Airbus reveals new zero-emission concept aircraft
The three concepts — all codenamed ZEROe — each represent a different approach to achieving zero-emission flight. The aircraft could enter service by 2035.
Grace Nehls
Assistant Editor, CompositesWorld
Demonstrating recyclable, bio-based autocomposites
The ECOXY research consortium recently developed a demonstrator automotive part constructed from recyclable flax fiber and a specialized bio-based epoxy.
Australian start-up builds first recycled carbon fiber composite surfboard
Juc Surf uses 100% recycled carbon fiber scrap materials for a more sustainable surfboard that doesn’t sacrifice performance.
University of Kentucky, ORNL partner to turn coal into high-value carbon fiber
The $10 million research partnership will focus on creating energy-efficient and cost-effective processes for the manufacturing of carbon fiber.
AIT Bridges ships first composite bridge system to the West Coast
Comprised of 12 fiberglass composite arches, the bridge was spliced, transported and reassembled on-site, expediting the building process.
CW's Carbon Fiber conference goes digital for 2020
The 2020 iteration of the annual Carbon Fiber conference, originally scheduled to take place in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S., will be presented entirely digitally, online. The digital version of the conference, called Carbon Fiber NOW, will be presented Nov. 17-19.
HX5 thermoplastic nanocomposite presents an alternative to aluminum for space applications
Alpine Advanced Materials’ HX5 demonstrated retention of 96% mechanical performance with exposure to five million rads of gamma radiation.
Nemesis Yachts announces all-composite hydrofoil luxury yacht
Powered by a hydrogen-electric battery, solar panels and a wing sail, Nemesis One promises speed, comfort and sustainability.
Hannah Mason
Associate Editor, CompositesWorld
BASF, Toyota collaborate for 2021 Sienna lightweighting
The 2021 Toyota Sienna features third row free-standing seatbacks and a 30% weight reduction with BASF’s 35% glass-reinforced polyamide PA6 grade Ultramid.
Boom Supersonic, Rolls-Royce collaborate on Overture aircraft engine
The agreement aims to identify a propulsion system complementary to the supersonic aircraft.
Composites launch to Mars
NASA’s recently launched Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter are supported by numerous composite materials and structures.
Designing a carbon fiber SMC brake lever
Germany-based Blackwave GmbH’s bicycle brake lever saves 35% of the weight for a comparable aluminum part.
UMaine develops collaborative floating offshore wind demo project
The floating offshore wind demonstration project will reduce Maine’s overdependence on imported fossil fuels, produce more than $150 million in total economic output and create hundreds of jobs.
ELG Carbon Fibre, Aerocircular N.V. develop closed-loop recycling for EoL aircraft
The initiative estimates that only one-tenth of the energy typically required when producing virgin carbon fiber will be used.
Designing the ultimate stand-up fishing kayak
Apex Watercraft’s new Tyr carbon fiber/epoxy prototype reimagines the typical kayak design and promises the highest performance possible.
Hannah Mason
Associate Editor, CompositesWorld
Axiom Materials expands CMC product portfolio under technology license
Axiom’s expansion into c/SiC and SiC/SiC composite intermediates is licensed under the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), NITE and more.
Mitsubishi Chemical plans to acquire European carbon fiber recycling companies
Plans to acquire German companies CFK and carboNXT will further MCC’s recycling initiative in the carbon fiber composites industry.
Leonardo and CETMA: disrupting composites for lower cost and environmental impact
Italian OEM and tier supplier Leonardo works with CETMA R&D to develop new composite materials, machines and processes, including induction welding for in-situ consolidation of thermoplastic composites.
German Bionic unveils fourth-generation carbon fiber exoskeleton
The Cray X features a frame made with SGL Carbon carbon fiber and aids workers when lifting loads of up to 28 kilograms for up to eight hours.
Electroimpact’s 6-axis continuous fiber 3D printer, one part of future multi-functional manufacturing cell
The Scalable Composite Robotic Additive Manufacturing (SCRAM) system 3D prints with continuous fiber tape or filament and seamlessly swaps end effectors for large-scale pellet deposition and CNC machining.
Arevo launches direct-to-customer 3D-printed bicycle
The Superstrata brand features a fully unibody carbon fiber/polyamide frame manufactured using Arevo’s direct deposition additive manufacturing process.
Researchers introduce capillary-driven method for continuous fiber 3D printing
The LITA 3D printing system from the University of Delaware shows potential for in situ cure for high-performance carbon fiber composite parts.
Hannah Mason
Associate Editor, CompositesWorld
Conbility: Mass production of composite tape laminates
RWTH Aachen spin-off scales up production for low-cost, in-situ consolidated composites as inserts for lighter, cheaper injection-molded parts.
Developing a linerless, all-composite, spherical cryotank
Infinite Composites Technologies’ Type V pressure vessel for storing cryogenic space launch vehicle propellants shows promise for eliminating elusive microcracking issues.
Swinburne University and CSIRO's Industry 4.0 Testlab for Composite Additive Manufacturing
Australia and Germany collaborate to build Composites 4.0 production line for competitive advantage in next-gen manufacturing and workforce.
Surface treatment for adhesive bonding: Thermoset vs. thermoplastic composites
According to BTG Labs, common surface treatment methods like abrasion and plasma treatment work best for different materials.
Carbon fiber-reinforced concrete accelerates in Germany
TU Dresden and C3 – Carbon Concrete Composite demonstrator aims to reduce concrete material use by 50% and CO2 emissions by up to 70%; Hitexbau touts high-volume automated production for carbon fiber textile grids.
Toray reduces carbon fiber and prepreg production
Toray will suspend operations in Spartanburg, S.C., U.S., and reduce prepreg capacity in Tacoma, Wash., U.S.