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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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