stringent, particularly for underground trains. This is another sector in which Coventive is working to introduce new lightweight, fire-safe composites.
Sporting goods are all about performance. Materials that can make a piece of equipment lighter, stiffer, stronger, or more impact resistant can often provide a competitive advantage. Coventive has worked across a wide range of such applications including footwear, protective apparel, and sporting equipment.
It is easy to think of GRP as yesterday’s composites technology, yet its combination of mechanical performance, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance and light weight has ensured that it remains the material of choice for many applications within this sector; from GRP pipes, tanks and tank covers, through to gratings, walkways and access platforms.
