The American Composites Manufacturers Assn.’s (ACMA, Arlington, Va.) annual conference and trade show is heading west in 2010, destined for the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., Feb. 9-11. Previously the COMPOSITES+POLYCON show, it’s now simply COMPOSITES 2010, but it features many of the same events that have attracted composites professionals over the years.
Beyond the show’s exhibit hall, COMPOSITES 2010 features a full slate of conference, education, networking and keynote events that will cover a variety of composite materials, processes and end-markets. On the social/networking side, the show kicks off with the Opening Welcome Reception, Feb. 9 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., sponsored by Reichhold LLC2 (Research Triangle Park, N.C.). This is followed on Feb. 10, 12:00 to 1:30 p.m., by the Awards Luncheon, where winners of ACMA’s Pinnacle and ACE Awards are presented and ACMA recognizes its Lifetime Achievement, Composites Hall of Fame, President’s Award, and Outstanding Volunteer honorees.
ACMA plans two keynote events this year. The first, on Feb. 9, features former Massachusetts governor, 2008 Republican presidential primary candidate and potential frontrunner for the 2012 Republican presidential ticket, Mitt Romney. ACMA reports that Governor Romney will address “many of the challenges facing our nation and business” and “provide a clear vision for the future.” ACMA has extended an open invitation (no fee or ticket required) to attendees and exhibitors for the Romney keynote. He will be speaking at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9. The second event, Feb. 10 from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m., features a panel that will address emerging markets for composites applications. Panelists will represent wind energy, defense, automotive, appliance, aerospace, infrastructure and construction end-markets.
If you’re headed to Las Vegas for composites education, there are several opportunities at the show. COMPOSITES 2010 offers technical paper presentations and tutorials. Sessions begin Feb. 9 at 9 a.m. and run all three days of the event. First-day topics include composite rebar in concrete, nondestructive testing, lean manufacturing, peroxides in composites, corrosion, open molding, gel coat quality, nano-platelets, pultrusion cure, troubleshooting product failures and many others.
Day-two sessions cover four-layer sandwich panels, natural fiber reinforcement, thermoplastics, resin chemistry primer, worker safety, disposable mandrels, structural panels, cast polymers, infusion feed systems, lifecycle assessment, light resin transfer molding (LRTM) troubleshooting and more. The end of the second day’s sessions features an Emerging Markets reception (5 to 6 p.m.), hosted by Composites One (Arlington Hts., Ill.).
Among the day-three topics are color science for thermosets, mold design and repair, offshore wind, pushtrusion, onsite wind blade repair, light RTM tooling, waterjet cutting, bio-composites, conductive coating for sheet molding compound.
The exhibit floor, open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Feb. 10, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 11, features more than 110 exhibitors featuring resins, fibers, tooling, software, inspection systems, core material and other products for composites manufacturing.
COMPOSITES 2010 Exhibitor List
The exhibitor list published in our CT December 2009 issue (p. 13) was based on information available Nov. 11, 2009. For up-to-date information on the exhibiting companies that will be on hand in Las Vegas,, click on this link to access the ACMA Web site: (Note: Booth locations are subject to change by ACMA. Please confirm locations with exhibitors.)
COMPOSITES 2010 Event Schedule
Tuesday, February 9
Conference Sessions 9:00 a.m.
Bond Behavior of GFRP Bar in Both Normal and Lightweight Aggregate Concrete
Remote, Simple Nondestructive Testing of Composite Defects with an Ultrasound Camera: A Boeing Study
Advanced Multifunctional Additives — A Method to Optimize SMC/BMC
Lean Manufacturing
The Effects of Peroxides on Composites Processing
Conference Sessions 9:30 a.m.
FRP Grid Reinforced Concrete Bridge Deck Design Program
Process Integrated Air Coupled Ultrasound Provides In-Process Nondestructive Testing
Conference Sessions 10:00 a.m.
Development and Characterization of GFRP Dowel Bars for Highway Concrete Pavement Applications
Improving Non-Destructive Inspection Productivity via Standardized Robotic Platforms
Gel Coat: Quality Starts Here
Taking the Guess Work Out of Graphene: A Unique Nano Platelet
The Effect of Cure Profiles on Pultrusion Applications
Why Composites?
Conference Sessions 10:30 a.m.
3-D Hybrid Ballistic Fabric Testing Using a 3-D Digital Image Correlation System
Design and Testing of Large-Scale Two-Way Parking Garage Structural Concrete Slabs Reinforced with Glass FRP Reinforcing Bars
Conference Sessions 11:00 a.m.
CFRP Flexure and Shear Strengthening Efficiencies of Reinforced Concrete Beams
Static/Dynamic Mechanical Properties of UPE/VE Resins and Composites with Core-Shell Rubber Nanospheres
Thermal Characterization and Water Absorption Study of Aluminum/Jute Hybrid Composite
Fiber Technology: Its Importance in Producing a Quality Laminate
The Mitigation and Control of Combustible Dusts in FRP Processes
Conference Sessions 11:30 a.m.
Advantages of Epoxy Vinyl Ester Resins in Wind Energy Composites
New Idea for Very Long Suspension Bridge in CFRP Cables
Roundtable Lunch Discussions 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Keynote Address 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Speaker: Mitt Romney
Conference Sessions 3:00 p.m.
Design and Manufacturing with Natural Fiber Composites
Vacuum-infused Composite Deck Plate Replacement for Deteriorated Steel Deck
“Selling” Your Products to Your Legislators
Getting the Most Out of Collaborations with University Researchers
Green Composites: A Value Proposition
The Benefits of Robotic Automation in Composite Products
Conference Sessions 3:30 p.m.
Fracture and Delamination Prediction for Unidirectional Fiber-reinforced Timber Structures using Failure-mode Concept Based Strength Criteria
Long Fiber Thermoplastic PBT and PET Composites: Improved Interface Between Resin and Fiberglass
Conference Sessions 4:00 p.m.
Controlled Radical Polymerization in Vacuum Infusion of Large Parts
Seismic Strengthening of Typical Japanese Wood Homes using GFRP Systems: From Concept to Practice
A Legislative Case Study: Work Your Legislators for Bottom Line Results
It Takes Big Shoes To Make a Small Footprint
The Role of Manufacturing in Solving Composite Product Failures
Conference Sessions 4:30 p.m.
Combined Effect of Loading and Cold-Temperature on the Debonding Mechanism of Glass Fiber Composites
The Effects of Resin Content, Initiator, and Mix Temperature on the Rate of Linear Shrinkage of Unsaturated Polyester Resins Used in Cast Polymer Applications
Opening Welcome Reception 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Sponsored by Reichhold Inc.
Wednesday, February 10
Emerging Markets Panel 8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Exhibit Hall Open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Pinnacle/ACE Awards Luncheon 12:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Conference Sessions 2:00 p.m.
Four-layered Sandwich Panels with GFRP-connectors
Interfacial Properties of Continuous Natural Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites
A Difficult Venue: Impregnation of Fibers with Thermoplastics
The Relationship of the Degree of Cure to the Performance of Vinyl Ester GFRP Composites and the Optimization of Cure Potential with Differential Scanning Calorimetry
ICPA Fire Testing Program — Update 2010
Resin Chemistry for the Non-Chemist
Which Closed Molding Process Is Right for You?
Conference Session 2:00 p.m.
The Hot Buttons: Environmental and Worker Safety Regulation and Enforcement
Conference Sessions 2:30 p.m.
An Experimental Assessment of Structural Behavior of Light-Weight Void Composite Floor Using GFRP
The Utility of Sterically Hindered Monomers in Corrosion Resistant Unsaturated Polyester Resins
Conference Sessions 3:00 p.m.
Disposable Mandrels for Complex Hollow Composites
Effect of Degree of Green on the Mechanical Properties of Jute/GF Hybrid
Innovative Composite Structural Insulated Panels (CSIPs) for Advanced Panelized Construction
Ask the Cast Polymer and Solid Surface Experts
Epoxy Materials and Applications: An Introduction
Getting the Resin from the Bucket into Your Part: Infusion Feed Systems
Reaction Chemistry and Rheology — A Key to Successful Thermoset Applications
Conference Sessions 3:30 p.m.
Development of Polyurethane-based RTM and VARTM Technology
Property Estimation for Pyrolysis Modeling Applied to Flame Retarded Modified Acrylic FRP Composites
Soybean Based Hybrid Unsaturated Polyester Resin System
Conference Sessions 4:00 p.m.
Damage Assessment in FRP through Digital Imaging and Computed Tomography
Factors Governing Fire Response of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Beams
Novel Toughened Performance Vinyl Ester Resins
Advancements in the Use of Life Cycle Assessment in the Composites Industry
Processing Utilizing High Temperature Technology
What’s Necessary to Design a Manufacturing Friendly Composite Product
When Your Light RTM Process Goes Haywire
Conference Sessions 4:30 p.m.
Natural Fiber-Polymer Composites with Enhanced Fire Resistance
The Effect of CFRP on the Behavior of Confined Lightweight Concrete Square Specimens
Issue Area Receptions 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Composites One
Thursday, Feb. 11
CCT Exams 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Conference Sessions 8:00 a.m.
An Innovation for Improved Quality with Vinyl Ester Compounds
Color Science and Pigment Dispersions for Thermoset Composites
Mold Repair and Design — It all starts here!
Offshore Wind Energy — Opportunities and Challenges for the Composites Industry
Conference Sessions 8:30 a.m.
A Study on the Injection Molded Jute Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene
Processing Continuous Fiber Thermoplastic Composites in an Automated Pultrusion
Conference Sessions 9:00 a.m.
A Comparison of Pushtrusion Direct In-line (D-LFT) Technology Versus Traditional Molding Materials
Chamber Length and Fiber Volume Fraction Impact of Tapered Resin Injection Pultrusion
Commercial Applications of Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites
LEED for Cast Polymer Operations: An Architect’s Perspective
On-Site Repair of Composite Windblades
The Key Ingredients to Good Light RTM Tooling
How fillers Affect Composites Manufacturing
Exhibit Hall Open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Conference Sessions 9:30 a.m.
Natural Fiber Reinforced Pultruded Composites
Precision Waterjet Cutting in the Composites Industry
Conference Sessions 10:00 a.m.
Comparison of Composite Properties from Different Test Standards
Performance Evaluation of K20 Carbide and PCD Insert on Machining GFRP Composite
Bio-based Composites of the Federal BioPreferred Program
Manufacturing and Marketing Green Products for Cast Polymer and Solid Surface
The Economics of the Closed Molding Process
Use the Benefits of Epoxy for Wind Machine Repair to Your Advantage
Conference Sessions 10:30 a.m.
Accelerated, Enhanced Cure of Thermoset Resin/Fiber Filament Wound Sections Through the Use of Super Thermally Conductive Mandrels.
Design for Pultrusion of Braided Fabric Reinforced Thermoplastic Composite Tube
Exhibit Hall Luncheon 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Conference Sessions 1:00 p.m.
Evaluation of Constitutive Behavior of FRP Shear-Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Elements
Liquid Resin Infiltration as Repair Method for Composites
Low Temperature Polyurethane Adhesive for “Primerless” Composite Bonding
Advancements for Unsaturated Polyester Based Composites: Renewable, Recycled and Environmentally Friendly Resins
Fabrication Operations in a New World
Flowcoaters — The Key to Reducing Emissions
Conference Sessions 1:30 p.m.
Evaluation of the Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Buildings
The Influence of Bond Stand-offs and Adhesive Cure Temperature on Bond-line Read-through Severity
Conference Sessions 2:00 p.m.
Non-destructive Testing, Measurement and Numerical Damage Analysis of High Demanding Stress Regions in FRP Reinforced Timber Structures
The Role of Conductive Coating in Eliminating PaintbPopping Defects of Powder Primed SMC
A Reality: Carbon Tube Arch Bridges
Conference Session 2:30 p.m.
Strengthening of Wood Framed Walls of Japanese Houses Using GFRP System
Exhibit Hall Raffle 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sponsored by CCP - Cook Composites & Polymers
