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The wind energy market has long been considered the world’s largest market, by volume, for glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites — and increasingly, carbon fiber composites — as larger turbines and longer wind blades are developed, requiring higher performance, lighter weight materials. The outer skins of wind and tidal turbine blades generally comprise infused, GFRP laminates sandwiching foam core. Inside the blade, rib-like shear webs bonded to spar caps reinforce the structure. Spar caps are often made from GFRP or, as blade lengths lengthen, pultruded carbon fiber for additional strength.

Economically produced composite sandwich panels are sustainable while maintaining high mechanical performance and surface quality, driving them into new market applications.

How can the automotive supply chain prepare for future sustainability requirements? Tier 1 Kautex Textron discusses emissions reduction, design for circularity and transition to recycled/bio-based plastics.

The autoclaved-cured carbon fiber flag pole solution specifically developed for Starlink Maritime eliminates signal impingement on sailing yachts of all sizes.

Composites are used widely in oil/gas, wind and other renewable energy applications. Despite market challenges, growth potential and innovation for composites continue.

Large-format AM specialist Caracol and partners designed custom, 3D-printed outdoor furniture with glass fiber-reinforced recycled polypropylene, and conducted an LCA to evaluate and improve the process.

When a team of nine engineering students from Cedarville University (Cedarville, Ohio) returned to Buffalo, N.Y. this year for Solar Splash 2005, an international collegiate solar-powered boat competition, it was eager to defend its title as world champion. In 2004, the team's winning entry featured a hull hand layed

Under Aeris Service, the Latin American wind blade manufacturer provides North American customers with various preventative and corrective maintenance services, taking advantage of increased turbine capacity.

Apply Carbon has completed the commission of a fully automated production plant for recycled carbon fibers, with an estimated capacity of 4,000 metric tons.

At its U.S. sites, Ascorium produces glass fiber/PUR 3D parts via semi-automated molding, high-volume flat panels via a continuous line while working toward bio-based PUR and recycling.

Stability and positive growth margins were seen in Graphite Solutions and Process Technology despite a difficult market environment, but weak demand in Carbon Fibers continues to impact group sales and profitability.