Materials
Supply and demand: Advanced fibers (2015)
Demand for advanced fiber, virgin and reclaimed, is on an upswing after a dip during the recent recession. Fiber suppliers are gearing up to meet an expected increase in demand as manufacturers in a number of composites end-markets scale up or start up part development and production programs.
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Fiber reinforcement forms
Fibers used to reinforce composites are supplied directly by fiber manufacturers and indirectly by converters in a number of different forms, which vary depending on the application. Here's a guide to what's available.
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The markets: Automotive (2015)
Composites — in particular, those reinforced with carbon fiber — continue to make headway into the automotive world, but suppliers of competing steel and aluminum are fighting back.
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The matrix (2015)
The matrix binds the fiber reinforcement, gives the composite component its shape and determines its surface quality. A composite matrix may be a polymer, ceramic, metal or carbon. Here's a guide to selection.
Read MoreCarbon Fiber 2014: Will supply meet demand?
ÂÌñÏ×ÆÞ’s Carbon Fiber 2014 conference (Dec. 9-11, 2014, in La Jolla, CA, US) had just kicked off as this issue went to press, but the CW staff captured the following highlights from day one of this annual event.
Read MoreMaking epoxy composites recyclable by design
Connora Technologies and Adesso Advanced Materials have garnered much attention for their hardeners which make epoxy resins recyclable, marketed as Recyclamine and Cleavamine, respectively.
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Benzoxazines for OOA tooling
Can infusible formulations of this newer resin system produce aerospace-capable tools?
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Plant tour: ATK Aerospace Structures, Clearfield, Utah, U.S.
High-volume, high-precision fiber and tape placement for the aerospace industry are among many specialties for this composites manufacturing behemoth.
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Composites in commercial aircraft engines, 2014-2023
The drive to boost aircraft operating efficiency continues to fuel adoption of polymer matrix composites in jet engines.
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Back-country boating: Carbon fiber Adirondack pack canoe
Placid Boatworks (Lake Placid, NY, US) makes modern composite versions of classic, but relatively heavy, Adirondack pack canoes, using vacuum-infused carbon fiber. Here's how.
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