The Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) supports the development of advanced composite materials by providing access to formulation, processing and pilot-scale manufacturing equipment for resin systems, polymers, rubbers, fibre-reinforced materials, metallic powders and related composite technologies.
Our composites facilities allow organisations to develop materials in the formulation lab, process them using polymer and composite manufacturing equipment, and validate manufacturing routes using pilot-scale equipment in an environment much closer to production than a traditional research laboratory.
Whether working in fibre-reinforced composites, polymers, rubbers, mixed metal composites or related material systems, the GEIC provides facilities that support material development, process optimisation and scale-up under industry-relevant conditions.
Our facilities span formulation labs, processing labs, high bay equipment and dedicated support areas including lay-up, trimming and storage spaces, giving partners access to a broad range of equipment across the full development cycle.
Composites formulation Lab
Our formulation lab supports the development of resin systems, polymers, rubbers, metallic powders and other composite material systems.
Facilities include bench space and fume cupboard access, Silverson high shear mixers, sonication baths, a ball mill and SpeedMixer systems. Additional capability includes the Resodyn LabRAM II acoustic mixer, 2 roll mill, a rheometer for rheological characterisation and a Turbiscan for monitoring dispersion stability in liquids.
Processing lab
The processing lab provides equipment for compounding, forming and evaluating composite, polymer and rubber systems at an industrially relevant scale.
Key equipment includes an internal mixer, HAAKE twin screw extruder, FANUC Roboshot injection moulder, PEI LAB250P hot press, 3 roll mill, fibre explore line and granulator for polymer recycling, alongside mechanical testing using Mecmesin Multitest 1 and Labortech systems (5 kN and 200 kN load cells) for polymers and fibre-reinforced composites, supporting modulus calculations via extensometers or deflectometers.
High bay and thermal processing
Our high bay provides additional space and specialist equipment for larger-scale composite processing, thermal treatment and advanced materials development.
Capability includes an autoclave, spark plasma sintering furnace, high temperature vacuum sintering furnace, Carbolite Gero tube furnaces, an RDM high temperature oven with a 1.8 m³ volume and maximum temperature of 450°C, and a freezer for storage of composite pre-pregs and resins.
Lay-up, finishing and support areas
The GEIC composites facilities include dedicated support spaces that help partners handle, prepare and finish composite components more effectively.
These include a lay-up room, a dirty room for stripping and trimming composite components, additional paddle and high shear mixers, and freeze dryers. Together, these areas support a more complete workflow from material preparation through to component finishing.
From material development to scale-up
The GEIC helps partners move from composite formulation and processing trials towards robust manufacturing routes and pilot-scale validation.
By combining specialist formulation tools, polymer processing equipment, high bay capability and support areas under one roof, we help organisations explore the potential of advanced and graphene-enhanced composites while reducing technical risk on the path to commercial application.
Develop resin, polymer and powder systems using mixers, mills and rheological analysis tools
Process materials using internal mixing, twin screw extrusion, injection moulding, hot pressing and fibre handling equipment
Access autoclave, sintering furnaces, tube furnaces, high temperature ovens and controlled storage for pre-pregs and resins
Support composite workflows with lay-up, stripping, trimming, freeze drying and material preparation areas
"My team and I are here to support your business and have many years of experience to guide experimental design and rapid product development en route to market. We have worked across numerous sectors that can benefit from the use of graphene and 2D materials in composites and we’re at your disposal to discuss innovative concepts and projects."
Mark DickieApplication Manager
