Bringing the Nordics together on sustainable composites

Students, researchers and industry experts from across the Nordic countries recently gathered for the very first Nordic Composites Symposium, where the latest advances in polymer composite materials took centre stage. Luleå University of Technology organised the event in collaboration with SuPRA – a national collaborative initiative for sustainable plastics use.

Over the course of two days, participants met in Piteå for inspiring discussions on how advanced composite materials can contribute to more sustainable and high-performance solutions in fields ranging from vehicles and aerospace to energy and electrification. With a packed programme, international keynote speakers and a strong focus on innovation, the symposium became a meeting place for the materials research of tomorrow.

"Polymers and composites play a key role in the transition to a more sustainable society. We need materials that are strong, lightweight and recyclable," says Patrik Fernberg, Professor of Polymer Composite Materials at Luleå University of Technology.

A new initiative for collaboration and excellence

This was the first time the Nordic Composites Symposium was held, and given the positive outcome, there is much to suggest it could become a recurring forum. By initiating a new Nordic network for composite research, the university demonstrates both its commitment and its leading role in the field.

"Launching a symposium like this shows that we are a key player in this field, both nationally and internationally. It is also a way of promoting knowledge exchange and creating new collaborations," says Patrik Fernberg.

Among the speakers were representatives from Imperial College London, the Leibniz Institute in Dresden, and Swedish universities including KTH, Chalmers and Linköping University. Industry was also well represented, with contributions from companies such as Baltic Yachts, Safran Group and Graphmatech.

Patrik Fernberg (right) lectures during the symposium

Sustainability in the next generation of materials

A recurring theme throughout the symposium was how composite materials can be developed with both performance and environmental considerations in mind. Presentations ranged from bio-based and recyclable solutions to smart materials with energy storage capabilities.

"We are seeing a growing need for sustainable material solutions across society. The research at our university is not only about understanding the materials – we also develop processes to produce them in an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly way," says Patrik Fernberg.

• Polymeric composite materials