Advanced technology for Green composites
development eco-friendly advantages of the technology licences for more information on the range of thermoplastic composite profiles and prepregs Imhotep offer a range of R&D and development services in process and product development, and product design in thermoplastic composite. See our services section for more details on what Imhotep can do for you for more information on the advantages of a thermoplastic matrix over a conventional thermoset, significance of continuous fibres, information on failure behaviour, and general information on composites see our background on composites section    Click for more information on Imhotep the company, press articles and papers	eco-friendly composites use of reclaim/recycled composites recyclable solvent free efficient manufacture interested in the technology? contact information
	Eco-friendly composites Imhotep Ltd has developed innovative technology for the economic manufacture of green composites. They are more environmentally friendly than conventional methods as they: use reclaim/recycled plastic as the matrix. can be recycled themselves do not require the use of solvents Imhotep Ltd is a memeber of the Environmental Industries Forum and has recently won an award for its technology in use of recycled plastics and recyclability of composites. All these aspects are discussed in more detail below Use of reclaim / recycled plastics The use of recycled plastic using conventional technology is restricted due to the deterioration in mechanical properties when compared to the virgin material. Generally use of recycled material is restricted to a maximum of ~10% of the total in conventional processing. However, the new technology developed by Imhotep Ltd relies on the continuous glass fibres to provide the strength so the use of recycled plastics is not a disadvantage, so 100% recycled plastic can be used. The technology allows the development of more efficient products, and new products for new markets enabling the wider use of recycled plastics. The first recycled thermoplastic matrix composite product to be produced were Panda Stix. 98% to 99% of the plastic used in Panda Stix is recycled- the balance consists of UV stabilisers to protect from the sun's rays and pigment. Imhotep now make Visibilistix and Eco-rods and Eco-strip a slat profile from recycled plastic and glass fibres. Please see our products section for more details. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recyclable At the end of their life profiles, made using this technology, can be granulated to form pellets with aligned long-fibre reinforcement. This is a premium product referred to as long fibre reinforced thermoplastics (LFRT) used by injection moulders to manufacture products with much better mechanical performance than the polymer alone. The waste during this second round of processing can also be granulated and fed straight back into the process again. Imhotep has won a Pot of Gold Award from the Environmental Industries Forum for innovative technology to recycle recycled material.This current project involves looking into the optimum process conditions to recycle waste from the production of the recycled plastic products. Testing and evaluation is ongoing. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No solvents One of the many advantages of using thermoplastics as a composite matrix is that no solvents are involved in their manufacture (unlike conventional thermoset matrix composites). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Efficient Manufacture Another main feature of Imhotep's technology is that it uses basic raw materials and converts them in a single process to the final profile. Competing technologies require the raw materials to be pre-processed or are multi-stage. Imhotep's environmental policy Imhotep makes every effort to source and use recycled material not only for manufacture but also for packaging. Interested in the technology? Licences for this advanced technology are available. We will design tooling for your specific profile, commission a production line for yourself, train your staff in its use and keep you up to date with this advanced technology. links to other eco friendly sites
	Contact details Imhotep Ltd Unit 6, Eco Court Latimer Way Sherwood Energy Village New Ollerton Newark NG22 9QW England Tel: +44(0)1623 863452 Fax: +44(0)1623 863652 e-mail: enquiries@imhotepcomposites.co.uk
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