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The article discusses the marketing strategy of Koppers Co. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It says that under the management of Fletcher L. Byrom, the company hunted for new markets in the field of engineering and construction, chemicals and coatings which accounted for 40% of total sales in 1967. Data from the Commerce Department reveal that population trends and income projections found a developing market in glass-fiber reinforced plastics based on polyester resins.

The article discusses the use of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) as replacement for conventional pipe by the design piping engineers in the U.S. It features manufacturing components of the composite FRP by using glass fiber reinforcement, thermoset resins, liner veil materials, and other additive that made it more ideal to use for lasting piping supports. INSET: HOW COMPOSITE FRP PIPE HAS EVOLVED.

The article presents questions and answers related to the U.S. coatings industry. A question was raised on how to calculate the energy savings associated with lessening washer bath temperature. Another person inquired for the resolution of passivation problems in citric asic. A question pertaining to an expert of a washer constructed from Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) was also asked.

The article offers information on several patents in the U.S. plastics industry. Topics discussed include a process of polyolefin treatment for uniform crosslinking, a processing method for silicone wastes, and a recycling method for fiberglass reinforced plastics. Information about the patent holders are also mentioned.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (MHI) is considering a $460-million plant expansion at Nagoya to produce the wing box for Boeing's 7E7. The new plant would be built at MHI's Oye complex in the southern part of Nagoya, where the company assembles fuselage panels for Boeing 767s and 777s and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) wings for the Japanese air force's F-2 close-air support fighter. The Japanese air force found that the F-2s weren't stiff enough for some flight demands, although details have not been released. Meanwhile, Toray Industries Inc., which will supply the CFRP for the 7E7, is planning a $147-million expansion of its Decatur, Alabama, facility.

The article reports on the use of foams based on corn starch for substituting polystyrene foams through technology being created by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in the U.S. Research plant psychologist Gregory Glenn said that the technology uses inexpensive starch from corn, potatoes or wheat. It notes that the technology involves two processes, making a product similar to expanded polystyrene and the other a fiber-reinforced foam.

Reports capacity increases from two glass-fiber suppliers, Owens Corning Corp. and Johns Manville Corp., in the United States. Global growth for fiber-reinforced plastics; Investment plans.

Provides information on the use of a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) stay-in-place form and FRP reinforcement in replacing a concrete bridge deck in Wisconsin. Description of the bridge; Problems with metallic materials in the state; Assembly and structure of the stay-in-place form.

Reports on the results of tests conducted on a bridge in Missouri fitted with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (FRP). Comments from Antonio Nanni, a civil engineering professor at the University of Missouri-Rolla; Funding for the project; How the testing was conducted.

Reports on University of Wyoming engineers' receipt of a grant from the Federal Highway Administration to develop specifications for the use of fiber-reinforced plastic in highway bridge construction. Development of performance for the design, fabrication and use of fiber-reinforced plastic as prestressing tendons encased in concrete; Study participants.

Focuses on a composite bridge in Russell, Kansas, showing potential for fiber-reinforced plastics cores. Bridge description; Use of honeycomb in the structure.

This article discusses investment activities in the U.S. and European composites industry which indicate that the economic outlook for the industry will continue to improve in 2011. Activities include the expansion of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) products supplier Ershigs Inc., expansion of composites producer Composites Horizons Inc. and relocation of fiberglass fabric cutter and kitter manufacturer Vest-Fiber ApS.

Reports on the increase in the consumption of fiber composites, high-performance ceramics and engineering plastics as suppliers develop processing applications in the U.S. Anticipation of heavy demand for high volume and low-cost processing methods; Continuance of aerospace and military contracts to dominate the advanced materials market over the next few years; Growth in demand for advanced composites.

The article discusses the application for a patent by U.S. computer manufacturer Apple Inc. for a performance carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) used to house electronic devices. Topics include an overview of the material properties of FRP, its description in the Patent Application, such as how the FRP would be manufactured, and other types of materials that could be used as a reinforcements in addition to carbon, such as glass, aramid, and polypropylene (PP).

The article discusses the highlights of the Composites 2010 convention on February 9, wherein advocates call for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials to add codes for bridges using fiber-reinforced polymer materials. According to Habib Dagher of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine in Orono, without the standards to back engineers, they will not risk using alternative materials. It cites the desire of advocates for the Congress to propose states to develop life cycle policies.

The article reports on the proposal made by the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) to include fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) into the International Building Code (IBC) to promote acceptance of composites in building and construction. The Fire Safety Committee of the International Code Council (ICC) has voted to accept the proposal during its public hearings. The entire ICC will vote on the proposal at a public meeting in September 2008.

This section offers news briefs relevant to the U.S. construction industry. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers has launched a program to introduce teenagers to construction profession. The American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Composites Manufacturers Association have signed a three-year agreement to develop a pre-standard for load and resistance factor design for pultruded fiber reinforced polymer composite structures. The biodiesel project of Nova Biosource Fuels Inc. is nearing completion.