Materials Science

In the area of materials science, Swerea SICOMP develops new material concepts, and evaluates and optimizes existing material solutions. What guides all of our work is the demand from industry for light, energy-efficient, robust and environmentally friendly load-bearing structures. This work is aided by advanced computation models for optimizing material properties. The results are verified by practical testing in our testing laboratory. The lab is equipped for mechanical testing of small test pieces and large structures up to 10 metres in length. We have access to a range of analysis equipment including, for example, microscopes, rheometers, DSC, density meters and equipment for ultrasound scanning (C-scan). Examples of three current research areas:

• Bio-based composites – We develop structural composites that are made from bio-based raw materials.
• Nanomodified fibre composites – We develop methods for improving conventional fibre composites by adding nanoparticles (carbon nanotubes, nanocellulose, clay).
• Structural capacitors and batteries – We develop new composite materials that can store and release electrical energy i.e., that function both as load-bearing structures and batteries.