CW Blog
Mechanical testing of textile composites
Standardized mechanical testing methods abound, but they often focus on composites with unidirectional layers. Here are some modifications to common test methods for testing textile composites.
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Index activity expands, led by production
The Composites Fabricating Index for May 2019 came in at 53.3, led higher by production activity.
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Acrylonitrile from biomass scales up
Affordable, sustainable, efficient manufacture of biomass-based acrylonitrile — the primary feedstock of carbon fiber production — is leaving the lab and entering the real world.
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Cutting the cost and time of tooling for composites
New 360 material achieves CFRP/Invar tool performance with less investment.
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The future of composites: The next generation
Columnist Dale Brosius reflects on what professional societies like SPE and SAMPE are doing to engage the next generation of composites leaders.
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Thermoplastic primary aerostructures take another step forward
Employing new manufacturing techniques and the design freedom they create, GKN Fokker has joined forces with Gulfstream to assess thermoplastic composites for primary aircraft structures.
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Evolving AFP for the next generation
‘Aerospace quality at automotive pace’ is the mantra of the supply chain being developed for next-generation commercial aircraft. Automation is evolving to meet the challenge.
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Nanomaterial types and definitions
Nanomaterials range in size, material, characteristics and usage in composites manufacturing. Provided here are types and definitions of those currently available.
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Nanomaterials: Products, supply chain mature for next-gen composites
Development spans 3D and thermoplastic nanocomposites, nano-CMCs for hypersonics and nanomaterials safety and toxicity.
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2019 Paris Air Show: Highlights
The 2019 Paris Air Show may have lacked the glamour of a new aircraft program announcement, but the composites industry represented is clearly gearing up for next-generation aerospace manufacturing.
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Natural fiber composites: What’s holding them back?
Natural fiber reinforcements have been available for some time, but factors such as compatibility with current processes and geographic availability continue to limit widespread use.
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FRP pultrusions replace wood for structural applications
Unlike wood, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) is unaffected by salt spray, moisture or prolonged immersion in water, making it a good material choice for structural applications in harsh environments.
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