Perspectives-and Provocations
Final perspectives and provocations
As Dale Brosius winds down his Perspectives & Provocations column, he reminisces on its start in 2013 and offers some parting thoughts on the trends and technologies that are shaping the composites industry.
Dale Brosius
Contributing Writer, Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI)
A new space race
In the past year, new technologies have increasingly aided the potential of space tourism. But the question remains: Does this accessibility reflect a viable business and will it and the associated use of composites get us closer to successfully returning to the moon and beyond?
Read MoreThe end is in sight for COVID-19: What comes next for the composites industry?
While the industry returns to some semblance of normality, a pre-pandemic “business as usual” does not seem likely. Dale Brosius ponders some of the questions that need to be faced.
Read MoreThe hydrogen economy: Hope or hype?
Green hydrogen technologies have become the forefront for the global zero-carbon energy landscape. Now, it may be cost that ultimately determines its expansion opportunities into the composites industry.
Read MoreAerospace: R&D investment now is critical to post-pandemic growth
While reduced R&D investments may be a natural response to the pandemic’s swift and brutal impact to commercial aviation, ramping up innovation is more imperative for the long-term.
Read MoreWhat is the role of composites in electric vehicles?
Governments and automakers are sending clear signals that electric vehicles are the future. Lightweighting EVs with composites seems obvious, but Dale Brosius says there are more opportunities not to be missed.
Read MoreCloudy skies ahead for composites
In light of the uncertainty the composites industry faces, business travel, the supply chain and the inability to develop next-generation leaders are concerns to watch for leading into 2021.
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Impressions and takeaways from JEC World 2022
Suffice to say that JEC World 2022, the “Big Show” for the composites industry, exceeded many expectations. Dale Brosius contemplates pervasive themes, conversations and takeaways from the international event.
Dale Brosius
Contributing Writer, Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI)
Composites in architecture: A hidden opportunity
Many applications in the aerospace and automotive industries apply equally to architecture, such as the use of FRP. Other opportunities for traditional composite materials may lie in seeking out creative applications.
Read MoreNatural gas and hydrogen: A renewed opportunity?
Compressed natural gas (CNG) has been steadily gaining ground, and is proving to be a promising market for composites transportation.
Read MoreLooking for opportunity in a pandemic crisis
How do we determine our next steps in the composites industry amidst a pandemic? Dale Brosius ponders opportunities, risks and changes.
Read MoreSeeking inspiration in a virtual environment
In an increasingly digital world, how far can the virtual environment take us? Only so far, Dale Brosius says. At some point, we have to get real.
Read MoreA retrospective take on the composites industry and the pandemic
Dale Brosius reflects on recent composites industry trends and how they are impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Read MoreChanging composites paradigms in the wake of COVID-19
Efforts to locally and globally collaborate in order to address industry issues and stimulate innovation are becoming essential conversations during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Carbon fiber in automotive: At a dead end?
For decades, carbon fiber has failed to break through into mainstream automotive applications as the composites industry has hoped it would. Alternative composite applications suggest future opportunities still remain bright.
Dale Brosius
Contributing Writer, Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI)
Continuing the sustainable composites conversation
Once the coronavirus pandemic ends, and a new “normal” begins, what will the conversation around sustainable composites and advanced materials sound like?
Read MoreSustainability matters: Now, not just in the future
Public opinion on plastics will sharpen the focus on sustainability in composites manufacturing.
Read MoreWind energy: Gale force growth ahead
Columnist Dale Brosius addresses recent accomplishments, forecasts and recycling challenges affecting the wind energy industry — and composites use within it.
Read MoreThe coming decade: Clarity with a strong dose of uncertainty
Columnist Dale Brosius considers the potential and uncertain role of composites in aerospace, automotive and other markets in the coming decade.
Read MoreComposites 4.0: Future or fad?
Columnist Dale Brosius reflects on Industry 4.0 — and, by extension, Composites 4.0 — and its future in the composites manufacturing industry.
Read MoreCorvette: A multi-material success history
At the launch of the 2020 C8, Columnist Dale Brosius reflects on the iterations of multi-material innovation in the manufacture of Corvettes over its history.
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The other composites industry supply chain challenge: Talent
A major topic of discussion during in-person events this year revolved around supply chain disruptions, as well as cultivating new employees. Now, more than ever, it’s important to spread the word on composite industry’s positive collective future.
Dale Brosius
Contributing Writer, Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI)
Urban air mobility: The action heats up
Columnist Dale Brosius reflects on the current state of the under-development urban air mobility (UAM) market, where it’s headed, and what it all means for the composites industry.
Read MoreHas composites innovation reached "the stall?"
Columnist Dale Brosius reflects that composites innovation, like meat partway through the smoking process, has reached a temporary stalling point.
Read MoreThe impact of Apollo 11
On the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, columnist Dale Brosius reflects on the past and future of advanced composites use in spacecraft.
Read MoreMerger mania, part II?
Columnist Dale Brosius considers the surges of company mergers that have affected the composites industry over the years.
Read MoreThe future of composites: The next generation
Columnist Dale Brosius reflects on what professional societies like SPE and SAMPE are doing to engage the next generation of composites leaders.
Read MoreResilient infrastructure: Starting the dialogue
How does the infrastructure industry — and composites in particular — combat more frequent severe weather events and tidal flooding in coastal communities? Columnist Dale Brosius documents the beginnings of that dialogue.
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