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The article focuses on the growing use of thermoplastic composites (TPC) in the cycling industry, driven by their potential for faster, more efficient manufacturing processes. Topics include Argon 18's collaboration with Quebec Composites Development Centre and other partners to develop optimized TPC layups, the challenges of achieving performance comparable to traditional carbon fiber composites.

The article focuses on the Carbon Fibre Circular Alliance (CFCA) project, which aims to create circularity solutions for carbon fiber composite sports equipment. It reports on the collaboration between sporting goods OEMs, recycling specialists and Lineat Composites to reclaim short carbon fibers, realign them into continuous prepreg tapes and remanufacture them into new equipment, highlighting advancements in technology and efforts towards sustainability in the sports industry.

The article evaluates the high-performance carbon, metal and ceramic fiber-based papers from NonWoven365 including Carbon365, Mullite365 papers and Silica 365.

The article examines the manufacturing process of carbon fiber. Topics discussed include statement from Steven Carmichael, director of sales and marketing for MRC subsidiary Grafil Inc., about the complexity inherent in carbon fiber composites, how carbon fiber is produced, and estimated cost of a tool-up of a single world-class production line.

The article provides information on the types, manufacture, uses and end market applications of fibers for composites. Topics discussed include description on glass fibers, insight on high-performance fibers used in composites which includes carbon fiber, aramid fiber, and boron fibers, and basic fiber form for high-performance carbon fiber.

The article focuses on the development of a new carbon fiber/epoxy composite arm for satellite communication systems. Topics include the design process and benefits of the composite arm which is lighter and simpler to install compared to the traditional aluminum version, the partnership between EM Solutions and ACS Australia to enhance naval satcom systems, and the arm's improved durability and reduced maintenance needs.

The article focuses on the investigation into the OceanGate Titan submersible disaster, emphasizing that the cause of the implosion was not solely due to the use of carbon fiber composites but rather to decision-making failures and ignored safety protocols by OceanGate chief executive officer, Stockton Rush. It highlights the importance of adhering to rigorous design, material selection, and testing processes in composite engineering to prevent such tragedies.

The article focuses on High-performance sustainability and cost-efficiency advance with HiPerDiF on commercial production is on the near horizon for high performance composite materials that are both sustainable and formable. It mentions process reduces raw material cost by using discontinuous fiber, the source of which will be recycled composites and offers a high-volume, automated process that aligns discontinuous fibers within a prepreg tape.

A unique feature of carbon is its ability to exist in many different forms and exhibit a variety of properties. The versatile properties of carbon-based materials (hardness, stiffness, and electrical conductivity) makes carbon appealing across many applications, including carbon fibers, lubricants, and carbon black. The ability to identify specific carbon materials is thus imperative, especially for research and development purposes. Raman spectroscopy provides a quick, nondestructive method for identifying and characterizing different types of carbon with little to no sample preparation required. The instrumentation involves a laser, which causes inelastic Raman scattering of light to determine the vibrational modes of the molecules in the material. The result is a Raman spectrum exhibiting specific peaks--commonly referred to as the G and D bands for carbon materials. This article explains the key steps of using Raman technology to investigate carbon and carbon-based materials (such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and carbon fibers and composites), as well as the process of analyzing the spectra. Specifically, the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the G band and the dispersions of the G and D bands are analyzed and correlated with different carbon materials. Finally, the challenges of using Raman spectroscopy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses Hypetex winning a significant Innovate Great Britain's Smart grant to develop FlaxTex, a technical colored flax fiber aimed at sustainable applications in automotive, marine, and other carbon fiber-reliant industries. Topics discussed include FlaxTex's biodegradability, enhanced performance through colorization, and efforts to optimize resin systems for broader market adoption across composite structures.

The article discusses Hexcel Corp. and Fairmat's 10-year agreement to recycle carbon fiber composite materials from Hexcel's Salt Lake City facility, enhancing efforts in U.S. composite recycling. Topics discussed include the establishment of Fairmat's new recycling facility near Hexcel's site, the expansion of sustainable practices in composite manufacturing, and the long-term commitment to environmental stewardship through collaborative recycling initiatives.

The article discusses a partnership between ACerS and USACA to develop a training program focusing on materials for hypersonic applications, aiming to address the critical knowledge gap in this field. Topics include the development of tutorial sessions by subject matter experts and the delivery of both in-person and online courses compliant with international regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article focuses on the loss of OceanGate's Titan submersible during a dive to the Titanic wreck, examining the use of carbon fiber composites in its fabrication and the subsequent speculation about the cause of the accident. Topics include the interdependence of materials, design, tooling, and fabrication in composites manufacturing, the need for expertise and knowledge in applying composites to new and challenging applications.

The article focuses on reviewing the most popular stories from the periodical in 2023, highlighting an older yet significant piece on the implosion of the OceanGate Titan submersible and emphasizing the importance of meticulous fabrication methods and material testing for safety. Topics discussed include trends in advanced air mobility (AAM), hydrogen applications, and sustainability in the composites industry.

The article focuses on the state of recycled carbon fiber (rCF), exploring its potential to address the increasing demand for carbon fiber and reduce environmental impact. Topics include challenges in the rCF industry, the role of aerospace industry waste as a source, and the benefits of using rCF, not only for sustainability but also for cost reduction in various applications.

The article focuses on the making of carbon fiber, offering insights into the complex and mostly proprietary manufacturing process, detailing key phases such as polymerization, spinning, oxidation, carbonization, and surface treatment, with an emphasis on the variability and tailorability of carbon fiber products.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including the author's experience of reentering the composites industry, which is fast-paced and filled with new developments and technologies, as they take on the role of editor-in-chief for CompositesWorld.

The article focuses on the evolution of composites from optional to necessary materials in various industries. Topics include the displacement of legacy materials by composites in applications that benefit from their lightweight and high-strength properties, such as aerospace and sporting goods; and how the composites have become the only material option, including advanced air mobility aircraft, hydrogen storage, wind blades, and aerospace/space structures.

The article takes a look at the development of adhesive materials for automotive, aerospace, and transport applications. It notes that automotive and aerospace products require the use of adhesives that can bond to low-surface-energy (LSE) substrate materials like molded silicones, carbon composites, and plastics. It also cites that original equipment manufacturers (OEM) have a particular need for clear adhesives that have shielding and conductive properties.

The article focuses on lighter, less costly but still as strong components for military and aerospace machines. It discusses the reasons for metal replacement when using such components, advantages of using Victrex's PEEK polymer solution for these components, and a carbon composite manufacturing process based on Victrex's PEEK polymer developed by Tri-Mack Plastics Manufacturing Corporation. Uses of aluminum for aircraft and of metal and ceramic composites for military vehicles are discussed.

The article reports on the SquareKilometre Array program, a multinational effort where participants aim to put thousands of radio telescopes in remote regions of South Africa and Australia by 2030. Topics include the advantages of radio telescopes over optical telescopes, the use of carbon composites with low coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) to address gravitational distortion requirements and a feature on the DVA-1 dish developed by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC-Canada).

The article offers information on the annual Conference and Exhibition of the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) to be held from May 6 to 9, 2013 at the Long Beach Convention Center in California.

The article discusses highlights of the 2013 SpeedNews Annual Commercial Aviation Industry Suppliers Conference held in California. Low interest rates and availability of new technologies that resolve rising fuel costs have been considered by conference speakers as factors that contribute to industry growth. Kevin Michaels of consulting firm ICF SH&E acknowledged use of composites in new aircraft wing designs. Changes in procurement strategies of aviation firms were also reported.

The article previews several products in the composites manufacturing industry which include the Step Sanding Tool Kit for carbon fiber repairs from Dark Matter Composites, EcoPlus mold temperature control system from SINGLE Temperiertechnik GmbH, and Helius:CompositePro version 4.2 software from Firehole Composites.

The article discusses issues and changes within the aerospace fastener industry. It notes that trends demanding less weight pose challenges to the sector. Bob Gurrola of Alcoa Fastening Systems states that the entry of carbon composites into aerospace manufacturing required new approaches in fastening carbon composite aerospace components. Changes in the industry include the replacement of the 100-degree countersunk head with a 130-degree one and shift to stainless steel or titanium fasteners.

The article discusses the materials that are being used to create a lighter commercial aircraft. It compares the metal aluminum and the composite carbon fiber, and details how composite companies are working with different methods and materials to improve their products in order to compete with aluminum. Sustainability is also proving to be an important issue in the production of new aircrafts.

The article features the Toulouse, France-based composites manufacturer, Latécoère, which has developed a lighter version of the Type A composite passenger door of The Boeing Co.'s 787 Dreamliner aircraft. According to Latécoère's Jean-Christophe Ichard, they advanced the project called COMDOR (composite door) focusing on matching the material, tooling and process with the application. The firms ESI Group and the KUKA Robot Group helped in developing the COMDOR.

The article offers news briefs in the global composites industry. Japanese firm Teijin Ltd. inaugurated its Teijin Composites Application Center (TCAC) on April 1, 2012 to develop the automotive and other industrial uses of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) products. Astrium SAS' Astrium Space Transportation unit will supply an automated fiber placement (AFP) robot to Coriolis Composites Technologies.

The article discusses the carbon fiber/PEEK/ceramic composite tooling, a molding solution developed by ÉireComposites Teo in County Galway, Ireland to process large thermoplastic composite structures at 200ºC/392ºF. The initial goal was to build a one-piece wind turbine blade with no adhesive lines, molded in one shot, and with a two-thirds decrease in cycle time. It then managed to introduce thermostat materials that might provide thermoplastic benefits at reduced costs.

The article describes the process used to create the carbon composite sculpture "Mae West" designed by artist Rita McBride in Munich, Germany. The unique fiber architecture and mandrel-less filament winding process used by Carbon Grossbauteile GmbH (CBG), the principal engineering and production company on the project, made the rotational paraboloid shape of "Mae West" possible.

The article discusses experts' views on considerations and risks in machining carbon composites. It discusses the reaction of composite materials to machining and the two basic machining technologies, namely, rotary machining and abrasive waterjet machining. It discusses the factors that can impact the machinist's decision-making process such as heat and speed and the cutting tool considerations, including a careful study of tool materials and geometry and close management of tool life. The challenges of drilling in aerospace structures are discussed. INSET: Machining for repair.

The article presents information on a molding process developed by Gurit Ltd. at its facilities in Newport, Great Britain for its trademarked SPRINT material system. The system is created to cure carbon composite structural parts in less than an hour and less cost. The company tested the system's applicability in the real world by producing five exterior body panels for the Aston Martin DBS sports car.

This section offers carbon fiber composites industry news briefs. HITCO Carbon Composites signed a long-term agreement with Spirit Aero-Systems on December 1, 2009 to supply carbon giver reinforced composite beam components for the 787 Dreamliner aircraft from The Boeing Co. Under the agreement, HITCO will supply the passenger floor beams and cargo header beams.

The article presents the views of Silvestre Pinho, professor at Imperial College in London, on finite element analysis (FEA) software usage for exploring capability to reduce structural integrity related threats. Topics discussed include the use of the software system Abaqus to carry out FEA work, enhancement of capability of modeling the carbon composite structural responses and alteration of the materials microstructure for aerospace applications.

The article discusses the F-35 Lighting II joint strike fighter (JSF) program of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) being undertaken by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. The multirole F-35 aircraft has three models, the F-35A for conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL), the F-35B for short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) and the F-35C for carrier-based landing (CV). The plane's structure is made of about 35% of carbon fiber composites by weight. INSET: Proving tool geometry & materials.

The article reports on the use of carbon composites by Chevrolet engineers to make an innovative hood for its Corvette ZR1 automobile. Design specifications include the need for accommodation of greater engine dimensions and the elimination of a mid-hood bulge for the supercharger. A design challenge that engineers faced is the reduction of the air gap between the engine top and the hood.

The article focuses on the process of making carbon fibers. The complexity, variability and tailorability of carbon fiber bring high value to its manufacturing. The processing details give each brand a distinctive signature, one primary reason why carbon fibers producers are keen on how their products are processed, it is considered an intellectual property and an expensive industry. The long process entails polymerization and spinning, oxidation, carbonization and surface treatment and sizing application. INSETS: CARBON FIBER TREND: SIZING FOR MANY MATRICES;NEW-GENERATION OVENS, FURNACES TARGET GREATER EFFICIENCY.

This article reports that aircraft manufacturer Comac (Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China) plans to use a carbon-fiber composite for the center wingbox of its C919 narrowbody airliner but will use aluminum for its outer wing. Comac has plans to develop a completely composite wing for future versions of the C919. The aircraft's scheduled entry into use has been delayed until the end of next year, and Chengdu Airlines will receive the first delivery.

Reports on the use of carbon composites for self-contained breathing apparatus (SBCA) use in the United States. Safety regulations and technology; Authorization and standards for carbon composite standards; Care, maintenance and re-inspection of cylinders.

The article focuses on the use of carbon composites for manufacturing wings of the military airlifters of Europe. These composites have strength comparable to traditional airframe structures and are lighter. Airbus Industrie SA is using carbon composites for making the primary wing structure of the A400M airlifter. Boeing Co. will also use this composite in its manufactures. Presently the supply for carbon fibre is very low. Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Turkey, Spain, Great Britain, South Africa and Malaysia have ordered for total 192 A400Ms.

This article reports that by 2012, Airbus Industrie SA wants to build an all-composite fuselage. Airbus leaders like to suggest they don't share Boeing Co.'s view that an aggressive pursuit of composites is the way to go, but researchers for the European aircraft maker are seeing a rapid growth in their application on Airbus aircraft. The size of composites' role has become the latest bone of contention between Boeing and Airbus. The former is driven by the desire to promote the benefits of its newest design, the 787, which will have 50% of its primary aircraft structure made of composites.

Focuses on the use of improved techniques of resin transfer molding in the fabrication of flight-critical carbon-composite structures for aircraft and jet engines. Stacking of multiple plies of preimpregnated woven fabrics in mold; Injection of resin into fiber preforms enclosed in heated mold cavities; Viable alternative for the production of composite parts.

The article discusses the low-cost composite-intensive design of Leading Edge Aerospace called Scorpion for a tactical jet fighter completed through the joint venture of Airland Enterprises and Textron Airland LLC. Topics covered include the need to mold autoclave-cured carbon fiber prepreg, evaluation of computer-aided design (CAD) files and use of highly dense polyurethane foams. Also mentioned are machining of demolded tools with polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and carbon composite backups.

An editorial is presented in which the editor discusses about writing editorial since last fifteen years and the most common words used including oil, carbon composites and Boeing.

35 Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Carbon Edition Review The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Carbon Edition is a premium-looking and sounding pair of ANC headphones that comes at a premium By Alex Bracetti- Tom's Guide T he Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Carbon Edition is an updated version on the critically acclaimed PX7. VERDICT In a competitive noise-cancelling market where Bose and Sony run the show, Bowers & Wilkins let its presence be known with the exceptional PX7 Carbon Edition. These headphones have the ANC and audio prowess to match up well against most, if not all competitors. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a proprietary pump design that takes advantage of the water pressure and involves a switch from traditional metals to a carbon fiber composite for critical components created for the hydraulic intensifier pump from Cameron International Corp. in order to deal with the challenges of placing and maintaining machinery on the ocean floor. Water absorption, marine biofouling and weight were minimized while material construction was optimized by using a high-performance carbon fiber and polyetheretherketone matrix composite.

This section offers news briefs about the composites industry. Epoxy and polyurethane resins maker Axson Technologies is launching a production facility in China for the dielectrics and wind-turbine markets. Bulk Molding Compounds Inc. has opened a production facility in Turkey. IDI Composites International has acquired thermoset molding compounds maker Jet Moulding Compounds Inc.

The article focuses on the use of carbon-fibre composites as a body material of vehicles. It mentions that crumple zone and passenger cell design provide different challenges if made from composites as they do not progressively deform as they absorb energy. Karl-Heinz Baumann of Daimler AG states that composites have higher energy absorption compared to metals, but the structure should stay intact during and after the impact.