Sustainability
Trends fueling the composites recycling movement
Various recycling methods are being considered for composites, from novel dismantling and processing, to building capacity and demonstrating secondary use applications.
Grace Nehls
Senior Managing Editor, CompositesWorld
USPTO issues patent for fully circular thermoset resin, stems from UC Santa Barbara Research
Fully cured thermoset resin solubilizes on demand and under benign conditions, allowing for up to 100 wt% recovery of fibers in composites, including carbon fiber. The circularity is driven by a bio-based alternative to BPA.
Read MoreNotox surfboards harness flax fiber for wave surfing competition
Libeco flax, Airbus rCF fabrics, Sicomin GreenPoxy bioresins and an agave core form a heavy, robust surfboard custom-designed for Clément Roseyro in this year’s Nazaré Big Waves Surf event.
Read MoreSAMPE Europe extends deadline for Young Engineer’s Challenge
Young engineers in the advanced materials field are encouraged to demonstrate and justify sustainability improvements to composite products/components. All participants must register by Dec. 20, 2024.
Read MoreCW reflects on 2024 and looks ahead to 2025
This year placed growing emphasis on sustainable materials and processes in composites manufacturing. What trends will be top of mind for the composites community in 2025?
Read MoreAll-recycled, needle-punched nonwoven CFRP slashes carbon footprint of Formula 2 seat
Dallara and Tenowo collaborate to produce a race-ready Formula 2 seat using recycled carbon fiber, reducing CO2 emissions by 97.5% compared to virgin materials.
Read MoreConstruction begins for UMaine sustainability research facility
The Green Engineering and Materials (GEM) building will serve as space for an additive, hybrid manufacturing test bed, future workforce training, and bio-based materials and sustainable technologies development.
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Research shows feasting fungi could shake up carbon fiber recycling
Recovered benzoic acid from CFRP matrix breakdown can be “consumed” by genetically modified fungi, enabling high-value reclamation of both the fiber and the matrix.
Grace Nehls
Senior Managing Editor, CompositesWorld
Biomaterials make strides toward composites sustainability
A compilation of trends in development or application of natural fibers, bio-based resins and more showcases industry players, educational institutes and global projects.
Read MoreBIOntier project studies multi-sector biocomposites development
Thirty-six month project will develop, demonstrate,and validate the efficacy of bio-based composite products, which will underlie future technologies for automotive, aerospace, hydrogen and water treatment.
Read MoreNASA selects Electra for hybrid-electric aircraft concepts in AACES 2050 Program
Electra will identify and deliver various concepts and technologies for future sustainable commercial airline development, which could enter service by mid-century.
Read MoreMarineShift360 project launches new initiatives for marine industry sustainability
Life cycle assessment (LCA) tool and Industry Accelerator and University Outreach programs are designed to fast-track decarbonization as regulatory frameworks tighten and consumer demand for sustainability grows.
Read MoreMikrosam robotic filament winding cell to aid Cidetec composites projects
Delivery of the single-spindle robotic setup with an ATP head will advance the R&D organization’s work in CUBIC, GENEX and Carbo4power initiatives targeting sustainable composites development.
Read MoreCorebon, Composite Braiding partner to enhance TPC manufacturing
Collaboration aims to overcome production limitations with tubular thermoplastic composites (TPC) by using induction-heated tooling and high-quality commingled braids.
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PUR composite sandwich panels for 3D automotive parts, high-volume panels and more
At its U.S. sites, Ascorium produces glass fiber/PUR 3D parts via semi-automated molding, high-volume flat panels via a continuous line while working toward bio-based PUR and recycling.
Hannah Mason
Technical Editor, CompositesWorld
Changing future outcomes with the materials of the future
This past October was plagued with a series of unfortunate natural disasters that, amidst ongoing travel for CW, has provided a poignant reminder of composites’ importance in facing future events.
Read MoreNlcomp is selected as a World Sailing award finalist for rComposite
Third World Sailing award nomination highlights the company’s focus on marine innovation using sustainable composite materials.
Read MoreEvolving natural fiber technology to meet industry sustainability needs
From flax fiber composite boats to RV exterior panels to a circularity model with partnerships in various end markets, Greenboats strives toward its biomaterials and sustainable composites vision in an ever-changing market.
Read MoreU.K. composite experts join SCALE-UP project supporting net-zero automotive tech
Advanced Propulsion Centre funding backs JLR, Helicoid, iCOMAT, Lineat Composites and others as they accelerate the growth of the U.K. automotive composite supply chain.
Read MoreBladder-assisted compression molding derivative produces complex, autoclave-quality automotive parts
HP Composites’ AirPower technology enables high-rate CFRP roof production with 50% energy savings for the Maserati MC20.
Read MoreEnvalior launches Pocan PBT compounds range with bio-based BDO
Used cooking oil is used as a base material for the PBT precursor and certified under ISCC PLUS. Recycled fiberglass content can be added for additional carbon footprint reduction.
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ILAuNCH explores 100% bio-epoxy resin suitability for space
Three partner universities in Australia aim to mature research for Change Climate’s Byoxy bio-epoxy resin formulation, relying on environmental simulation testing and structural composites expertise.
Read MoreEvonik publishes life cycle assessment data in online database
Evonik has made LCA information available for its High Performance Polymers Plastics database, which incorporates its fiber-reinforced and transparent polyamide products.
Read MoreAsahi Kasei, Aquafil develop 3D printing material combining cellulose nanofiber, recycled PA6
Available as a pellet or filament, the material is said to exhibit formability and strength properties suitable for automotive and aerospace applications.
Read MoreTechnikum Laubholz opens pilot plant for wood-based carbon fibers
First production phase of WDBSD CF offers sustainable alternative for high-performance composites.
Read MoreEuReComp webinar to highlight chemical recycling of CFRPs
Free online webinar taking place Oct. 23, 2024 provides insights into the circularity of large composite structures, coinciding with EuReComp’s new survey launch focused on improving thermoset composites.
Read MoreMaking an effort to move industry forward
A reflection on the insights, connections and collaboration afforded by attending composite industry events like SPE ACCE and CAMX.
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