Dr. Ruiz developed the new thermomechanical test cell -- better known as the HFC200 (heat flow cell) -- as part of a research project for the Canada Research Chair in High- Performance Composite Design and Manufacturing, whose work is supported in part by the Canada Foundation for Innovation and Areva's 01db-Metravib. This tool will be used to more effectively analyze the thermal, mechanical and chemical properties of resins during the process of polymerization.

The new cell, which incorporates three measurement systems (a differential calorimeter, a mechanical vibration analyzer and a thermomechanical analyzer), allows the formerly three-to-four-month process to take place in one day. The simultaneous analysis will generate significant productivity gains and reduce the manufacturing time of high-performance composite parts.

The discovery not only represents an important step forward in understanding how resins behave during processing: it will also enable ongoing quality control during manufacturing, thereby reducing the risk of defects. The HFC200 cell was presented for the first time in late March at the JEC Composites Show in Paris.

This precision instrument, currently used mainly in aeronautics and aerospace, is sure to expand into other advanced fields in the years to come. Worth watching!

Congratulations to Professor Ruiz on this fine discovery!

To read about Professor Ruiz's expertise: http://www.polymtl.ca/recherche/rc/en/professeurs/details.php?NoProf=316