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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.

Mechanisms to drive solar array panels, a composite universal stage adapter and central network electronics supply drive Artemis missions forward.

The Spanish aerospace systems supplier will provide equipment for transport, functional and vibration tests and final assembly of the large solar panels.

Origami-inspired panel from Levante and ACS upcycles supercar scrap, solves energy accessibility for off-the-grid travelers.

CW technical editor Hannah Mason shares sustainability-focused composites trade show highlights featuring maturation, scale-up, new partnerships, and new technologies in biomaterials and recycling. 

Sunreef 43M Eco electric catamaran, with a composite surface of 1,700 square meters, is considered to have the world’s largest infused hull.

The National Composites recreational watercraft line features battery- or solar-powered technologies with a fiberglass frame and room to hold four people.

Western Sydney University won four out of five stages of the 2,800 km race with their carbon-fiber chassis solar-powered vehicle.

Powered only by the sun, Odysseus is an ultra-long endurance, high-altitude platform that utilizes advanced solar cells and lightweight materials including a carbon fiber frame.

Autonomous maritime patrol aircraft (AMPA) testing prepares the composite platform for operations in 2025, ensuring it can operate effectively over land and offshore environments to serve government and commercial needs.

Airborne Aerospace has been awarded a contract to manufacture substrate panels for the solar arrays of 12 new Galileo FOC satellites.