Search Results

High-pressure gas storage vessels represent one of the largest and fastest-growing markets for advanced composites, particularly for filament-wound carbon fiber composites. Although they are used in self-contained breathing apparatuses and provide oxygen and gas storage on aerospace vehicles, the primary end markets are for storage of liquid propane gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen gas (H₂).

Filament winding is a specialized technique used in composite manufacturing, involving the precise and automated winding of continuous fibers onto a rotating mandrel or mold. This method allows for the creation of strong and seamless structures, optimizing the alignment and orientation of the fibers to meet specific design requirements. Filament winding is employed in producing cylindrical or conical composite parts, such as pipes, pressure vessels, and aerospace components, enabling engineers to tailor the strength, stiffness, and performance characteristics of the final product.

Processes in composites manufacturing encompass a diverse array of techniques employed to fabricate composite materials. These processes include methods like hand layup, where layers of resin and reinforcement materials are manually placed, and vacuum infusion, where a vacuum draws resin into a preform. Other techniques like compression molding, filament winding, and automated methods such as 3D printing are utilized to create intricate and specialized composite structures. Each process offers unique advantages in terms of precision, scalability, and efficiency, catering to diverse industry needs. As technology advances, newer methods are emerging, promising faster production cycles, reduced waste, and increased customization, driving the evolution of composite manufacturing towards more sophisticated and versatile methodologies.

The wind energy market has long been considered the world’s largest market, by volume, for glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites — and increasingly, carbon fiber composites — as larger turbines and longer wind blades are developed, requiring higher performance, lighter weight materials. The outer skins of wind and tidal turbine blades generally comprise infused, GFRP laminates sandwiching foam core. Inside the blade, rib-like shear webs bonded to spar caps reinforce the structure. Spar caps are often made from GFRP or, as blade lengths lengthen, pultruded carbon fiber for additional strength.

Coordinated by the Aitiip Technology Centre, the EU-funded project will design components to facilitate improved recyclabilty, exploring the performance of bio-based material options and novel degradation processes.

SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composite (CMC) inlet guide vanes for a high-pressure turbine are aimed for a geared turbofan and show promise for more efficient aeroengines with less weight and need for cooling.

Ingersoll Masterprint LFAM printer will be used to produce and demonstrate 100% recyclable tooling that could cut large composite blade development cycles and tooling costs by as much as 50%.

Research enables successful automation in post-molding manufacturing operations, which could lead to more competitive U.S.-based blade manufacturing.

Global Wind Report describes a record year for wind energy in 2023, but highlights the need for policy-driven action to meet COP28 and 1.5°C pathway targets.

Pioneer in mandrel-based reinforced rubber and composite products, TANIQ offers TaniqWindPro software and robotic winding expertise for composite pressure vessels and more.

Madrid-based international company is focused on the joint procurement process for offshore wind in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

For the next 3 years, Ideko and European partners are working to develop and validate to TLR 7 novel processes to boost the use of natural fibers and biological resins.

Multi-year agreement between the joint venture and a South Asian wind turbine manufacturer contributes to composite spar cap development.

A fiberglass and carbon fiber composite wrap system enabled an Australian nickel mine to quickly repair a stainless steel ammonium sulphate feed tank and protect against future corrosion.