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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.

JEC World 2022 offered numerous new developments in composites materials, processes and applications, according to CW senior editor, Ginger Gardiner, most targeting improved sustainability for wider applications.

CW’s Focus on Design assists our readers in staying up to date on the latest trends and innovations in composite materials and design. Take a look at the top ten most read articles from our popular column. 

Launched for its 12-year journey in space, the Lucy aircraft is decked out with advanced scientific instruments, 170 square feet of composite structures and several 3D-printed parts.

Commercialization of fiberglass-reinforced PU blades are opening a new chapter in the wind blade industry, supporting the development of longer, more robust blade designs.

Portland State Aerospace Society, incorporating CRP Technology’s GFRP composite materials and SLS 3D printing, sent its CubeSat nanosatellite into low Earth orbit in 2021, where it continues to operate successfully.

The vacuum equipment specialist prides itself on promoting a safe place for employees to learn, develop and be engaged.

The world gets its first look at the full capabilities of the composites-intensive James Webb Space Telescope in space through a series of highly detailed images.

Crestabond MMA structural adhesives range will continue to drive advanced composites growth in India, in addition to Scott Bader’s global expertise and local technical support.

Partners Axiom Space, Northrop Grumman Space Logistics and Southwest Research Institute will help advance ISAM technologies for kilometer-scale LEO antennas, space stations and GEO applications, targeting space factory in 3-5 years.

A joint 2020 Nuclear Energy Agency and International Energy Agency study reports that levelized costs of renewable and nuclear energy generation are falling below that of fossil fuels.