Thermoplastic composite materials have outstanding characteristics such as storage and shelf life, short processing cycles, recyclability and sustainability, making them increasingly valuable in various sectors especially automotive and aerospace. These composites also offer light weighting and impact resistance. Thermoplastic composites can be an alternative to thermoset composites, which are irreversible and have long and slow curing process. In addition, thermoforming is highly efficient manufacturing technique for high volume and small-scale production of polymer based products.You will benefit from Sabancı University’s industrial links and research strengths and you will have access to the labs and facilities in SU IMC.

The course consists of theoretical components as well as applications. Teaching is provided through lectures, exercise classes, and laboratory work.

• Introduction to thermoplastic composites
• Thermosets versus thermoplastic composites
• Formats and types of thermoplastic composites
• Reinforcements
• Processing routes for thermoplastic composites (injection, compression, tape placement, infusion, extrusion, pultrusion)

• Instrumental analysis: Raman Spectroscopy, Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis, chromatography techniques, electron microscopy
• Current market
• Experiments: The participants are introduced to processing technologies during hands-on lab work including masterbatch production, mechanical test specimen preparation by injection molding and mechanical tests.

This course will help you to understand the structural properties, working principals of characterization instruments and overview of manufacturing processes, the current state of the composite market and current commercial materials.This course can provide you with a strong foundation for moving into a relevant industry, improve your employability, or be the basis for further study through the pursuit of a career in research.