Wind energy and vacuum infusion is one of the biggest opportunities today for the composites industry according to Reinier Jansen, Business Development Wind Energy, at Lantor BV. As well as blade manufacture, vacuum infusion is now also being used in nacelle production. 10 March 2010
An answer to the problem of lacquer deterioration on visible carbon composite components has been developed by automotive technology and specialist manufacturing company Prodrive – eliminate the lacquer completely. As well as increasing cosmetic durability and reducing cost, the new process delivers an exceptional surface finish that is thought to be at least equivalent to the best lacquered finishes. Martyn Roberts explains. 08 March 2010
Flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) equipment is a big user of fibre reinforced plastic (FRP). Robert McIlvaine of The McIlvaine Company describes the current status and future prospects for FRP in this market. 01 March 2010
Technology for extracting power from waves is still very much at the developmental stage, but it is already well known that devices in which the waves set up an oscillation work better if they can achieve resonance with the ‘forcing’ impulse i.e. the waves. In fact, exploiting the resonance phenomenon can amplify harvested wave power several times over what it would otherwise be. George Marsh investigates. 19 February 2010
Scott Reeve of Composite Advantage LLC takes a look at the benefits and barriers for FRP in bridge construction and outlines where FRP bridge technology provides a good fit for today’s market needs. 15 February 2010
There is good news in the wind for proponents of wind power. Wind turbine capacity has been increasing dramatically, and the unit cost of power generated by wind energy is expected to drop further. Much of this will continue to be credited to China’s efforts, according to a new report from the Global Intelligence Alliance. 15 February 2010
The manufacture of wind turbine blades has been based on thermoset composite technology, but thermoplastic composites could offer recyclability and other advantages. George Marsh reports on the current research going on into thermoplastic turbine blades. 08 February 2010
The demand for bigger wind turbines, powered by longer blades, has placed many challenges on the blade manufacturers and their suppliers. Paul Langemeier, Director, Global Market Development, and Christoph Scheuer, Market Development Manager, of Hexion Speciality Chemicals, review the history of blade manufacture and the challenges facing resin manufacturers today. 01 February 2010
The offshore wind industry has already garnered government support and is increasingly piquing the interest of the private sector thanks to its ability to contribute significantly to the European renewable energy targets of 2020. As installed capacity continues to grow, and market share increases, the banking sector will continue to become progressively more involved in this industry. 25 January 2010
Jeremy Tait of BVG Associates brings readers up-to-date with the vision for the UK offshore wind industry and offers perspectives on what this might mean as a business opportunity for the UK composites sector. 25 January 2010
Despite the current lull in demand for carbon fibres from high-volume users, the range of manufacturing applications for carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) continues to expand in the face of new demands for lighter, stronger and higher-performing products. Richard Stewart examines the markets for CFRP composites and how the manufacturers of carbon fibres are riding out the economic storm. 15 January 2010
This is it. 2009 is the year to get serious about climate change, the greatest challenge of our age. World leaders meeting in Copenhagen need to reach an ambitious progressive post-2012 climate agreement. But vague promises and finger pointing will not cut it this time, cautions Steve Sawyer of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). 14 December 2009
Alan Harper, closed mould specialist at MVP Ltd, is a well-know expert in resin transfer moulding (RTM) technology. Reinforced Plastics asked him for his views on the future of this processing technique. 07 December 2009
Sally Sinai, Technical Support Manager at ITW Plexus, discusses the issues that should be considered before designing joints that will be bonded together with structural adhesives. 30 November 2009
The renewable energy industry suffers from intermittent wind but the conditions can be cured. That, at least is the tenor of a number of recent studies and reports. Even transmission operators who previously had serious reservations about wind energy are now thinking hard about dealing with the variable nature of wind power. As George Marsh discovers, most believe that the problem can be managed. 30 November 2009
COMPOSITES EUROPE 2009 took place in Stuttgart on 27-29 October. We review the show news. 23 November 2009
– WEB EXCLUSIVE – Mike and Pam Brady report from the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Composites Conference and Exposition (ACCE) held in suburban Detroit, Michigan, USA, on 15-16 September 2009. 16 November 2009
As we anticipate the long-awaited first flight of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, George Marsh reviews the history of this high-profile composites project. 09 November 2009
The Australian renewable energy industry faces a colossal threat of sudden extinction. Last week, the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) price dived to AU$23 after spending recent months hovering at AU$38. This is well below the AU$50/REC enjoyed only four months ago, and poses severe problems for the renewable energy industry, writes Warwick Johnston of SunWiz consulting. 30 October 2009
If you are a foreign investor contemplating investment in the burgeoning wind energy generation business in the United States, beware of CFIUS!! No, this is not a disease, but a regulatory provision of US law that has a direct impact on any foreign investment involving national security. 29 October 2009
Following the publication by the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) of its annual statistical report, Reinforced Plastics interviewed leading officers of the organisation in order find out what the future holds for the US composites market and what role the organisation will play in that future. 28 October 2009
Steve Sawyer pieces together the frenetic events that took place in June in Egypt, which saw the official creation of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). 27 October 2009
As an early convert to renewable energy as a business, the founder of Ernst & Young’s renewable energy, waste and cleantech unit - and originator of the Ernst & Young Country Attractiveness Indices - Jonathan Johns, looks at what the recession really means for renewables, and where we go from here. 13 October 2009
Reinforced Plastics takes a look at what's happening at this year's show, which is being held in Stuttgart, Germany, on 27-29 October. 12 October 2009
James Malcolm, Business Development Engineer at Belzona Polymerics Ltd, discusses the use of composites technology in the repair of steel pipes. 06 October 2009
The 11th Renewable Energy Finance Forum, presented by Euromoney Energy Events in London, kicked off on 21 September 2009. 06 October 2009
George Marsh looks at the composites expertise of Baltic Yachts. 29 September 2009
A new generation of FRP products enable many construction repair and retrofit projects which are not possible with conventional laminates or the wet lay-up systems. Professor Mo Ehsani, President of QuakeWrap Inc, discusses the benefits of ‘super laminates.’ 22 September 2009
Huntsman Advanced Materials GmbH, Switzerland, has developed a nano-hardened epoxy adhesive paste, Araldite EP1000AB, which is said to have outstanding mechanical characteristics for bonding and repairing aircraft structures of metal and composite materials. 20 September 2009
Turkey has a growing economy, a strategic location for international trade, and it is in negotiations to join the European Union. We take a look at the country’s composites industry. 15 September 2009
Andrew Gilpin, product development manager at AMAMCO Tool, discusses the factors to take into account when selecting a tool to cut and machine composite materials. 08 September 2009
A House committee has started the legislative ball rolling to develop a more coordinated, substantial US wind energy research program, reports Steve Barlas. 03 September 2009
George Marsh investigates the use of FRP pipes in water and sewage applications. 01 September 2009
A marine power technology company like Atlantis Resources Corp says governments should focus on supporting developers in the short term through offsetting the cost of proving 1 MW+ systems for at least 24 months 01 September 2009
An all British consortium has been given the green light to develop a unique vertical axis winged aero-generator turbine, with substantial funding from the Energy Technologies Institute (ETi). 27 August 2009
David Bieniak of Huntsman Advanced Materials, Australia, looks at the techniques available to prepare the surfaces of thermoplastic and thermosetting materials prior to bonding. 24 August 2009
BASF has developed new epoxy resin systems specifically to aid the production of composite rotor blades for wind turbines. These products allow for significantly shorter cycle times and so increase productivity. Dr Gregor Daun, Business Manager Epoxy Systems, BASF's Intermediates Division, explains how they work. 14 August 2009
At every meeting I attend the wind advocates complain that the utilities do not understand the importance of wind to the economy and climate change. They focus on the fact that they are the most commercially viable clean energy source available today. That the industry needs them and that the wind machines are very reliable. In all cases they are right, but it is time for them to cool it. 10 August 2009
José Luis Briceño, director of Industry and Technology at the Trade Commission of Spain gives us some facts and figures from Spain’s renewables sector 24 July 2009
S. Sundaram reviews the potential applications for composite materials in the large construction industry of the Gulf countries. 20 July 2009
Corrosive fluids and the high pressures required for the extraction of geothermal water turn geothermal power generation into a technical challenge. To ensure that geothermal power stations are both safe and cost-effective, TÜV SÜD experts analyse the individual risks and opportunities present at geothermal locations and advise plant owners and operators at every stage from planning through construction to operation. 20 July 2009
German development services provider Bertrandt AG offers model and tooling making expertise to the automotive and aviation sectors. 14 July 2009
Stefan Bachstein, Technical Director of the LAMILUXplan Fiber Reinforced Composites Division at LAMILUX Heinrich Strunz GmbH, discusses how reinforced plastic composites can be used to produce energy-efficient vehicles. 12 July 2009
The global recession has caused quite a downturn in the fibreglass reinforced plastic (FRP) corrosion market. Since last year, backlogs have reduced dramatically and the chemical process industry has significantly cut maintenance spending. In addition, the power market is off by more than 50% from where it was two years ago. Have we hit the bottom yet? The consensus seems to be yes, but when will we see an upturn? 10 July 2009
Predicting real-time energy yields is critical to ensuring that urban wind turbines are designed, constructed and installed in the most viable manner. In the second of a series of three articles on urban wind energy, Bill Holdsworth looks at predicting the energy yield, and architectural solutions. 07 July 2009
Huber’s MoldX™ grades give the formulator new environmentally-friendly flame retardant (FR) choices for achieving higher loading levels without sacrificing compound manufacturing properties. Don Mills of Huber Engineered Materials explains. 05 July 2009
Paul Rhodes, Vice President, Marketing, IDI Composites International reports on a grade of bulk moulding compound (BMC) that has achieved the highest temperature rating ever given by Underwriters Laboratories to a thermoset composite. 04 July 2009
Although boat fires are less common than fires on land, they can have devastating consequences when they break out. With the luxury superyacht industry demanding ever greater fire protection, newly-formed company Superyacht Tenders Ltd stepped up to the challenge when developing its latest range of high-quality ribs and tenders. Graham Harvey, Business Manager Marine, Gurit, reports. 01 July 2009
Steve Sawyer reports back from some notable events, including the second (of 6) negotiating sessions leading up to the UNFCCC cop 15 in Copenhagen, where the world is supposed to agree a new comprehensive global agreement to combat climate change … 01 July 2009
– WEB EXCLUSIVE – Danish company Barsmark is using production waste from wind turbine blade manufacture to make products for new applications. René Bennyson explains the company’s focus on recycled products. 12 June 2009
Automated production of tanks, pipes, spheres, golf club shafts and other hollow symmetrical structures made of reinforced plastics are a natural fit for the filament winding process. Even non-symmetrical windings such as wind turbine blades and aircraft components are wound using advanced design and control software. 02 June 2009
With increasing use of renewables in the electricity sector, overcoming the intermittency of for example wind and solar is key. James Tipping and Duncan Sinclair at UK energy consultancy Redpoint Energy investigate the use of marine energy to combat intermittency. 22 May 2009
Prepregs – reinforcing materials pre-impregnated with resin and ready to use to produce composite parts – are growing in popularity among all segments of the composites industry due to their versatility, high fibre content and wide selection. We report on new developments in prepreg technology and applications in which prepreg materials are being used. 21 May 2009
The wind power market has been a huge success story for the composites industry. Is the developing wave and tidal energy sector going to prove the same? 14 May 2009
Two large diameter tanks for hydrochloric acid and nickel chloride storage have been fabricated in Mexico and shipped to the Pacific Rim. GRP construction offered lower cost than high-end alloys for this application and is relatively friendly for repairs and modifications, given the remote location of the jobsite. Alfred L. Newberry of Fiberglass Engineering Mechanics discusses the project. 06 May 2009
Sébastien Taillemite of Cray Valley and Rick Pauer of CCP explain how improved vinyl ester resins and processing techniques are creating more opportunities for composites in corrosion resistant applications such as flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) equipment, wind turbine blades and infrastructure products. 01 May 2009
We report on the tremendous potential for growth that carbon fibre represents and the innovative processing techniques and production advances that make the use of these high-performance reinforcements practical for applications in industries which have previously considered them a luxury they could not afford. 29 April 2009
Reinforced Plastics investigates the tricky, and increasingly topical, problem of recycling carbon fibre reinforced composites. 22 April 2009
GE Aviation's site at Hamble, alongside Southampton Water on the UK's south coast, has a heritage to be proud of, but it is to the future that Mike Neave, VP Engineering and Business Development, Aerostructures, firmly directs his gaze. And that future, it seems, will be largely based on composites. George Marsh reports. 15 April 2009
An ultrasound imaging camera, which is faster and easier to use than conventional ultrasonic testing techniques, has been developed by Imperium Inc. Bob Lasser describes how it works and its potential applications. 08 April 2009
Understanding the fundamentals of the wind energy industry, and its past successes and failures, is key to investing in wind power and making profits in the sector. Nick Hodge, co-author of a new book that helps investors invest in the renewable energy sector, takes a look at the risks and opportunities associated with investing in wind power. 03 April 2009
How much wind power was installed, and where, in 2008? In total, global wind energy capacity surged by 28.8% - another record year for new installations. The United States passed Germany to become the number one market in wind power, and China’s total capacity doubled for the fourth year in a row. 03 April 2009
John O’Connor, Director of Product and Market Strategy, VISTAGY, discusses the challenges involved in maximising the potential of composites in aircraft applications. 02 April 2009
Philipp Angst, Product Manager Core Materials, and Roman Gätzi, Manager Technical Services Core Materials, Alcan Airex AG, discuss the company's Hybrid Core Concept® for sandwich structures. 02 April 2009
US boat builder Hodgdon Yachts employed thermoformed core material and a cold moulding infusion process to construct its new 65’ carbon composite yacht. Matthew Bodoff, SP Technical Sales Representative, reports. 02 April 2009
George Marsh looks at the high speed composite boats used by law enforcement agencies. 02 April 2009
The types of core materials available for composite sandwich structures and the specific properties and benefits they provide. 25 March 2009
Fuel economy has become a priority for car buyers around the globe and automotive OEMs have intensified their efforts to lightweight their products for improved mileage. The benefits of composites are looking better than ever to car makers. 12 March 2009
Ship and boat builders (many superyachts are more ship than boat) are achieving superyacht distinction and augmenting seaworthiness by placing composite superstructures on hulls of steel or aluminium. 11 March 2009
After successfully weavings its path through the two chambers of Congress in the USA, President Obama has signed into law the hugely-ambitious (and some would say risky) American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, worth US$787 billion, and including around US$43 billion for energy. 01 March 2009
Originally driven by innovation in the aerospace and motorsport sectors, the steady growth of composite prepreg tooling shows no sign of slowing. Andrew Dugmore and Jed Illsley of Amber Composites discuss the manufacture of composite tooling. 01 March 2009
Fernando Castro, Zyvax Europe Sales Manager, explains why mould surface conditioning is a major contribution towards obtaining a flawless part release. 01 March 2009
This year's JEC Composites Show takes place on 24-26 March in Paris. In our preview we take a look at some of the developments on display. 01 March 2009
Reinforced Plastics' 2008 supplement features articles on the application of composites in the key markets of marine, aerospace and construction. 27 February 2009
Renewable energy in China has a promising future, but more incentives are needed, write Geoffrey D. Mullen and Weidong Wang at Grandall Legal Group. 23 February 2009
Vacuum bagging for resin infusion can be time consuming, and understanding how and why can save you a lot of time and money. As the use of the process has become more widespread, the range of techniques employed and products offered has greatly expanded. Greater choice provides greater opportunities for improved performance and more cost effective manufacture. Philip Lunn of Airtech Europe explains. 16 February 2009
Reducing the superstructure weight of passenger ferries and cruise ships can lead to improvements in fuel efficiency and other benefits, but until recently safety regulations made it very difficult to use composites on a large scale on these vessels. A new concept aims to change this. 05 February 2009
Florida-based boat builder Magnum Marine's new Magnum 70 was custom-built in collaboration with Composites One, Vectorply and SP. Dan Chamberlain, Technical Sales, Gurit, Canada, reports. 01 February 2009
Any hint of a potential new market for reinforced plastics is clearly of interest. So the fact that fibreglass and wood-plastic composite (WPC) are making inroads against traditional wood, steel and cement materials in the marina industry is worthy of comment, despite the inherently low-tech nature of this infrastructure. 01 February 2009
A wind turbine blade generally consists of two shells which are bonded together with a structural adhesive. K.P. Subrahmanian and Fabrice Dubouloz of Huntsman Advanced Materials discuss the requirements for the adhesives used and the development of a product with improved toughness. 01 February 2009
New World Developments of Ballymena, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, has increased production by up to 20%, and reduced spoilage and scrap rates by 10% for its range of composite moulded door skins. These benefits have been achieved where the company has adopted Scott Bader's Crystic Crestapol® 1210 moulding resin in the manufacture of a number of its household doors, including the fire resistant products in its range. Nigel O'Dea, Marketing Manager, Scott Bader Composites Europe, explains. 01 February 2009
With a booming wind energy industry, the question is now arising of how to deal with end-of-life turbines, and particularly the blades made of hard-to-recycle composites. Kari Larsen investigates possible routes for the recycling of wind turbine blades. 31 January 2009
Composites make the grade in rail applications that now demand faster transport with better FST properties. Vicki P. McConnell finds fibre reinforcement in components from engine cabs to track cross ties. 01 December 2008
George Marsh visited Beagle Aerospace, which is planning to expand its business from aircraft component repair into composites manufacturing. 01 December 2008
Many in the renewable energy industry and other 'greens' have supported Barack Obama’s campaign to become US President, but will he be able to deliver? 21 November 2008
Recently there has been significant interest in the development of natural fibres and bio-derived plastics to replace the oil-derived polymers and mineral reinforcement fibres, such as glass, currently used in the reinforced plastics industry. We report on the latest work of the European project BIOCOMP. 16 November 2008
Composite Integration and Princess Yachts have been developing new methods of process control for resin infusion and resin transfer moulding (RTM) processes. Stephen Leonard-Williams of Composite Integration Ltd reports. 08 November 2008
During the COMPOSITES EUROPE trade fair in September 2008, the German Federation of Reinforced Plastics, AVK, released its latest estimates on the composites industry in Europe. 05 November 2008
Nano-graphene platelets (NGPs) promise a cost effective yet high quality alternative to carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibres (CNF) in composite applications. Aruna Zhamu, Chief Technical Officer, Angstron Materials LLC, explains. 01 November 2008
With over 400 attendees and 60 plus papers, eight keynotes, and one panel discussion, the 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Composite Conference and Exposition (ACCE)'s ‘The Road to Lightweight Performance’ convened in Troy, Michigan, in the USA for three full days of presentations, panel discussions and networking receptions. Mike and Pam Brady were there. 01 November 2008
Mike and Pam Brady report from the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE)'s third annual Automotive Engineering Plastics Conference (AutoEPCON), entitled Design, Materials, Processing, & Use of Engineering Plastics for the Global Automotive Industry. 01 November 2008
The Composites On The Move Conference and Expo was held at the National Composite Center (NCC) in Dayton, Ohio, USA. Mike and Pam Brady report. 01 November 2008
Soaring growth in the construction of flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems, particularly in China, will increase the demand for reliable, corrosion resistant materials such as fibre reinforced plastics (FRP) over the coming years. Debbie Fox of the McIlvaine Company reports. 26 October 2008
Fast installation with less disruption to traffic, and reduced long-term maintenance – two compelling reasons for the selection of a composite bridge deck over concrete. We report on a recent project in Germany. 14 October 2008
Reinforced Plastics spoke to Neville Hutton about his production techniques and his work on the Artemis 2 racing yacht. 01 October 2008
Sports products have always been a proving ground for composites innovation. In premium athletic gear, Vicki P. McConnell finds premium materials applications. 01 October 2008
The Middle East, and particularly the United Arab Emirates, promise significant growth for composite applications over the coming years. S. Sundaram offers an overview of the opportunities. 01 October 2008
The construction of a 265 km long composite pipeline for transporting water is underway in Azerbaijan. Alfred L. Newberry of FEMech Engineering reports. 01 September 2008
Topping the news on sheet moulding compounds: formulating science is improving, processability gets more inclusive, and end-use markets are in flux. Vicki P. McConnell investigates. 01 September 2008
COMPOSITES EUROPE 2008 takes place on 23–25 September at the Essen Exhibition Centre in Germany. The third event in the series, this year's show boasts 270 international exhibitors and double the exhibition area of the 2007 event. This year the exhibition is again being held parallel to the ALUMINIUM tradeshow and includes German association AVK's annual conference. 01 September 2008
Russia has once again become a key player in the international arena and Western goods and expertise are in demand. The country's composites industry is reporting high growth rates. Amanda Jacob reports from the 1st International Conference on the Russia/CIS Composite Market, held in the Ukraine this May. 01 September 2008
Composites were more visible at this year's Farnborough International Airshow as the aviation industry focuses on improving the performance and fuel efficiency of aircraft. A major composites recycling project was also announced. 21 July 2008
The global wind energy markets have seen another record year in 2007, with 20 GW of new installations, up by 30% compared to the new installations in 2006, according to figures released by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), American Wind Energy Association, and European Wind Energy Association. 17 July 2008
A new type of public transport is being developed in the Netherlands – the Superbus. Dr Ing. Antonia Terzi and Prof. Dr Wubbo Ockels of TU Delft describe the structural design, materials and production techniques used for this composite vehicle, which will be demonstrated at the Beijing Olympics in August. 17 July 2008
DSM celebrated the opening of its new sizings plant in China in September. This increases the company's ability to offer local supply to Chinese customers, and is another step forward in its overall growth plans. Amanda Jacob reports. 17 July 2008
Today, end of life composites are generally shredded and sent to landfill or incinerated. A number of organisations are trying to develop viable recycling alternatives, especially for carbon, which could have residual value and might pose an environmental hazard if disposed of inappropriately. George Marsh has been to see Milled Carbon Ltd, a key player in a putative supply chain that could one day be disposing of thousands of tonnes of used carbon composite. 01 July 2008
Cost effective recycling solutions are key to the future growth of the reinforced plastic composites industry. Dick McKechnie of Owens Corning and Thomas Wegman of Reichhold discuss the objectives and activities of the European Composites Recycling Services Company. 01 July 2008
Robust growth of carbon fibre composites for aerospace and industrial products have suppliers rushing to expand production capacity. Does this mean the carbon fibre supply/demand ratio will balance out, and if so, how soon, and will prices come down? Vicki P. McConnell finds a broad range of answers. 01 July 2008
Large diameter composite pipe is gaining market share at the expense of pipe made with commodity materials, in general-purpose as well as speciality applications. Ben E. Bogner, Corrosion & Infrastructure Market Development Specialist, AOC, presents an overview of this sector and examples of applications. 01 July 2008
Michael Stevens, senior staff scientist, Elodie Bugnicourt, R&D scientist, and Jacques Seignan, European FR industry manager, Ashland, discuss the importance of fire standards to the composites industry. 01 July 2008
David Kendall, Managing Director of Optima Projects Ltd, presents a review of the 7th Annual Conference of the Network Group for Composites in Construction (NGCC), held in Farnborough, UK, in May. 01 July 2008
All composites manufacturers want to improve quality and productivity while reducing costs. For users of fabric reinforcements and prepregs automated cutting systems and their associated software are one way to achieve these aims. Amanda Jacob outlines three examples. 14 June 2008
A £103 million project aims to develop the 'next generation' composite aircraft wing and to establish the UK as a centre of excellence for wing design and manufacture. 05 June 2008
A glass reinforced plastic road tanker has been developed in an Indian project. The composite tanker has a longer life cycle, lower maintenance and additional carrying capacity over the steel tankers traditionally used in the country. 01 June 2008
The convoluted (and complex) debate surrounding the trade of guarantees of origin for renewably-generated electricity in a target-driven EU policy landscape rumbles on. To trade or not to trade (and what’s legal and what isn’t?) that seems to be the thrust of the debate at present, as member states weigh up what the flexibility mechanism means for them. 20 May 2008
A round-up of just a few of the new composite products designed to make the manufacture of wind turbine blades easier and quicker. 15 May 2008
Given the increased size of modern turbine blades and their growing fabrication sophistication and cost, blade monitoring is becoming important to operators and insurers alike. 01 May 2008
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) – the substrate of choice for contemporary electronics – are based on reinforced plastic materials. George Marsh reports on this important part of the composites market. 01 May 2008
Structural foam cores are becoming more competitive and promise to make a greater contribution to the success of composite sandwich structures. George Marsh reports. 25 April 2008
The European Parliament has adopted the proposals for the registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals. We look at what is now required to comply with REACH. Mark Holmes reports. 25 April 2008
The first comprehensive study into long-term styrene exposure of personnel working in the composites industry has been carried out in Europe. Ab Kasper of Quantor BV, and Joost G.M. van Rooij, from Industox Consult, present the findings. 25 April 2008
Natural fibres provide environmental and technical added value. Michael Carus and Christian Gahle of the nova Institute GmbH explain how natural fibre reinforced plastics composites are gaining market share. 22 April 2008
2008 sees the launch of the new Nagari sports car, 35 years after the previous model ceased production. The new model features the latest composite construction techniques. 22 April 2008
Ben Bogner and Bruce Curry of AOC LLC discuss the use of fibre reinforced plastics (FRP) at three power plants. The first project was a 16.3 ft (5 m) diameter pipe installed in Florida, used to discharge hot water from the plant into the river. The next two projects were in New York State where pipes delivered water, through 10 ft and 12 ft (3 m and 3.6 m) diameter penstocks, to power stations. 05 April 2008
India's biggest composites event, the International Conference and Exhibition on Reinforced Plastics (ICERP), was held in Mumbai, India, in February. The fourth in the series, this event demonstrated a big step up for the country's composites industry. 02 April 2008
Suzlon needs little introduction. The wind turbine manufacturer embodies the rise of renewable energy, perhaps more than any other company in the world. Founded in India in 1995, the wind group now ranks fifth worldwide and had a 7.7% share of the global turbine manufacturing market in 2006. It is the market leader in India, where it has installed more than 2GW of wind capacity and owns over 30 wind farms. David Hopwood speaks to Group CEO Andre Horbach. 21 March 2008
HC Bridge Company LLC recently announced that a full-size locomotive pulling 26 heavy axle load coal cars traversed the first composite railroad bridge in the world. 21 March 2008
A European project team has been investigating the factors which determine the surface quality of composite laminates produced using vacuum infusion. Rainer Bergström of Ahlstrom Glassfibre, Olli Piiroinen, of Ashland Composite Polymers, and Antti Ylhäinen of Miktech, outline their findings. 01 March 2008
Synthetic resins play an important role in model and mould making, and in the manufacture of finished composite parts. Holger Giese of Sika describes the various techniques available. 01 March 2008
An investigation by the Automotive Composites Alliance demonstrates that replacing steel components with composite in hybrid vehicles leads to lower weight and reduced tooling investment. 20 February 2008
Ab Kasper, General Manager of the European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA) answers some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the recycling issues surrounding composite materials and products. 10 February 2008
As the aviation industry strives to cut its emissions, the 'lightweighting' of aircraft components is a priority. This includes engine components. 30 January 2008
Roman Gaetzi, Manager Technical Services Core Materials at Alcan Airex AG, offers some advice on getting the infusion process right. 30 January 2008
Amanda Jacob spoke to pultrusion company Exel's CEO and President Göran Jönsson, and Vesa Korpimies, Executive Vice President and Business Area Manager Europe. 16 January 2008
The downturn in the US housing market is currently impacting some sectors of the composites industry, but in general, prospects look good. Amanda Jacob spoke to representatives from the US industry during the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) tradeshow in Florida in October. 16 January 2008
Wind energy has now become a major scientific discipline with significant potential for research and education. And as legislation drives the uptake of wind, ways to improve efficiency and yield are top of many company's R&D action plans. George Marsh looks at some recent commercial developments in wind turbine technology. 16 January 2008
The Ahlstrom group is investing to expand its businesses globally. Amanda Jacob spoke to Dan Jönsas, Vice President, Specialty Reinforcements, Glass Nonwovens, to see what this means for the composites industry. 16 January 2008
US composite panel fabricator Fiber-Tech has significantly increased its participation in ballistics and military applications over the past few years as a result of homeland security concerns and the need for troop protection in Iraq and Afghanistan. 15 January 2008
Marstrom Composites AB is working at the extreme end of performance sailboat construction. Not only has it adopted high-end aerospace fabrication practices – it produces in carbon prepreg and claims to be the only boat builder regularly using an autoclave to cure large series-production structures – but its latest craft, the Extreme 40 sport catamaran, is one of the world's fastest sailboats, having clocked speeds approaching 40 knots. 09 January 2008
From traditional unidirectional wovens to stitched multiaxials and unique hybrids, reinforcement fabrics deliver the increased strength, stiffness, weight and cost properties now demanded in composite applications. 09 January 2008
When Airbus recently launched its A350 XWB (extra widebody) competitor to Boeing's B787 Dreamliner, it indicated that the airframe will be 52% reinforced plastic composite – similar to the B787's 50%. The new airliner will be produced in three sizes, the largest of which can compete with the Boeing B777 twin-aisle widebody. George Marsh reports. 05 January 2008
Peter Coppens, New Business Development Manager at Lantor BV, explains how one US sailboat maker has switched to the infusion process to ensure the production of consistent, high quality vessels. 02 January 2008
David Kendall presents a review of a recent conference on the use of FRP in footbridges, showing existing applications and highlighting a significant area of growth potential for the composites industry. The conference was organised by the Network Group for Composites in Construction and held at the Institution of Structural Engineers in London in June. 18 November 2007
Czech company Peter-GFK is an RTM specialist producing composite components for trucks, buses and farm machinery. Amanda Jacob visited the company's production plant in Trhový Štephánov. 18 November 2007
The Czech composites industry has been showing growth rates above those of the rest of Europe for the past few years. Amanda Jacob attended the XIV Conference on Reinforced Plastics in Karlovy Vary, to find out why. 18 November 2007
The National Composite Center in Dayton, Ohio, USA, is opening a new SMC Center of Excellence. Dwight Rust, Senior Technical Advisor for NCC, outlines the facility's objectives. 18 November 2007
How two large phosphoric acid storage tanks were produced from composites for an Indonesian fertiliser plant. 01 November 2007
Thermoplastics, thermosets, ‘green’ composites, carbon fibre – the 7th Annual Society of Plastics Engineers Automotive Composites Conference and Exhibition (SPE ACCE) discussed the spectrum of materials available to car makers, and the challenges they face to get accepted. Pam and Mike Brady report. 01 November 2007
Developments in prepreg technology mean that these products are now becoming a popular choice in both performance and production boat building. Dr John Nixon at Advanced Composites Group (ACG) explains. 01 November 2007
A report from the ninth conference on Wood and Biofiber Plastic Composites. 01 November 2007
A company on the Isle of Wight, geographical focus for some of the UK's leading expertise in both composites and renewable energies, has provided Reinforced Plastics with an overview on tooling used to produce today's increasingly enormous wind turbine blades. 01 October 2007
There are numerous applications for composites in the civil engineering sector. Marcus Reichl reports. 01 September 2007
Resins for building reinforced plastic boats have become a largely bipolar affair. Polyester remains the general, affordable medium for ‘commodity’ boat building while epoxy, usually carbon reinforced, has become the resin of choice for high-specification performance craft. Consequently, many builders overlook the fact that there is a third resin family that is intermediate in terms of properties and price and offers advantages of its own. 31 August 2007
In the virtual world, computers can model and simulate the performance of composite materials, design and manufacturing. Vicki P. McConnell reviews new software upgrades that are extending the digital advantage in the composites marketplace. 31 August 2007
The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA)'s trade show takes place in Tampa, Florida, on 17–19 October. We preview some of the developments on display. 31 August 2007
A profile of Turkish company Cam Elyaf by marketing & sales manager Bilge Biçakçioglu. 31 August 2007
Mike and Pam Brady report from the second annual Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Engineering Plastics Conference (AutoEPCON), where the purpose is ‘to share the latest developments in materials, design, and processing of automotive engineering plastics, and to introduce new technical innovations.’ 31 August 2007
There was ample evidence at the Australian International Air Show 2007 that the country is playing its part in the reinforced plastics revolution that continues to overtake the aerospace industry. George Marsh reports. 19 July 2007
George Marsh investigates GKN Aerospace's plans for the future, in which composite materials play a key role. 19 July 2007
China may still be getting most of the headlines, but the rapidly developing Indian market is also attracting a lot of interest. Amanda Jacob looks at the status of the country's composites industry. 19 July 2007
Corinne Gangloff of The Freedonia Group Inc examines the current status of the US composites market. 19 July 2007
The 2007 Conference on Construction, Corrosion and Infrastructure was held in Las Vegas this April, showcasing the current activity and prospects for composites in these markets. Amanda Jacob reports. 15 June 2007
In this exclusive article, Gilbert Maeyaert, general secretary of the 20-year-old European glass fibre association APFE, offers his view of the industry's past, present and future 15 June 2007
Reinforced plastic underground storage tanks (USTs) have been in use since the 1960s as an alternative to steel. Vicki P. McConnell examines international technology upgrades to composite USTs and emerging market opportunities. 01 June 2007
The future for reinforced plastics in the aircraft industry looks bright. Marcus Reichl talks to German suppliers to the aviation sector. 01 June 2007
Low weight but high strength and rigidity – these properties make composites useful as construction materials in various industries, including the wind power sector. Marcus Reichl talked to composites companies supplying the wind turbine manufacturers. 09 April 2007
The global wind energy industry experienced an annual growth rate of 32% in 2006. Amanda Jacob reviews the latest statistics. 09 April 2007
The annual output of the Chinese fibreglass industry reached 950 000 tons in 2005, making China the world's second largest glass fibre manufacturer. We review the latest statistics from the China Fiberglass Industry Association. 09 April 2007
When it comes to bonding composites, epoxy adhesives create secure joints, provide cost economies and reduce component weight. Mike North, Application Engineering Manager at Henkel, the manufacturer of the Loctite® and Hysol® brand products, illustrates this bonding technology with some applications. 09 April 2007
A demonstration of the unique properties of FRP by FormaShape was enough to persuade Husky Energy Inc to overhaul the architectural fascia on its entire network of Travel Centres. Georgina Parton reports. 09 April 2007
Advanced composite materials and technologies, particularly direct manufacturing processes such as resin infusion are becoming the preferred manufacturing choice across the wind turbine industry. Philippe Christou, Technology Manager, EMEA, at Huntsman Advanced Materials looks at the latest developments. 05 April 2007
Basalt fibre offers an alternative to carbon and glass in the filament winding of compressed natural gas cylinders. Dmitri Pavlovski, Boris Mislavsky and Andrey Antonov of Russian company Kamenny Vek report on some promising studies. 02 April 2007
Mahindra is one of India's top industrial groups. It is a leading player in the Indian automotive and tractor markets and has a growing presence outside of the country. Amanda Jacob visited Mahindra Composites Ltd in Pune to see how its business fits into the group. 01 April 2007
Rick Lowery of Norplex-Micarta describes how a glass epoxy composite designed to withstand cryogenic conditions is playing a critical role in NASA space observatories. 13 March 2007
New powers that exist within the hazardous waste regulations have significantly increased the regulatory compliance burden for many companies and yet there are even more compliance issues to consider. Companies reviewing or implementing a legislative compliance strategy should take a broader look at the impacts closely aligned legislation or best practice guidance, such as storage, transport and packaging requirements, have on their organisations. Phil Orford of BeCompliant.co.uk reports. 13 March 2007
A ‘one stop filament winding equipment shopping centre’ might be desired by OEMs of FRP components, but there's more to this method than just wrapping fibre in a hoop. We report on trends, advances and innovations in winding technology. 01 March 2007
Anthony Grant visited Swedish manufacturer Carbonia Composites. 14 February 2007
George Marsh and Amanda Jacob review recent projects which illustrate some of the latest trends in the use of composites in the marine applications market. 14 February 2007
Sangeeta Baksi and Soumitra Biswas of the Technology Information, Forecasting & Assessment Council and Alok Somani of Black Burn Co Pvt Ltd, India, discuss the development of composite interiors for the driver's cabin of Indian Railways’ diesel locomotives. 14 February 2007
Plastics continue to replace traditional materials such as metals in many high performance applications. Developments in fibre reinforcement for thermoplastics is helping to accelerate this trend. Jennifer Markarian reports on some of these developments and improvements in how fibres can be incorporated effectively into plastics. 14 February 2007
Jaap Ketel, owner and director of Ketel Consulting Agents BV in Leusden, the Netherlands, has been involved in the composites industry for over 40 years. He shares his experiences and observations here. 14 February 2007
The global carbon fibre reinforced plastic market is expected to be worth US$13.6 million by 2010, representing an increase of 37% over 2006 figures. Consultant Tony Roberts reviews the findings of a new study of the industry. 01 February 2007
George Marsh takes a look at the non-destructive testing of composites at the UK's NDT Validation Centre in Wales. 01 February 2007
For those who think sheet moulding compounds have reached maturity in automotive applications, Vicki P. McConnell discovers the material has performance enhancements to spare. Though the supplier and moulder base is definitely consolidating, the market for SMC automotive parts remains healthy, from the tyres up to external cladding, and underhood as well. 19 January 2007
Freelance writers Mike and Pam Brady report from the 6th Annual Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Composites Conference and Exhibition. 19 January 2007
A single-shot casting system minimises production time, materials and waste. Udo Buchholz, Global Marketing Manager, Huntsman Advanced Materials, Design & Composites Engineering, explains. 19 January 2007
Record amounts of wet flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) equipment made from fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) are currently being installed in coal-fired power plants in North America. While regulations are driving the current demand for wet FGD equipment, a significant increase in the price of high nickel alloy is driving the use of less costly FRP in wet FGD systems. Don Kelley of Ashland Performance Materials compares the cost and reliability of FRP with other materials in wet FGD applications. 06 January 2007
Reinforced Plastics celebrated 50 years of publication in 2006. Over the years, the magazine has grown alongside the composites industry to become the leading monthly magazine in the market, recognised and respected by readers all around the world. 01 January 2007
George Marsh investigates the growing use of composites in aircraft jet engines. 22 December 2006
Reichhold is the world's largest supplier of unsaturated polyester resins for composites and a leading supplier to the coatings sector. Amanda Jacob spoke to Chairman, President and CEO John Gaither, and Doug Frey, Executive VP, Global Composites, about the future for Reichhold following their management buyout of the company from DIC last year. 22 December 2006
The world has to act now on climate change or face devastating economic consequences, according to a new report compiled for the UK government. Will the outcome for composites in aviation be positive or negative. George Marsh considers the issues. 22 December 2006
Reinforced polymeric composites have offered advantages in armour systems since World War II. Vicki P. McConnell finds that new combat conditions and higher threat levels are challenging fibre chemistry in this growing market. 01 December 2006
Ian Snowdon and Mike Rigby of Marbocote Ltd discuss the many issues that face composite moulders and how the release agent manufacturer has tried to solve them. 11 November 2006
The RTM process offers a challenge to mould release technologies because of its particular features. Fernando Castro of Zyvax explains this challenge and outlines a solution. 11 November 2006
A recent tour of the Isle of Wight hosted by the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership (IWEP) and the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) emphasised the extent to which this picturesque island off England's central south coast has become a hub of composites activity. Firms such as Gurit, Vestas Blades, GKN Aerospace and B-N Composites, plus a number of boat builders and marine equipment manufacturers, together constitute an important composites nexus and major pillar of the island's economy. George Marsh went along 11 November 2006
DSM is European market leader in unsaturated polyester resins and the global leader in sizings and binders. It is also a European distributor of FRP products. David Westaway interviewed Remko Goudappel, Business Director, Neoxil Sizings & Binders. 11 November 2006
That means, in race boat crew-speak ‘devilish fast and exciting’ and was the verdict of the crew of AMRO ONE after their Volvo 70 had blasted them round the world to win the 2005-2006 Volvo Ocean Race. A major factor in this boat's success was her carbon prepreg structure, as George Marsh found out from her builder, Killian Bushe. 08 November 2006
Hungarian company Pauger Carbon is producing the Russell Coutts 44 racing yacht using carbon composite technologies. Amanda Jacob visited the company's boatyard near Budapest. 08 November 2006
Anyone who has visited Jushi Group's fibreglass plant in the Tongxiang Economic Development Zone, China, cannot fail to be impressed by the sheer size of the operation. And the company is expanding even further. Amanda Jacob visited the company. 01 November 2006
As part of our celebrations of Reinforced Plastics' 50th year of publication, George Marsh looks back at 50 years of composite boat building. 08 October 2006
The European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA) is calling for the disposal of composites waste by the cement kiln route to be accepted as ‘recycling’ in new European legislation. 22 August 2006
A composites processing technique developed by an Australian company is now being showcased at facilities in Europe, the USA and Australia. George Marsh takes a look at the Quickstep closed moulding technology. 21 August 2006
Richard Downs-Honey of High Modulus gives an overview of China's boat building industry. 21 August 2006
India is the third largest Asian economy and the second fastest growing after China, with an annual growth rate of 7-8%. Amanda Jacob takes a look at the current status of the Indian composites market. 21 August 2006
Hollow glass microspheres (HGMs) are starting to open up new possibilities in the composites industry. HGM cores enable the faces and cores in sandwich constructions to be optimised, making it possible to fabricate lightweight, high strength, thin-walled, complicated shapes. Alexander Trofimov and Dr Lev Pleshkov of NPO Stekloplastic explain. 21 August 2006
Airbus and Boeing, the world's leading planemakers, are engaged in a long-term duel, and currently a major weapon of choice is composites. George Marsh investigates. 28 June 2006
George Marsh visited GKN Aerospace's composites centre on the Isle of Wight, UK. 28 June 2006
Michael L. Skinner of Skinner Creative Inc reviews some the the software innovations exhibited at the JEC Composites Show this March. 28 June 2006
High speed digital video photography is set to start making big contributions to many areas of impact testing as Nick Osbourne, technical director of Imatek, explains. 28 June 2006
Jeff Martin of the Martin Pultrusion Group Inc explains how pultruded composites are competing with wood, PVC and aluminium in the construction market. 31 May 2006
It's easy enough to manufacture a prototype trailer out of composite materials, but manufacturing it profitably on an industrial scale is a totally different proposition. Jan Verhaeghe describes the development of Composittrailer's technology. 31 May 2006
The composites industry in Western Europe is well established and often described as mature, but what's happening in the emerging economies of Eastern and Central Europe? Amanda Jacob reports. 31 May 2006
At the time of writing, the two Dutch sailing yachts competing in the present edition of the Volvo Ocean Race are sailing exceptional well. After four legs the two ABN AMRO-sponsored boats are first and second in the ranking. The five other boats in the race have seen a lot of problems. Titia van der Burg investigates. 31 May 2006
Wind power, as the fastest growing segment of the energy sector, has become big business and how it thrives has a profound influence on the reinforced plastics industry. It continues to draw in large volumes of material, used for the rotor blades that drive the turbines, but there are questions over whether the graph can rise smoothly from now on. The major question is how quickly offshore development can take off. 02 April 2006
Drop-in substitutes for E-glass offer the easiest and least expensive way to improve composite performance writes David Fecko of AGY. 01 April 2006
Composite pressure vessels are finding increasing numbers of applications. However the traditional proof testing techniques have to be modified to take into account the failure processes encountered in this type of material. Professor Anthony R. Bunsell of the Ecole des Mines de Paris describes how this can be achieved. 16 February 2006
Business looks to be picking up in the filament winding industry. Michael L. Skinner of Skinner Creative Inc reviews some of the latest developments in equipment and applications. 10 February 2006
Hermann F. Seibert, Director Product Line ROHACELL, Degussa/Röhm GmbH & Co KG, discusses the use of PMI foams in large sandwich components in state-of-the art satellite launchers and in structural applications for rotor craft and civil aircraft. 10 January 2006
Blade technology is key to the effective harnessing of wind energy. Current efforts are focussing on developing blades that have higher wind energy capture and which are smarter and more durable than their predecessors. 01 April 2005
Reinforced plastics offer designers of ship propellers a new approach to design and manufacture. The viability of composite propellers has been demonstrated on small craft; the challenge now is to scale-up these designs to produce larger units suitable for ships. 01 December 2004
Just as there were once 10 000 windmills across Europe, countless water mills helped power the rural economy and then the industrial revolution. And, just as reinforced plastics have supported the 21st century reincarnation of windmills as wind turbines, so they are beginning to contribute to the next likely large-scale commercial renewable energy source – water current power. 01 June 2004
Unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs are of growing interest to military operations, but they can also be used in a variety of civilian applications such as monitoring and controlling traffic flow and search/rescue operations. John K. Borchardt reviews some of the latest composites-intensive UAV projects. 05 April 2004
The take-off run for aerospace composites has been prolonged, but now that designers feel more comfortable with these materials, they are incorporating them into primary aerostructures – as well as into the design codes, qualification loops and other features of the necessarily safety-first aviation culture. As a result, we may be witnessing lift-off and could, given further impetus, see composites climb high. 05 April 2004
Like it or not, the press plays a major role in informing and educating people. But the composites industry seems very poor at getting its message across. Is it simply a question of lack of resources? 01 September 2003
The use of fibre reinforced plastics continues to grow in automotive applications. Reducing mass is growing in importance due to increased demand for more fuel-efficient and cleaner cars and trucks. Manufacturers have introduced niche vehicles with innovative styling that would not be economically feasible without the design flexibility and reduced tooling costs possible with composites. New materials and technologies have been developed to improve the surface quality and performance of moulded automotive components while lowering production costs. 05 June 2003
Materials and processing technologies hold the key to the future success of composites in the automotive market. 04 June 2003
These are the guidelines for authors wishing to submit feature articles to Reinforced Plastics magazine. 23 July 2000
Email Address
Password
Forgotten login?