Sustainability
IMDEA Materials demonstrates recyclability of CNT sheets
Researchers have proven it’s possible to recycle CNTs at the macroscopic scale with nearly 100% retention of mechanical and electrical properties, removing a hurdle to sustainable CNT-based fiber, sheet and textile adoption.
Grace Nehls
Senior Managing Editor, CompositesWorld
GBM introduces new editorial roles covering automation and sustainability
CW parent company names Julia Hider correspondent for robots and autonomy and CW’s Hannah Mason correspondent for sustainability in manufacturing. Each role will cover a broader topic scope across industry.
Read MoreMelt spinning plant installation evolves DITF's fiber development
New melt spinning pilot plant offers a well-equipped environment for the development and application of research into new spinning processes, fiber functionalization and sustainable fibers.
Read MoreLeonardo advances sustainable aerospace innovation testing
Wingtips and morphing winglets integrated into a C-27J flying test bed, and a full-scale composite fuselage, are undergoing testing for Clean Sky 2 programs.
Read MoreComposites association demonstrates composites circularity
JEC World 2024: EuCIA is offering demonstrators of its Eco Impact Calculator LCA tool, and holding discussions about its initiatives in composite materials circularity, including a recent position paper and the EU-funded REFRESH project.
Read MoreMitsui Chemical, Microwave Chemical complete microwave-based carbon fiber demo facility
Completed in December 2023, the pilot production line at Mitsui Chemicals Nagoya Works began trials in January and will supply carbon fiber samples within fiscal 2024.
Read MoreCW Tech Days explores the composites sustainability challenge
During the one-day virtual event on April 17 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET, seven industry experts will provide insight into hot topics like waste reduction, energy efficiency, bio-materials and recycling.
Read MoreEuropean boatbuilders lead quest to build recyclable composite boats
Marine industry constituents are looking to take composite use one step further with the production of tough and recyclable recreational boats. Some are using new infusible thermoplastic resins.
Read MoreComposites end markets: Electronics (2024)
Increasingly, prototype and production-ready smart devices featuring thermoplastic composite cases and other components provide lightweight, optimized sustainable alternatives to metal.
Read MoreDemonstrator project targets circularity solutions in carbon fiber composite sports equipment
The Carbon Fibre Circular Alliance (CFCA) brought together OEMs and technical partners to reclaim short carbon fibers from end-of-life sports equipment, realign into continuous prepreg tapes and remanufacture into new equipment.
Read MoreResearch center highlights sustainability, digitization technological offerings
JEC World 2024: Spanish research center Ideko showcases its knowledge, capabilities and experience in advanced manufacturing processes for composites to reduce the environmental footprint of aerospace production.
Read MoreEpisode 44: Andy West, Sonichem
CW interviews Dr. Andy West of Sonichem, about the company’s ultrasonic process for converting biomass into lignin, as well as other biomaterials of interest for composites manufacturing.
Read MoreMateri’act Dallas formed to deliver sustainable compounds to North America carmakers
A joint venture between Forvia’s Materi’act and PCR Recycling, the Texas-based company expects to produce recycled polymers that strengthen the demand and use of sustainable materials in automotive and other industries.
Read MoreRepurposing wind blades as functional community art pieces
Ohio-based Canvus Inc. upcycles fiberglass wind blades, car tires and post-consumer plastics to create outdoor furniture that amplifies sustainability messages in community spaces.
Read MoreUniversity of Bristol studies mycelium composites as alternative building materials
Affordable, lightweight and sustainable composite materials made from mycelium — mushroom roots — may have potential for packaging materials, insulation panels, floor tiles and furniture.
Read MoreFlagship Climate Impulse project targets non-stop, green hydrogen-powered flight
Bringing on Syensqo as its main materials and technological partner, Swiss explorer Bertrand Piccard hopes to stimulate climate action by demonstrating disruptive solutions in this 2028 aircraft design.
Read MoreOn the radar: Biomaterials take center stage in composites manufacturing
CW provides examples of current developments and collaborations in sustainable fiber development, accessibility.
Read MoreSonichem launches bio-based materials project for automotive
U.K. initiative, with the NCC, CPI, SHD Composites, Scott Bader and Polestar will work to convert biomass byproduct into lignin for automotive plastics, resins and composites.
Read MoreBio-based, fire-resistant composites become mainstream
Projects use Duplicor prepreg panels with highest Euroclass B fire performance without fire retardants for reduced weight, CO2 footprint in sustainable yet affordable roofs, high-rise façades and modular housing.
Read MoreCarbon Conversions partners with motorsports shop Vermont SportsCar
To incorporate more environmentally conscious practices into its manufacturing processes, VSC is working with Carbon Conversions to reclaim, recycle and reuse its carbon fiber materials.
Read MoreComposites end markets: Boatbuilding and marine (2024)
As the marine market corrects after the COVID-19 upswing, the emphasis is on decarbonization and sustainability, automation and new forms of mobility offering opportunity for composites.
Read MoreOhoskin, ReCarbon collaborate for aesthetic, bio-based composite
Novel material to combine Ohoskin’s leather alternative made from orange and cactus byproducts with ReCarbon’s recycled carbon fiber.
Read MoreSyensqo renews sustainability partnership with Ellen MacArthur
The three-year strategic collaboration will help boost the company’s growth, reinforce its commitments to become carbon neutral by 2040 and innovate more circular chemicals and materials.
Read MoreScaling up sustainable solutions for fiber-reinforced composites
Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies Group helps industrial partners tackle the sustainability challenges presented by fiber-reinforced composite materials.
Read MoreSGL Carbon achieves carbon fiber production with 50% reduced footprint
Eco-friendly carbon fiber slashes carbon footprint by half through renewable energy, a commitment echoed in SGL’s Lavradio biomass plant set to reduce CO2 emissions by 90,000 tons.
Read More