http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/ Copyright Elsevier Ltd Intuitiv Ltd (www.intuitiv.net) Sat, 25 May 2013 20:16:53 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/ http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/_common/img/template/reinforced-plastics/site-logo.gif http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/5/16/may-june-issue-of-reinforced-plastics-highlights-positive-trends/898.aspx <p>Looking through the contents of the May/June issue of <a href="http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/the-magazine/"><em>Reinforced Plastics</em></a> (which goes to print next week) it&rsquo;s good to see that many of the articles offer upbeat prospects for the composites industry.&nbsp;</p> <p>Owens ... Thu, 16 May 2013 14:11:22 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/5/16/may-june-issue-of-reinforced-plastics-highlights-positive-trends/898.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/5/8/guest-blog-building-globally-with-composites/891.aspx <p><strong>by&nbsp;<a href="mailto:James.Antonic@CBS-Homes.com?subject=Reinforced Plastics Guest Blog">James P. Antonic</a>,&nbsp;President &amp; CEO of <a href="http://www.CBS-Homes.com">Composite Building Structures Ltd</a>, a Fort Myers, Florida, based company producing pultruded composite framin ... Wed, 08 May 2013 13:39:26 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/5/8/guest-blog-building-globally-with-composites/891.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/4/23/guest-blog-closing-the-technology-gap-for-accurate-prediction-of-composite-material-behavior/876.aspx <p><strong>by Roger Assaker, CEO, <a href="http://www.e-xstream.com/">e-Xstream engineering</a>, and Chief Material Strategist, <a href="http://www.mscsoftware.com/">MSC Software</a></strong></p> <p>Engineers prize fiber-reinforced plastics (FRPs) for their stiffness-to-mass ratio, which gives them ... Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:46:50 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/4/23/guest-blog-closing-the-technology-gap-for-accurate-prediction-of-composite-material-behavior/876.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/4/2/guest-blog-the-importance-of-good-editorial-coverage/850.aspx <p><strong>Nigel O'Dea, Director of Outsourcing B2B Marketing, discusses the benefits of editorial coverage in magazines.</strong></p> <p>Many companies seriously underestimate the power of getting good editorial coverage regionally or globally.</p> <p>Press releases about new products, applicatio ... Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:45:25 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/4/2/guest-blog-the-importance-of-good-editorial-coverage/850.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/3/22/guest-blog-uk-budget-2013-overall-a-good-budget-for-business/839.aspx <p><strong>On 20 March Chancellor George Osborne unveiled the <a href="http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/view/31374/uk-budget-comment-from-uk-composites-companies/">UK government's 2013 Budget</a>.&nbsp;Tony Toll, CEO of AIC Group, outlines&nbsp;what it means for business.</strong></p> <p>This was ... Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:52:33 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/3/22/guest-blog-uk-budget-2013-overall-a-good-budget-for-business/839.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/2/25/reinforced-plastics-it-all-started-with-an-elephant/812.aspx <p>And here it is. On the cover of the very first issue of <em><a href="http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/magazine-subscription/">Reinforced Plastics</a></em> magazine, which was published in September 1956.&nbsp;</p> <p>What's the elephant got to do with <em>Reinforced Plastics</em>? The words to ... Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:59:13 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/2/25/reinforced-plastics-it-all-started-with-an-elephant/812.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/2/14/reinforced-plastics-march-april-issue-editorial/797.aspx <p>Back in January I reported on business forecaster <a href="http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/1/11/what-does-2013-hold-in-story-for-the-composites-industry/757.aspx">IHS&rsquo; &ldquo;cautiously upbeat outlook&rdquo; for 2013</a>. This prediction of growth for the world economy seems to ... Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:41:40 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/2/14/reinforced-plastics-march-april-issue-editorial/797.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/1/31/acmas-composites-2013-us-industry-optimistic-for-growth/788.aspx <p><img src="/_virtual/ck/Composites 2013.jpg" alt="COMPOSITES 2013 promo" width="125" height="200" vspace="5" hspace="10" border="0" align="right" />A sunny week in Florida (a welcome contrast to the icy weather in the UK!) saw the American Composites Manufacturers Association (<a href="http://www. ... Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:28:35 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/1/31/acmas-composites-2013-us-industry-optimistic-for-growth/788.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/1/27/guest-blog-the-need-for-composites-standards-in-the-oil-and-gas-industry/779.aspx <p><strong>By Dr Morris Roseman,&nbsp;</strong><strong>Senior Scientist at <a href="http://www.element.com">Element Materials Technology</a></strong></p> <p>The economic gain from using materials that are lighter, stiffer, stronger and more corrosion resistant than carbon steel in the oil and gas i ... Sun, 27 Jan 2013 16:20:59 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/1/27/guest-blog-the-need-for-composites-standards-in-the-oil-and-gas-industry/779.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/1/23/ewea-2013-conference-hot-topics/770.aspx <p><a href="http://www.ewea.org/annual2013/">EWEA 2013</a> is just a few weeks away. So what can conference delegates expect to be the main topics up for debate?</p> <h4>Event launch and keynotes</h4> <p>The EWEA 2013 conference will open with a series of high-profile speakers addressing important ... Wed, 23 Jan 2013 10:10:26 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/1/23/ewea-2013-conference-hot-topics/770.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/1/15/composites-industry-positive-about-2013-reinforced-plastics-survey/759.aspx <p>Take part in our LinkedIn survey, where we're&nbsp;asking: What does 2013 hold in store for the composites industry? Will it be better than 2013 for your business?</p> <p>So far the results look promising, with 77% saying that '2013 will be an improvement on 2012.' (Results as of 15 January 2013 ... Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:16:38 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/1/15/composites-industry-positive-about-2013-reinforced-plastics-survey/759.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/1/11/what-does-2013-hold-in-story-for-the-composites-industry/757.aspx <p>Welcome to 2013! What does this year hold in store for us?</p> <p>Business forecaster IHS has issued a &ldquo;cautiously upbeat outlook&rdquo; for the economy this year. In its <em>Top 10 Economic Predictions for 2013</em> the company forecasts that the growth rate of the world economy will hold ... Fri, 11 Jan 2013 09:49:08 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2013/1/11/what-does-2013-hold-in-story-for-the-composites-industry/757.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/12/4/whats-your-favourite-reinforced-plastics-cover-of-2012/717.aspx <p>The last issue of <a href="http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/the-magazine/"><strong>Reinforced Plastics</strong></a> for 2012 has been published and I was just flicking through my copies.</p> <p><img src="/_virtual/ck/NovDec cover.jpg" width="204" height="206" vspace="5" hspace="10" border="0" a ... Tue, 04 Dec 2012 11:15:24 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/12/4/whats-your-favourite-reinforced-plastics-cover-of-2012/717.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/11/26/guest-blog-toxicity-of-frp-building-materials/705.aspx <p><strong>by Dr Saeed Doroudiani </strong></p> <p>The construction industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world, particularly in larger countries such as China and India. The living quality and expectations of residents are changing, which bring great demands to high-quality buildin ... Mon, 26 Nov 2012 10:30:59 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/11/26/guest-blog-toxicity-of-frp-building-materials/705.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/11/23/how-to-get-a-press-release-published-part-2/701.aspx <p><img alt="" hspace="10" align="right" vspace="5" border="0" style="width: 233px; height: 138px" src="/_virtual/ck/news shutterstock_32982238(2).jpg" />Following on from <strong><a href="http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/9/26/how-to-get-a-press-release-published-part-1/654.aspx">Part 1</ ... Fri, 23 Nov 2012 11:26:49 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/11/23/how-to-get-a-press-release-published-part-2/701.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/11/13/top-5-composites-videos-of-the-month/688.aspx <p><img width="173" vspace="5" hspace="5" height="167" border="0" align="right" src="/_virtual/ck/youtube(1).jpg" alt="" />In no particular order, the best composites YouTube videos I've come across in the past four weeks or so. Do let me know if I've missed any!</p> <ol> <li><a href="http://w ... Tue, 13 Nov 2012 14:59:40 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/11/13/top-5-composites-videos-of-the-month/688.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/11/1/composites-make-light-work-of-modular-housing-four-examples/679.aspx <p>The construction of lightweight, prefabricated, quick to install buildings is a logical application for composites, both for low cost permanent structures and emergency shelters.</p> <p><img width="254" vspace="5" hspace="10" height="239" border="0" align="right" src="/_virtual/ck/startlink for ... Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:49:18 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/11/1/composites-make-light-work-of-modular-housing-four-examples/679.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/10/15/news-and-views/669.aspx <p>Some interesting articles found on the internet this week ...</p> <p><a href="http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/automotive-general-news/14642-lola-cars-goes-under-but-composites-fights-on"><strong>Lola Cars goes under but composites fights on</strong></a> (<em>Business Weekly</em>)<br /> Administ ... Mon, 15 Oct 2012 09:31:02 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/10/15/news-and-views/669.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/10/8/composites-europe-2012-day-0/660.aspx <p>A sunny day in D&uuml;sseldorf saw the start of the <a href="http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/view/27037/avk-2012-conference-programme-now-available/"><strong>AVK</strong></a> (Federation of Reinforced Plastics, Germany)'s 2012 conference, the prelude to <a href="http://www.reinforcedplastics.co ... Mon, 08 Oct 2012 18:50:45 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/10/8/composites-europe-2012-day-0/660.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/9/26/how-to-get-a-press-release-published-part-1/654.aspx <p><img height="151" alt="Newspaper." hspace="5" width="250" align="right" vspace="5" border="0" src="/_virtual/ck/news shutterstock_32982238.jpg" />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 acro ... Wed, 26 Sep 2012 09:10:29 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/9/26/how-to-get-a-press-release-published-part-1/654.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/8/16/meet-the-editor-at-composites-europe-2012/626.aspx <p>We're very pleased to invite <a href="http://www.reinforcedplastics.com"><strong><em>Reinforced Plastics'</em></strong></a> readers to an informal reception during the <a href="http://www.composites-europe.com"><strong>COMPOSITES EUROPE 2012</strong> </a>show in D&uuml;sseldorf.</p> <p><img widt ... Thu, 16 Aug 2012 13:54:30 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/8/16/meet-the-editor-at-composites-europe-2012/626.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/8/14/automotive-companies-select-their-composites-partners-8-of-the-best/622.aspx <p>It's a logical step. Automotive companies need composites to help reduce the weight of their vehicles. Composites suppliers want to get more of their products into new cars. Here's how they've teamed up (<em>listed in chronological order</em>).</p> <p><em><img width="225" vspace="5" hspace="10" ... Tue, 14 Aug 2012 09:17:19 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/8/14/automotive-companies-select-their-composites-partners-8-of-the-best/622.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/8/8/olympic-materials/615.aspx <p>The July/August issue of <a href="http://www.reinforcedplastics.com"><em><strong>Reinforced Plastics</strong></em></a> magazine, traditionally our 'summer issue,' is published this week.</p> <p>Here in the UK the weather has certainly not realised that it is summer yet, but there have been plent ... Wed, 08 Aug 2012 13:37:27 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/8/8/olympic-materials/615.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/7/20/other-news-this-week/601.aspx <p>In addition to the news on the <a href="http://www.reinforcedplastics.com"><strong><em>Reinforced Plastics</em></strong></a> website, here's a selection from other sources ...</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/gm-daimler-toyota-lead-automakers-113000625.html;_ylt=A2KJ3CZg1 ... Fri, 20 Jul 2012 11:11:27 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/7/20/other-news-this-week/601.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/7/19/oscar-pistorius-and-his-controversial-carbon-fibre-blades/598.aspx <p>Despite the controversy surrounding <a href="http://www.oscarpistorius.com"><strong>Oscar Pistorius</strong></a>' right to compete in the <a href="http://www.london2012.com/"><strong>2012 London Olympics</strong></a>, 'The Blade Runner' will be running in the individual men&rsquo;s 400 m and 4 x ... Thu, 19 Jul 2012 16:11:26 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/7/19/oscar-pistorius-and-his-controversial-carbon-fibre-blades/598.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/6/13/top-5-composites-videos-of-the-month/563.aspx <p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> <o:TargetScreenSize>1024x768</o:TargetScreenSize> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackF ... Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:14:01 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/6/13/top-5-composites-videos-of-the-month/563.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/6/6/infrastructure-composites-why-we-need-standards/558.aspx <p>&ldquo;Fifteen years ago, FRP composites were new and fascinating for civil engineers. The composites industry as a whole has matured greatly over that time, which is one reason we need specifications and standards in place so civil engineers can more readily specify composites.&quot;</p> <p>So ... Wed, 06 Jun 2012 15:57:48 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/6/6/infrastructure-composites-why-we-need-standards/558.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/5/10/10-composite-innovations-in-the-automotive-industry/549.aspx <p>Composites are changing the future of car building in ways that we possibly never imagined.</p> <p>Here are 10 of the most exciting new developments of composites in cars (and you can<strong> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150936161431147.475999.342320361146&amp;type=1&amp;l ... Thu, 10 May 2012 10:54:47 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/5/10/10-composite-innovations-in-the-automotive-industry/549.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/4/27/scott-bader-a-new-strategy/544.aspx <p>Yesterday I visited <a href="http://www.scottbader.com"><strong>Scott Bader</strong></a>'s headquarters in Wollaston, UK, to learn about the company's new Adhesives and Advanced Composites Business and its plans for future growth.</p> <p>The company has carried out a strategic evaluation of its ... Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:56:13 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/4/27/scott-bader-a-new-strategy/544.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/3/29/day-3-at-jec-europe-2012/532.aspx <p>As expected, Thursday was a little less hectic, as the show began to wind down.</p> <p>In the morning I met with <a href="http://www.owenscorning.com"><strong>Owens Corning</strong></a> about the launch of their FoodContact&trade; products designed to meet upcoming European regulations on glass ... Thu, 29 Mar 2012 07:06:07 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/3/29/day-3-at-jec-europe-2012/532.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/3/28/day-2-at-jec-europe-2012/531.aspx <p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> ... Wed, 28 Mar 2012 21:45:53 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/3/28/day-2-at-jec-europe-2012/531.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/3/27/day-1-at-jec-europe-2012/530.aspx <p>A lovely sunny day in Paris, &hellip; and the first day of <strong>JEC Europe 2012</strong>.</p> <p>The show looked busy and exhibitors were happy with their visitors. From my initial impressions, the use of carbon fibre in the automotive industry is still creating quite a buzz, but there are al ... Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:53:04 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/3/27/day-1-at-jec-europe-2012/530.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/3/9/building-with-composites/518.aspx <p>Composites currently account for just a small percentage of the total building materials market and so there is huge potential for growth.</p> <p><img vspace="10" hspace="10" border="0" align="right" src="/_virtual/ck/Copy of Cover March_April RP 2012(3).jpg" style="width: 179px; height: 232px;" ... Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:45:50 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/3/9/building-with-composites/518.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/2/1/wind-energy-market-still-strong/498.aspx <p>While <a href="http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/view/22843/ihs-global-insight-publishes-top-10-economic-predictions-for-2012-/"><strong>the outlook for the global economy</strong></a> remains uncertain, one industry which looks set to remain strong is wind energy.</p> <p>A recent <a href="http: ... Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:50:09 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/2/1/wind-energy-market-still-strong/498.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/1/17/20-top-predictions-for-life-100-years-from-now/493.aspx <p>The BBC recently asked its readers for their predictions of life in 100 years time.</p> <p>Here is what they came up with for life in 2112, plus the comments of two 'futurologists': <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16536598"><strong>http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16536598</strong> ... Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:56:47 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2012/1/17/20-top-predictions-for-life-100-years-from-now/493.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/12/23/economic-predictions-for-2012-world-growth-will-slow/484.aspx <p>Market forecasting firm <a href="http://www.ihs.com/"><strong>IHS Global Insight</strong></a> has published its economic predictions for 2012, and it's not good news.</p> <p>World growth <em>will</em> slow in 2012, says IHS chief economist Nariman Behravesh, but the question is, by how much?</p> ... Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:56:37 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/12/23/economic-predictions-for-2012-world-growth-will-slow/484.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/11/8/food-for-thought-composites-and-food-contact-legislation/450.aspx <p>If your company manufactures, designs or distributes plastic products that come into contact with food or drinking water, there is a new European regulation (10/2011) you need to know about. This applies to all unreinforced and reinforced plastics.</p> <p>What does this mean for you? Join us on ... Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:10:04 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/11/8/food-for-thought-composites-and-food-contact-legislation/450.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/11/2/composite-aircraft-repair/444.aspx <p>As Boeing delivers its <a href="http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/view/20961/boeing-celebrates-delivery-of-first-787-dreamliner/">first <strong>787 Dreamliner</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/view/21562/spirit-aerosystems-ships-first-a350-xwb-composite-fuselage-section- ... Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:59:03 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/11/2/composite-aircraft-repair/444.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/10/26/uk-s-national-composites-centre-open-for-business/438.aspx <p>This month I visited the UK's new &pound;25 <a href="http://www.nationalcompositescentre.co.uk"><strong>National Composites Centre</strong></a> which officially opens in November.</p> <p>Part of the UK government&rsquo;s <a href="http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/view/5522/uk-government-unveils- ... Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:35:30 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/10/26/uk-s-national-composites-centre-open-for-business/438.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/10/12/an-insight-into-composites-testing/426.aspx <p>This week I visited testing machine manufacturer <a href="http://www.zwick.com"><strong>Zwick Roell</strong></a>'s testEXPO event in Germany. This is the 20th annual 'Materials Testing Forum' the company has held and this year it expects around 2000 customers, potential customers and other visito ... Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:46:42 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/10/12/an-insight-into-composites-testing/426.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/9/19/carbon-fibre-in-the-bathroom/408.aspx <p><img hspace="5" height="136" width="200" vspace="5" border="0" align="right" alt="Carbon composite bath" src="/_virtual/ck/carbon bath 2.jpg" />It's certainly true that the applications for carbon composites are continuing to expand. And here's another first &ndash; a carbon fibre bath.</p> <p>M ... Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:17:07 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/9/19/carbon-fibre-in-the-bathroom/408.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/9/12/materials-key-to-meeting-fuel-efficiency-regulations/401.aspx <p><img hspace="10" height="219" width="170" vspace="5" border="1" align="right" src="/_virtual/ck/Copy of RP SepOct11 cover.jpg" alt="RP Sep/Oct 2011 cover" />Environmental regulations calling for increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions are influencing the design of almost every vehicle com ... Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:05:45 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/9/12/materials-key-to-meeting-fuel-efficiency-regulations/401.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/8/12/july-august-issue-published/381.aspx <p>The July/August issue of <em>Reinforced Plastics</em> magazine has just been published.</p> <p><a target="_self" href="http://www.reinforcedplastics.com"><img hspace="5" height="183" width="140" vspace="5" border="0" align="right" alt="July/August cover picture" src="/_virtual/ck/rpjulyaugcover2 ... Fri, 12 Aug 2011 13:41:38 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/8/12/july-august-issue-published/381.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/8/4/composites-and-corrosion/379.aspx <p>A quick look at the industry news section of corrosion authority <a href="http://www.nace.org"><strong>NACE</strong></a>&rsquo;s website shows items listing pipe ruptures (and resulting product spills) and corroded bridge structures where public safety is a critical concern. </p> <p>According to ... Thu, 04 Aug 2011 09:46:53 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/8/4/composites-and-corrosion/379.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/7/27/bmw-and-premium-aerotec-showcase-carbon-composites-technology/370.aspx <p>Just returned from a trip to Germany to visit BMW's Landshut production plant and Premium AEROTEC's Augsburg facility. The visits were organised by the <a href="http://www.composites-europe.com"><strong>COMPOSITES EUROPE</strong></a> trade show, where both companies will be exhibiting on 27-29 Se ... Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:55:38 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/7/27/bmw-and-premium-aerotec-showcase-carbon-composites-technology/370.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/6/15/carbon-fibre-collaborations-multiplying/347.aspx <p>The production of carbon fibre has traditionally been dominated by a few companies &ndash; predominately the Japanese firms Toray, Mitsubishi and Teijin.<span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;"> </span>Now, with excellent prospects fo ... Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:57:52 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/6/15/carbon-fibre-collaborations-multiplying/347.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/6/9/may-june-issue-published/345.aspx <p>The May/June issue of <a href="http://www.reinforcedplastics.com"><em>Reinforced Plastics</em></a> magazine will be published this week.</p> <p>In addition to all the latest applications, business and technology news this issue contains the following features:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http:// ... Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:29:50 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/6/9/may-june-issue-published/345.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/5/31/thermoset-composites-can-be-recycled/342.aspx <p>Can end-of-life thermoset composites parts and production waste be recycled?</p> <p>Are there any companies offering this service?</p> <p>Working on <a href="http://www.reinforcedplastics.com"><strong><em>Reinforced Plastics</em></strong></a>, these are questions I am often asked by composites ... Tue, 31 May 2011 15:06:41 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/5/31/thermoset-composites-can-be-recycled/342.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/5/5/composites-recycling-and-sustainability/336.aspx <p>Composites can be recycled ... That was the conclusion of the delegates at <a href="http://www.eucia.org"><strong>EuCIA</strong></a>'s Information Day on 4 May, entitled <em>Competitive Composites: Sustainability &amp; Recycling Challenges.</em></p> <p>The event took place at the European Parlia ... Thu, 05 May 2011 10:31:40 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/5/5/composites-recycling-and-sustainability/336.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/4/1/jec-2011-black-and-green/310.aspx <p>And so another <a href="http://www.jeccomposites.com"><strong>JEC show</strong></a> comes to an end and a number of themes stand out.</p> <p>There were numerous carbon fibre products and applications on display (the black) and a big focus on sustainability (the green).</p> <p>Automotive composi ... Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:38:30 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/4/1/jec-2011-black-and-green/310.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/3/21/japan-disaster-recovery-could-take-five-years-bbc-news/300.aspx <p>Japan may need up to 5 years to rebuild from the earthquake and tsunami that has caused up to $235 billion (&pound;145 billion) of damage, according to a World Bank report.</p> <p>It also estimates about 0.5% was shaved from the country's economic growth this year, but expects growth to pick up ... Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:38:04 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/3/21/japan-disaster-recovery-could-take-five-years-bbc-news/300.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/3/15/japan-disaster/297.aspx <p>In the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan last Friday, our thoughts go out to our friends and colleagues in the country. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:19:56 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/3/15/japan-disaster/297.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/3/9/march-april-issue-published/292.aspx <p>The March/April issue of <a href="http://www.reinforcedplastics.com"><strong>Reinforced Plastics magazine</strong></a> will be published this week.</p> <p><img hspace="5" height="105" width="80" vspace="5" border="0" align="right" src="/_common/updateable/fck-user-files/Cover for web.jpg" alt="" ... Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:44:40 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/3/9/march-april-issue-published/292.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/2/11/optimism-at-composites-2011/280.aspx <p>The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) says nearly 3000 people attended its&nbsp;<a href="http://www.acmashow.org"><strong>COMPOSITES 2011</strong></a> trade show in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, last week.</p> <p>Visitor numbers may have been down as a result of snow storms across ... Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:53:41 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/2/11/optimism-at-composites-2011/280.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/1/27/economic-predictions-for-2011/269.aspx <p>As we start 2011, economic analysts are offering their predictions for the year.</p> <p>According to <a href="http://www.ihsglobalinsight.com">IHS Global Insight</a>&rsquo;s top 10 economic predictions for 2011, a two-speed recovery is likely to be a feature of the global economy throughout 2011 ... Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:42:23 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2011/1/27/economic-predictions-for-2011/269.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/11/30/2010-is-the-composites-industry-picking-up/256.aspx <p>The last issue of the magazine for 2010 has just gone to print. Has it been a better year for the composites industry than 2009? In general, it would seem so.</p> <p>Looking back through this year&rsquo;s news, there are certainly several markets where activity is good:</p> <ul> <li>wind e ... Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:19:02 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/11/30/2010-is-the-composites-industry-picking-up/256.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/10/7/not-all-supercars-are-taking-the-composites-route/228.aspx <p>While an increasing number of car makers are looking at using composites in their future models, Jaguar is sticking with aluminium.</p> <p><img hspace="5" height="134" width="150" vspace="5" border="5" align="right" alt="Jaguar C-X75." src="/_common/updateable/fck-user-files/Jag_cx75.jpg" />At t ... Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:42:14 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/10/7/not-all-supercars-are-taking-the-composites-route/228.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/9/14/composites-europe-2010-the-good-news/213.aspx <p><a href="http://www.composites-europe.com"><strong>COMPOSITES EUROPE</strong></a> got off to an optimistic start with the latest statistics from AVK (the German Federation of Reinforced Plastics) predicting European production of glass fibre reinforced plastics (GRP) in 2010 will be approximately ... Tue, 14 Sep 2010 20:56:00 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/9/14/composites-europe-2010-the-good-news/213.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/8/18/composites-europe-2010/197.aspx <p>The COMPOSITES EUROPE 2010 trade show takes place on 14-16 September in Essen, Germany.</p> <p><a href="http://www.composites-europe.com">COMPOSITES EUROPE </a>is now in its fifth year. The exhibition is organised by Reed Exhibitions, supported by the European composites industry association EuC ... Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:17:46 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/8/18/composites-europe-2010/197.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/7/15/solar-powered-transport-and-composites/188.aspx <p>Fossil fuels still account for the vast majority of the world&rsquo;s energy consumption, but the search for pollution-free, sustainable alternatives is stepping up considerably. In the transport sector, where environmental pressures are high, a number of alternatives to petrol and diesel are in ... Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:49:52 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/7/15/solar-powered-transport-and-composites/188.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/5/20/cars-and-carbon-fibre/163.aspx <p>The use of carbon fibre composites in cars is gaining momentum as both <strong>BMW</strong> and <strong>Mercedes Benz </strong>further plans to use the material in their vehicles.</p> <p><a href="http://www.bmwgroup.com">BMW</a> announced a joint venture with German carbon fibre producer <a href ... Thu, 20 May 2010 10:26:03 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/5/20/cars-and-carbon-fibre/163.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/4/16/optimism-and-innovation-at-jec-2010/154.aspx <p>This year's <a href="http://www.jeccomposites.com">JEC</a> will probably be best remembered for the travel chaos which ensued on the last day following closure of European air space due to volcanic ash from Iceland. But this year's event should also be remembered for its decidedly more upbeat atm ... Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:15:54 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/4/16/optimism-and-innovation-at-jec-2010/154.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/3/11/greener-cars-more-composites/143.aspx <p>Reports from the <a href="http://www.salon-auto.ch/en/">Geneva motor show</a> taking place this week have highlighted the launch of numerous 'green' cars. It seems that most of the major players have been showcasing their take on an electric or a hybrid model, alongside a number of smaller compan ... Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:16:15 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/3/11/greener-cars-more-composites/143.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/2/17/emerging-markets-offer-best-opportunities-for-composites-in-construction/135.aspx <p>The construction industry is the biggest user of composite materials, and the potential for further growth is substantial. In a presentation at the <a href="http://www.acmashow.org">ACMA's Composites 2010 show</a> last week, Norman Timmins, Director of Consulting at Lucintel, outlined the opportu ... Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:26:12 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/2/17/emerging-markets-offer-best-opportunities-for-composites-in-construction/135.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/2/11/composites-2010-everyones-talking-about/134.aspx <p>In my conversations at the show, the three following topics were top of the agenda.</p> <p><strong>1. When will the recovery start?</strong><br /> Not surprisingly, everyone was talking about the global economy and asking when business would pick up. Although the outlook for the future growth o ... Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:04:58 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/2/11/composites-2010-everyones-talking-about/134.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/2/11/composites-2010-cautious-optimism/133.aspx <p>Exhibitors at <a href="http://www.acmashow.org">Composites 2010</a> are generally upbeat about the prospects for the US composites industry over the next few years.</p> <p>Ted Harris, President of Ashland Performance Materials, is &lsquo;cautiously optimistic&rsquo; about 2010, saying that there ... Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:03:12 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/2/11/composites-2010-cautious-optimism/133.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/2/11/composites-2010-us-industry-to-grow/132.aspx <p>The first day of <a href="http://www.acmashow.org">the Composites 2010 event</a> in a grey and rainy Las Vegas started with an upbeat presentation on the future of the US composites industry by business analyst Ray MacNeil.</p> <p>The US composites industry has been hit hard since late 2007, he ... Thu, 11 Feb 2010 01:41:01 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/2/11/composites-2010-us-industry-to-grow/132.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/2/3/composites-2010-updates-from-the-show/125.aspx <p>The American Composites Manufacturers Association (<a href="http://www.acmanet.org"><strong>ACMA</strong></a>)'s <a href="http://www.acmashow.org"><strong>Composites 2010</strong></a> conference and exhibition takes place in Las Vegas next week. The <a href="http://www.acmashow.org/exhibitor_list ... Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:52:20 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/2/3/composites-2010-updates-from-the-show/125.aspx http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/1/28/what-does-2010-hold-in-store-for-composites/115.aspx <p>When I first started working on <em>Reinforced Plastics</em> I was told that, as a general rule of thumb, composites industry growth was a couple of percent higher than GDP. So what is the economy going to look like in 2010?</p> <p>In its economic predictions for 2010, forecasting company <a hre ... Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:57:06 GMT http://www.reinforcedplastics.com/blog/2010/1/28/what-does-2010-hold-in-store-for-composites/115.aspx