Sara Black Senior Technical Editor Emeritus
Sara Black, a senior editor with CompositesWorld, has been with the magazine, and its predecessor magazines, since 1999. She is responsible for developing and writing content for the print magazine and CompositesWorld’s website. Prior to 1999, she wrote technical content for two subscription-based magazines covering air, water and soil pollution remediation.
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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Additive manufacturing speeds wind tunnel model creation
A new composite material was developed to 3D-print a helicopter model that met structural needs while providing flexibility for fast reproduction.
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Ballistic panels protect school
A composites manufacturer has developed military-grade pultruded panels that are being used to protect schools in case of violent intruders.
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Architectural cladding composite unveiled
Arcitell, a manufacturer of residential siding products, has unveiled a lightweight fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) panel that replicates traditional brick, stone or wood siding.
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U.K. research program explores aligned discontinuous fiber prepreg
A research program in the U.K. is attempting to achieve a fundamental step-change in the composites industry.
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Multimaterial carbon fiber composite engine brace
The project’s aim was to produce a lighter, composite version of an aluminum Audi engine brace, with a more aesthetic molded shape.
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Proving viability of dry fabrics, infusion for large aerostructures
Danobat’s ADMP is used to produce a wing demonstrator with non-crimp fabrics.
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Combining materials for better bicycles
Bicycle manufacturer HIA Velo combines composite materials to make its products more durable.
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JEC World 2019 Preview
The JEC World trade show and conference, the largest composites event in the world, will be held at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center, March 12-14, 2019.
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Making better composite bikes, Part 2
My latest blog, about HIA Velo bicycles, concerned the use of high molecular weight polypropylene (HMWPP) combined with carbon fiber for more durable bicycle frames. But there’s more to cover on this topic: bicycle rims (wheels) that combine carbon and HMWPP for greater toughness.
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Going discontinuous, for continuous improvement
The HiPerDiF (High Performance Discontinuous Fibre) project is exploring an alternate way of producing high-performance carbon fiber composites: start with discontinuous, rather than continuous fibers.
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