University Of Ulster

ECRE is a multi-disciplinary centre in the University of Ulster at Jordanstown whose primary function is to investigate the inter-relationships between materials, processing parameters and performance of polymers and composite materials. The Centre has the capability to take high performance textile yarns such as carbon, aramid, glass and natural fibre through to complex technical textile structures, impregnate them with resins, either thermosetting or thermoplastic to produce high performance components. 

The Engineering Composites Research Centre has a unique blend of expertise in textile technology, polymer processing and engineering for research into polymeric and composites materials for use in a wide range of engineering applications.The main thrust of ECRE is to determine the underpinning science related to the interactions between materials, processing and performance of polymeric materials and advanced composites. In depth investigations into the role of novel technical textile structures primarily of carbon fibre and glass, the processability of polymeric resin systems and the modelling and evaluation of the resultant materials and composites have been undertaken.

ECRE has completed a number of research projects with leading industrial partners. Currently as the UK leading 3D woven textile research group ECRE are in collaboration with Rolls Royce, Bombardier ,BAE Systems, Sigmatex, Advanced Composites Group, DeepSea Engineering, Dowty Propellers.

 Further development of textile technologies for the manufacture of high performance 3D and 5D woven composites are planned and the members of staff within ECRE are always willing to talk to the appropriate partners for collaborative opportunity.