Composites Technology - April 2008
Microspheres: Fillers Filled With Possibilities
These hollow microstructures not only displace a lot of volume at very low weight but also add an abundance of processing and product enhancements.
Of the many fillers now available to composites manufacturers, microspheres, also called microballoons, are the most versatile. To the naked eye, the small, hollow spheres appear like fine powder. Ranging from 12 to 300 µm in diameter (by comparison, a human hair is approximately 75 µm in diameter), microspheres pack a lot of functionality into a very small package. Integrated into composite parts, they provide a variety of product enhancements and process improvements — including low density, improved dimensional stability, increased impact strength, smoother surface finish, greater thermal insulation, easier machinability, faster cycle times, and cost savings. Composite manufacturers, already adept at making the most of their materials, regularly exploit these benefits — sometimes all at once. Read More ...
Features
Bio-Composites Update: Bio-Based Resins Begin to Grow
Substituting agricultural for fossil-based feedstocks in polymer resins is not new, but maturing technology now promises composites less dependent on petrochemicals for their performance.
Engineering Insights: Glass/Thermoplastic Hood Steps Toward Commercialization
The hood design for Hyundai’s QarmaQ concept car is evaluated against European and Japanese pedestrian safety requirements.
Inside Manufacturing: CIPP Lights Way in Buried Pipe Repair
Spiral-wound, UV-curable fiberglass CIPP bests competitors and bears loads in “trenchless” wastewater pipe rehabilitation project.
Building Bridges to Bridge and Building Rehab Markets
Despite a lack of standardization and education in the civil construction sector, these innovators use carbon and steel fibers to reinforce the business case for composites.
About the Cover
Technicians install composite deck panels on a pedestrian bridge, highlighting a growth area for composites identified in CT’s “Infrastructure Update: Building Bridges to Bridge and Building REhab Markets,” in this issue. Source: Composites Advantage LLC
Editorial
Columns
Composites: Past Present & Future: Is the Window Still Open for Carbon Fiber in Automobiles?
News
AWEA: U.S. Wind Power Capacity Surged 45 Percent In 2007
ACCIONA Opens Wind Turbine Plant in U.S.
Vestas Opens Colorado Plant, Announces Big Order
DeepFlex Composite Deepwater FFRP Pipe Begins Commercialization
Paprec-Virbac 2 Wins Barcelona World Race
Biz Brief: Knight & Carver Wind Group Inc.
Auto Show News: From Supercars to Super Green
Reinforced Nylon Replaces Metal in VW Platform
ACA Study Demonstrates Composites’ Benefits in Hybrid EVs
SABIC, Hyundai Win Design Award for QarmaQ Car Concept
Biz Brief: SABIC Innovative Plastics
Tesla Roadster Heads to Production
COMPOSITESWORLD Expo and Conference Update
Biz Brief: Graco buys Glascraft
TechFab Changes Name, Forms Alliance With Denso North America
Biz Brief: Aptimise acquires PCC
TenCate Acquires YLA and CCS Composites
ACI To Build Fiberglass Sculpture
Owens Corning, Saint-Gobain Plants Sold/Closed in Wake of Merger
Hexion Extends Termination Date on Huntsman Merger
ACMA Proposes FRP Inclusion In IBC
Application
Cast polymer concrete structures save city’s sewers
A faster, more stable Olympic dinghy
New Products & Literature
Electrically heated batch ovens
Aerospace, automotive component tester
Material dispense valves catalog
