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 in which we invite you along into our consortium and the world of thermoplastic composites.
Studio guests talked about our mission, the lab and what our research is currently focusing on. Our valued partners also explained the importance of thermoplastic composites research and the benefits of working closely together with the partners within the consortium. And our researchers explained their research, such as stamp forming and welding. We are thankful for the many people who attended the talk.
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
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 / Lab Operations Coordinator
Lars Niens
Research Engineer
Magnus Gurian
Research Technician
Edwar Boer
Laboratory Support | Procurement
Selma Kalee
Lab Support
Allard Braakhuis
Financial Controller
Matthijs van der Velden
Manager Marketing & PR
Esther van der Veen-Brummelhuis
Marketing & PR
Mayke Klumper
Marketing & PR
Elianne Hopman
Marketing & PR
Hilda Hoekstra
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
