CW Blog

Space

Nanomaterials optimize performance of space-ready carbon fiber composite panels

A recent ESA project led by Adamant Composites aimed to mature nanomaterial-enhanced CFRP for lighter weight, more thermally and electrically conductive materials for manufacturing satellite structures.

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Editorial

Up, not out: The next chapter of CompositesWorld

I have been editor-in-chief of CompositesWorld for 17 years, which translates into a lot of editorials. This will be my last as I become publisher of CW. We welcome Scott Francis back to the brand to take my place.

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Work In Progress

Large-diameter composite pipe repairs Detroit sewage system

QuakeWrap's 16-foot-diameter FRP pipes will transfer more than half of Detroit's sewage from a pump station.

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Fabrics/Preforms

Understanding vacuum bagging layers in production, repair

Recognizing the functions of each layer in a vacuum bag schedule can help users discover what vacuum bag schedules work best for their application.

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Automotive

Jeep all-composite roof receivers achieve steel performance at low mass

Ultrashort carbon fiber/PPA replaces steel on rooftop brackets to hold Jeep soft tops, hardtops.

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Work In Progress

Ultra-lightweight skis demonstrate potential of graphene-reinforced composites

With a graphene additive, Folsom Custom Skis evolved and optimized the material makeup of its carbon fiber composite touring skis for higher performance at a lighter weight.      

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Wind/Energy

JEC World 2023 highlights: Recyclable resins, renewable energy solutions, award-winning automotive

CW technical editor Hannah Mason recaps some of the technology on display at JEC World, including natural, bio-based or recyclable materials solutions, innovative automotive and renewable energy components and more.

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Economics

GBI: Composites Fabricating contracted in April

The Gardner Business Index closed April down 1.1 points, continuing its journey from expansion in February, to flat in March and ultimately contracting in April.

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Plant Tours

Plant tour: Airtech International, Springfield, Tenn., U.S.

Fifty years of supplying materials for composites manufacturing includes custom fabrication and now aims to advance 3D-printed tooling, parts and new resins.

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Bonding

JEC World 2023 highlights: Recycling, biocomposites, smaller equipment and expanding brands

CW senior technical editor Ginger Gardiner addresses some of this year’s hot topics, ranging from novel biocomposites and recycling technology solutions from myriad startups to upgraded, but equally sustainable, equipment from well-established companies.  

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Application

Running shoe insoles get a lift with thermoplastic fiberglass tapes

FlexSpring insoles take advantage of unidirectional, continuous fiberglass and thermoplastics to enable next-level performance for the everyday runner.

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Core

A new generation of PP foam core for lightweight truck trailers, RVs

Extruded PP (XPP) foam core offers lightweight, high-performance monomaterial panels that are easily recycled for truck flooring, sidewalls or cabinet/furnitureboards as the transportation industry seeks a replacement for plywood.

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Quickly Make Molds, Tools and Fixtures
Composite raw materials
Alpha’s Premier ESR®
prepeg and slit tape products