Composites Basics

Aerospace

Plasma moves beyond improved bonding to coatings, multifunctional composites

Plasmatreat cold plasma systems clean, activate surfaces and apply nanocoatings for dielectric barriers and more.

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Composites end markets: Electronics (2025)

Electronic and smart device innovations achieved through the use of advanced materials ranging from thermoplastic composites to biomaterials emphasize high-volume production and sustainability.

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Filament Winding

Composites end markets: New space (2025)

Composite materials — with their unmatched strength-to-weight ratio, durability in extreme environments and design versatility — are at the heart of innovations in satellites, propulsion systems and lunar exploration vehicles, propelling the space economy toward a $1.8 trillion future.

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Understanding the difference between bonding and welding

Composites bonding and welding are two similar but distinct processes that overcome challenges related to fasteners or drilling. Here are some resources to get you started.  

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Seven tips for machining composite aerospace components

Machining composite materials is a dusty, arduous and abrasive process that is hard on cutting tools, requiring the right combination of strategies and know-how to properly navigate their dynamics.

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Digitization

The pursuit of energy efficiency in composites manufacturing

In an increasingly energy-driven world, technology developments are being sought after to reduce energy consumption in composites manufacturing, further translating into waste reduction and other efficiencies.

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Glass Fibers

Composites end markets: Sports and recreation (2025)

The use of composite materials in high-performance sporting goods continues to grow, with new advancements including thermoplastic and sustainability-focused materials and automated processes.

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Marine

Functionalizing surfaces for sustainability

Riblets reduce drag, fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and noise while boosting power output, flow rates, speed and efficiency.

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Crashworthiness testing of composites: A building block approach, Part 2

Following the previously discussed coupon-level testing element, subcomponent and component testing are the next steps in designing crashworthy composite structures.  

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Wind/Energy

Trends fueling the composites recycling movement

Various recycling methods are being considered for composites, from novel dismantling and processing, to building capacity and demonstrating secondary use applications.  

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