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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/S25791/01
Title: USE OF NATURAL FIBRES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF REINFORCED THERMOPLASTIC PIPE, WITH INVESTIGATION OF THROUGH-LIFE COSTS (NATWIND)
Principal Investigator: Gibson, Professor A
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Halliburton Wellstream Limited Haswell Moulding Technology Lockheed Martin
PERA Ridgeway Co-Extrusion Technology Ltd South West Water Ltd
Spendmotion Engineering Uponor Aldyl Ltd
Department: Mechanical and Systems Engineering
Organisation: Newcastle University
Scheme: LINK
Starts: 01 June 2004 Ends: 31 May 2006 Value (£): 192,815
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Processing Materials testing & eng.
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing Construction
Environment Energy
Water
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The project involves the manufacture and characterisation of thermoplastic pipes, reinforced with continuous yarn of natural (jute and flax) reinforcements, to greatly increase the pressure rating. The reinforcement will be encapsulated within the pipe wall to protect it from the environment. Characterisation of the deformation and bursting of the pipe under pressure will mainly involve the use of a slow ramp pressure test. This procedure can, in conjunction with Miner's Law, be used to obtain a good initial assessment of long term stress rupture behaviour. Existing models for the deformation behaviour of aramid and glass reinforced thermoplastic pipes (RTPs) will be adapted and used to interpret the behaviour of the specimens tested.The experimental work will be complemented by an economic study of RTP manufacture, a review of the world wide availability of other suitable precursor fibres, a through-life analysis for natural RTP and a study of disposal/recycling issues.The proejct will be carried out in collaboration with PERA and a consortium of companies interested in the technology.
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Organisation Website: http://www.ncl.ac.uk