The Irish Centre for Composites Research (IComp), hosted by the Materials and Surface Science Institute at the University of Limerick, has appointed Dr Terry McGrail to the role of Director and Technology Leader. IComp is the leading composites research centre in Ireland and works in partnership with industry across the whole of Ireland to undertake the R&D needed to compete in this high-tech industry. The aim of IComp is to transform Irish participation in the composites industry by focusing on the critical requirements of the aerospace, automotive, renewable energy generation and construction sectors.

Dr McGrail has a long career in research and development for the polymers and composites industries at an international level. In 2001, he joined Cytec Engineered Materials Ltd, a world leader in the supply of composites, adhesives and carbon fibre into aerospace, as the Director of Strategic Research & Technology.

Speaking on the significance of the competence centre for Irish industry, Dr McGrail said; “Growth in the sector focuses on cheaper and more efficient materials. Composite materials are lightweight, require little maintenance and have longevity compared to most metals. Also, they are becoming increasingly cost-effective as the prices of metals and energy escalate. Composites are an essential tool for meeting the challenges of global warming and the world’s energy supply. Their use is rising exponentially in many industrial sectors. Significant new opportunities exist for Ireland in this growing market not least because of its skilled workforce and natural resources, such as wind and water for renewable energy. The role of IComp is to ensure that the best scientific and technological support is available to industry across all the relevant sectors ranging from aerospace to road furniture.”  

As Technical Director of the Composites Centre at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) at the University of Sheffield, Dr McGrail worked  in partnership with other centres of manufacturing research excellence across the UK and globally. Dr McGrail has 45 scientific publications and over 40 patents to his name. The patents have ring-fenced areas of science and technology for ICI and Cytec and have resulted in the creation of composite materials which are now industry standard for the construction of aircraft and Formula 1 cars.  

Composite materials have been a major focus of research at UL for nearly two decades and a key aspect of the research conducted in the Materials and Surface Science Institute (MSSI). UL has worked with almost every major aerospace company in Europe on more than 35 funded research projects, including 14 funded by the EU.  The reputation built up through these projects has led to directly funded contracts from Airbus, EADS and Bombardier Aerospace.  

The University of Limerick is fortunate to possess the best research infrastructure for composites in the country, with additional, state-of-the-art equipment acquired through a recent €1.5 million investment in laboratory facilities.  Through the investments in infrastructure and the development of world-leading expertise in this field, UL is well equipped to lead a research programme which will support innovation and development in the composites industry at a national and global level.

IComp will provide a national focal point for world-class composites research, innovation and technology transfer, with a research agenda set by Irish industrial partners including ÉireComposites, Henkel Ireland, Bombardier Aerospace, Element Six, Tyco Electronics,  Cavanagh Foundry, Burgmann Packings, Wellman International, Garlester, BE Aerospace, Scott Bader and Axis Composites.

The Irish Centre for Composites Research is an Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland Competence Centre initiative.

Further information about the Irish Centre for Composites Research (IComp) is available here.