International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing
International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing
The International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing (IINM) advances polymer processing and sustainable materials technologies to scale up and commercialise nanocomposite鈥� and elastomer鈥慴ased products. Home to WMG鈥檚 nanocomposites research group, it develops high鈥憄erformance materials with enhanced mechanical, electrical, thermal, and functional properties for sectors including aerospace, automotive, electronics, telecommunications, healthcare, and clean energy.
The IINM integrates fundamental and applied research to produce tailored materials, devices, and components with unique functionalities for real鈥憌orld applications. For over a decade, it has supported global manufacturers across telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, automotive, security, and advanced materials.
Our address
International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing
神马福利影片
Coventry
CV4 7AL
United Kingdom
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Our equipment and facilities
The IINM features specialised laboratories, including characterisation labs, a wet chemistry laboratory, a processing hall, dedicated research spaces, and offices.
It also houses a new sustainable elastomer research facility, bringing together state of the art rubber composite processing and synthetic polymer chemistry. Key capabilities include:
- Thermoplastic processing: Twin-screw extrusion, blown film extrusion, cast-film extrusion, single-screw extrusion, internal mixer, injection moulding, automated compression moulding, electrospinning & spraying, resonant acoustic mixer (RAM), freeze-drying, cryo-mill, ball-mill, magnetic/electrical alignment processing
- Rubber processing: Internal mixer and twin roll mill, abrasion testing systems, Rubber fatigue tester & Intrinsic strength analyser, dynamic Rubber Process Analyser (RPA) with an extended temperature range of 鈥�40 掳C to 232 掳C, enabling advanced analysis of rubber networks, wide frequency testing, and unique rheological characterisation at large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS).
- Wet chemistry laboratories: new formulation development, polymer synthesis, and nanoparticle functionalisation, 3D printing
- Polymer characterisation: thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), spectroscopy (FTIR, UV-vis, Raman), dual-capillary rheometer, rotational rheometer, DMTA, thermal conductivity analyser, dilatometer, electrical/dielectric/ferroelectric analysers, tensile/impact tester, gas-permeation, environmental chamber, supporting full materials development pipelines
These facilities support comprehensive research from fundamental materials science to industrial scale nanocomposite and elastomer production, ensuring innovations are rigorously tested and optimised for real world applications.
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Our research areas
A team of 50 researchers and academics at the IINM collaborate with national and international partners across industry and academia. Their work spans five key areas:
1. Functional Polymer Nanocomposites: Developing materials with enhanced mechanical, electrical, thermal, and barrier properties, including nano enabled solutions for extreme environments and sustainable alternatives to PFAS and petroleum derived plastics.
2. Sustainable Elastomers and Rubber Technologies: A major new research theme focused on recyclable, high performance elastomers for tyres, soft robotics, footwear, and automation. Current projects include:
- Self healing tyre materials for improved safety and extended lifespan
- Stretchable and embedded sensors
- Graphene and nanofiller enhanced durability
- Recycling and repurposing rubber for road and pavement applications
3. Multiscale Materials Modelling: Predicting nanocomposite and elastomer behaviour across length scales to accelerate material development and optimise processing.
4. Primary and Secondary Processing: Advancing polymer composite and elastomer manufacturing using 0D, 1D, and 2D nanomaterials, supported by advanced processing equipment and characterisation tools.
5. Composites for the Hydrogen Economy: Engineering nano-enabled materials to support hydrogen storage, transport and energy applications, contributing to the transition to clean energy systems.
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