Composites Technology - August 2007
Reinforced Thermoplastics: LFRT vs. GMT
As the suppliers of long fiber-reinforced thermoplastics and glass-mat thermoplastics battle for market supremacy, the winner is … the composites OEM.
Once upon a time, glass-mat thermoplastic (GMT) composites were nearly the only option for engineers searching for increased stiffness, strength, and toughness in a polymeric material with a melt-reprocessable matrix, moderate costs, industrial-scale production capabilities and relatively thin cross-sections. Filled and short fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, primarily nylon were limited to small, nonstructural parts that could be injection molded. Read More ...
Features
Engineering Insights: BMC Creates New Dimensions in Underhood Apps
Specially formulated material enables production of high-tolerance automotive engine air intake component.
Inside Manufacturing: Tooling Method Replicates Intricate Woodgrain in Fiberglass Doors
Toolmaker becomes molder to offer the beauty of natural wood and the durability and weatherability of composites to residential entry door OEMs.
Reinforced Thermoplastics: LFRT/GMT Roundup
Recent advancements in these reinforced thermoplastic technologies are expanding their performance, enabling new applications.
SPE’s Automotive Composites Conference
The Society’s Automotive and Composites Divisions’ annual fete adds new features.
About the Cover
Inline systems that combine compounding of fiber, resin and additives with either injection molding (picured) or compression molding processes are among the many significant developments driving growth in the use of long-fiber thermoplastics.
Editorial
Columns
Composites: Past, Present & Future: Marine Composites Training and Education, Part I
Composites for Construction: Using Composite Materials to Strengthen Reinforced Concrete, Part II
News
SGL Group, Benteler Plan Automotive Joint Venture
Biz Brief: Beluga Composites Corp.
COMPOSITESWORLD to Launch North American Composites Trade Event and Conferences
New Study Pegs Glass Fiber Demand at 8.1 Billion lb in 2011
SGL Group Adds Third Carbon Fiber Production Line
Hexion Trumps Basell in Huntsman Takeover Effort
JPS acquires Hexcel’s Fiberglass and Aramid Businesses
Maine Advanced Technology Center Officially Opens Its Doors
Marine Brief: Alinghi Retains America's Cup
Biz Brief: Menzolit-Fibron GmbH
Wind Blade Manufacturer Plans Facility in Arkansas
Suzlon Acquires Repower, Signs Series of Wind turbine Deals
Owens Corning to Sell Plants, Looks to Buy Saint-Gobain Vetrotex
Zoltek, Dewind Sign Long-term Carbon Fiber Agreement
FRPCS8 a Showcase for Composites in Concrete Reinforcement
Strategic Partnership to Market Multiaxials in Wind Power Arena
Application
New hybrid electric bus takes advantage of composites
New Products & Literature
Dispenser for viscous materials
Multifunctional dispersion aid
Low-gloss polyurethane release
Terephthalic resin for pultrusion
Sprayable vacuum bag, film adhesive
Automatic pattern digitization
