Aluula/UBC
(Source: Aluula)
Traditionally, composite materials are made by gluing together different core layers and outer films to create fabrics for use in a wide range of product applications. Using a patented fusion process, Aluula has developed a unique way to fuse high tech fibers and technical films together without the use of glues. This fusion process not only creates extremely light, strong, and durable fabrics, but materials that are recycle ready.
Advanced materials technology company Aluula Composites Inc., Victoria/Canada, is collaborating with the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver/Canada, to develop world-first recycling applications for Aluula’s high-performance, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) based composite materials.
An initial project with the Composites Research Network at UBC established the ability to compress Aluula material off-cuts and end-of-life products into uniform, lightweight and ultra-durable panels. These panels are unique because throughout the recycling process, the specialized UHMWPE fibers of the original materials are kept intact. This results in fiber reinforced composite panels that are 10x stronger than those molded from virgin UHMWPE.
Together with UBC Manufacturing Engineering (MANU) students, Aluula is developing and refining applications for these panels that not only exploit the inherent light and strong material properties, but result in an end product that can be recycled again and again; lengthening the materials’ lifespan for years to come. The applications of these panels are suited to many tasks where strength, weight, abrasion resistance, and low friction are desirable, from backpack back panels to low friction wear plates.
Advanced materials technology company Aluula Composites Inc., Victoria/Canada, is collaborating with the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver/Canada, to develop world-first recycling applications for Aluula’s high-performance, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) based composite materials.
An initial project with the Composites Research Network at UBC established the ability to compress Aluula material off-cuts and end-of-life products into uniform, lightweight and ultra-durable panels. These panels are unique because throughout the recycling process, the specialized UHMWPE fibers of the original materials are kept intact. This results in fiber reinforced composite panels that are 10x stronger than those molded from virgin UHMWPE.
Together with UBC Manufacturing Engineering (MANU) students, Aluula is developing and refining applications for these panels that not only exploit the inherent light and strong material properties, but result in an end product that can be recycled again and again; lengthening the materials’ lifespan for years to come. The applications of these panels are suited to many tasks where strength, weight, abrasion resistance, and low friction are desirable, from backpack back panels to low friction wear plates.
