
Why a research center for thermoplastic composites?
The technological challenges faced by industry can be found at various technology and manufacturing levels of readiness. Although specific thermoplastic composite components and substructures are already being applied commercially, there is limited understanding of complex physical mechanisms and phenomena in the use and manufacturing of thermoplastic composites.
Meet the teamThermoPlastic composites Research Center
We, as a unique worldwide research center for thermoplastic composites, believe that a thorough understanding of materials and processes at a fundamental level is required to deliver on the promise of thermoplastic composites as the material of choice for light-weight components. In the TPRC well-known experts in the field of thermoplastic composites work together on increasing knowledge of these materials and of their behavior, product design and processing technologies. Watch this video with the highlights of our expertise and research into thermoplastic composites.
Our main objective is to understand the complex relationships between these fields of interest and implement this knowledge in design guidelines.
We have a relatively short, but rich history. In 10 years, the TPRC has grown into a unique worldwide research center for thermoplastic composites. Check the history.
TPRC Talks episodes
The TPRC Talks are a live, online talk show where we invite you along into our consortium and the world of thermoplastic composites. The TPRC Talks episodes were followed by many people and we received a lot of questions during the live broadcasts.
Studio guests talked about our mission, the lab and what our research is currently focusing on. They also explained how the TPRC works closely together with the partners within the consortium. We also interviewed colleagues who tell about their research.
You can find all the TPRC talks videos on our overview page:
Learn all about the benefits of composites
In this tutorial, the benefits of composites in aircraft are explained by Arnt Offringa, Head of Thermoplastic Composites Technology, Fokker, GKN Aerospace. Arnt is a highly valued ambassador of the TPRC.
This SAMPE Thermoplastics Composites Webinar - Benefits of Composites in Aircraft - is featuring Arnt Offringa, Head of Thermoplastic Composites Technology, Fokker, GKN Aerospace. Captured at 2019 CAMX - The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo.
CompositesNL membership
CompositesNL represents the interests of all organizations in the Netherlands that are involved in the development, manufacture, maintenance, and reuse of products in which composite technology has played a part.
Membership of CompositesNL is valuable, as it brings thermoplastic composites to the attention of parties that could benefit from a more sustainable society. In addition, they represent the entire composites sector towards governments, so that the sector can be put more firmly on the map.
TPC NL - the Smart Industry Fieldlab
TPC NL, the Smart Industry Fieldlab for ThermoPlastic Composites, aims at making thermoplastic composites work for local and (inter-)national industry and thus enhance their economic impact.
TPC NL is a joint development of the TPAC (ThermoPlastic composites Application Center) and the TPRC (ThermoPlastic composites Research Center) both based in Enschede, The Netherlands. This offers a sound base on thermoplastic composite knowledge and expertise and a direct link with industry (both large enterprises and SMEs) and universities (University of Twente and Saxion University of Applied Sciences).
Meet the team!
With our experienced and multidisciplinary team and the experts from partners, we have the capabilities to tackle any problem you may have with regard to thermoplastic composites. Within the TPRC, renowned experts in the field of thermoplastic composites work together to increase knowledge of these materials and their behavior, product design and processing technologies.
Who are the people behind the success of the TPRC? What drives them and what do they dream about? How do they look at the future of thermoplastic composites? Read more about the #TPRCminds.
Are you interested in innovating with the TPRC or would you like to get in touch?

General Manager
Harald Heerink

Scientific Director
Remko Akkerman

Technical Director
Sebastiaan Wijskamp

Senior Research Associate
Wouter Grouve

Senior Research Associate
Laurent Warnet

Senior Research Associate
Ulrich Sachs

Senior Research Associate | Business Developer
Erik Krämer

Research Engineer
Jeroen Houwers

Researcher and Lab Operations Coordinator
Coen Hartjes

Research Engineer
Andres Garcia

Researcher
Marten van der Werff

Research Engineer
Thibault Hernandez

Research Engineer
Simon Veenstra

Research Engineer
Emiel van de Wetering

Research Engineer
Linda Grafen

Research Engineer
Lars Niens

Research Technician
Gert-Jan Nevenzel

Research Technician
Edwar Boer

Laboratory Support | Procurement
Selma Kalee

Financial Controller
Matthijs van der Velden

Manager Marketing & PR
Esther van der Veen-Brummelhuis

Marketing & PR
Sanne Bruggink

Marketing & PR
Mayke Klumper

Marketing & PR
Elianne Hopman

PhD Student
Jagadeesh Narayana Swamy

PhD Student
Ramona Sitohang

PhD Student
Vanessa Marinosci

PhD Student
Sebastiaan van den Berg

PhD Student
Yannick Buser

PhD Student
Dennis Brands

PhD Student
Rens Pierik
