Composites
Photo Credit: Hexcel, Fairmat
Hexcel, Fairmat partnership aims to recycle carbon fiber prepregs
Cuttoffs generated by Hexcel’s European plants will be repurposed by the end of 2022 into high value-added products
Hexcel Corp. (Stamford, Conn., U.S.) and Fairmat (Paris, France), a deep technology startup, have announced an agreement to build the capability to recycle carbon fiber prepreg from Hexcel’s European operations for reuse in composite panels sold into commercial markets.
“With Fairmat, Hexcel has found an industrial recycling solution for the carbon fiber prepreg cutoffs generated at our European facilities,” says Thierry Merlot, president, aerospace – Europe, MEA/AP & Industrial at Hexcel. “This partnership represents a significant step as we continue striving to be an industry leader and a responsible steward of resources. From lightweight composites that help reduce emissions to improving our processes to reduce our impact on the environment, Hexcel is relentless in our pursuit of innovations that will lead to a more sustainable future.”
Under the partnership, Fairmat will lease a former Hexcel facility in Bouguenais (Loire-Atlantique) where it will recycle cutoffs generated during carbon fiber prepreg production at Hexcel European plants. Hexcel expects most of its carbon fiber prepreg cutoffs in Europe will be recycled as part of this partnership by the end of 2022. Fairmat will begin to set up the new site in early 2022 with production scheduled to start in March 2022.
Fairmat has reportedly developed a recycling process capable of circularizing the manufacture of carbon fiber composite materials, for its reuse in high value-added material. Carbon fiber and resins are mainly cold treated, leading to reduced energy costs and avoiding traditional landfill or incineration solutions. Fairmat’s clean recycling process is expected to save 41 kilograms of CO2 emissions per kilogram of recycled carbon fiber composite compared to virgin prepregs. Fairmat is aiming for a capacity of 5,000 tons of recycled material annually in this first production site.
“We are proud of the trust Hexcel has placed in us by signing this strategic partnership,” says Fairmat Founding Chairman Benjamin Saada. “The commercial agreement covering the first tons to be recycled in Europe will enable us to complete the industrial scale up of our virtuous recycling technology by the end of the year. I originally founded Fairmat with a totally circular vision in mind, so it was important for me to be able to reuse an existing industrial facility to launch our production. I’m delighted that Fairmat is rapidly advancing toward its goal of giving advanced materials a second life.”
#composites #CarbonFiberPrepregs #CarbonFiber
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Cuttoffs generated by Hexcel’s European plants will be repurposed by the end of 2022 into high value-added products
Hexcel Corp. (Stamford, Conn., U.S.) and Fairmat (Paris, France), a deep technology startup, have announced an agreement to build the capability to recycle carbon fiber prepreg from Hexcel’s European operations for reuse in composite panels sold into commercial markets.
“With Fairmat, Hexcel has found an industrial recycling solution for the carbon fiber prepreg cutoffs generated at our European facilities,” says Thierry Merlot, president, aerospace – Europe, MEA/AP & Industrial at Hexcel. “This partnership represents a significant step as we continue striving to be an industry leader and a responsible steward of resources. From lightweight composites that help reduce emissions to improving our processes to reduce our impact on the environment, Hexcel is relentless in our pursuit of innovations that will lead to a more sustainable future.”
Under the partnership, Fairmat will lease a former Hexcel facility in Bouguenais (Loire-Atlantique) where it will recycle cutoffs generated during carbon fiber prepreg production at Hexcel European plants. Hexcel expects most of its carbon fiber prepreg cutoffs in Europe will be recycled as part of this partnership by the end of 2022. Fairmat will begin to set up the new site in early 2022 with production scheduled to start in March 2022.
Fairmat has reportedly developed a recycling process capable of circularizing the manufacture of carbon fiber composite materials, for its reuse in high value-added material. Carbon fiber and resins are mainly cold treated, leading to reduced energy costs and avoiding traditional landfill or incineration solutions. Fairmat’s clean recycling process is expected to save 41 kilograms of CO2 emissions per kilogram of recycled carbon fiber composite compared to virgin prepregs. Fairmat is aiming for a capacity of 5,000 tons of recycled material annually in this first production site.
“We are proud of the trust Hexcel has placed in us by signing this strategic partnership,” says Fairmat Founding Chairman Benjamin Saada. “The commercial agreement covering the first tons to be recycled in Europe will enable us to complete the industrial scale up of our virtuous recycling technology by the end of the year. I originally founded Fairmat with a totally circular vision in mind, so it was important for me to be able to reuse an existing industrial facility to launch our production. I’m delighted that Fairmat is rapidly advancing toward its goal of giving advanced materials a second life.”
#composites #CarbonFiberPrepregs #CarbonFiber
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Composites
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Westlake Chemical to acquire Hexion's epoxy business for $1.2 billion
Global supplier of coatings and composites used in wind turbine blades and automotive structural components to expand Westlake’s chemicals portfolio.
Westlake Chemical Corp. (Houston, Texas, U.S.), an international manufacturer and supplier of petrochemicals, polymers and fabricated building products, has entered into a definitive agreement with Hexion Inc. (Columbus, Oho, U.S.) to acquire Hexion’s global epoxy business for approximately $1.2 billion. Based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Hexion’s epoxy business manufactures and develops specialty resins, coatings and composites for a variety of industries, including high-growth and sustainability-oriented end uses such as wind turbine blades and lightweight automotive structural components. In the twelve months ending Sept. 30, 2021, Hexion’s epoxy business had reported net sales of approximately $1.5 billion.
With this transaction, which is anticipated to be completed in the first half of 2022 following customary closing conditions, Westlake expects to significantly expand its integrated business by adding a downstream portfolio of coatings and composite products to its chloro-vinyls businesses.
“Lightweighting is a critical feature for the manufacture of structural components for automobiles and for renewable energy, particularly the composite blades used by wind turbines, and epoxies are key ingredients for these sustainable products,” says Westlake president and CEO Albert Chao. “The industries served by Hexion Epoxy are very attractive to Westlake and the business is expected to be a synergistic addition to Westlake’s existing businesses. We look forward to welcoming the Hexion epoxy employees to the Westlake family and realizing the tremendous opportunities to grow the combined businesses.”
Hexion Epoxy is a global producer of epoxy resins, modifiers and curing agents for high-performance materials, coatings and composites. The fully integrated business includes upstream base epoxy resins and intermediates delivered as liquid or solid epoxy resins, as well downstream specialty epoxy resins used in coatings and composites. Hexion Epoxy operates globally on three continents with eight manufacturing facilities and five research and development labs located in Asia, Europe and the U.S., as well as tolling sites in Asia.
#composites #epoxy #Hexion
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Global supplier of coatings and composites used in wind turbine blades and automotive structural components to expand Westlake’s chemicals portfolio.
Westlake Chemical Corp. (Houston, Texas, U.S.), an international manufacturer and supplier of petrochemicals, polymers and fabricated building products, has entered into a definitive agreement with Hexion Inc. (Columbus, Oho, U.S.) to acquire Hexion’s global epoxy business for approximately $1.2 billion. Based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Hexion’s epoxy business manufactures and develops specialty resins, coatings and composites for a variety of industries, including high-growth and sustainability-oriented end uses such as wind turbine blades and lightweight automotive structural components. In the twelve months ending Sept. 30, 2021, Hexion’s epoxy business had reported net sales of approximately $1.5 billion.
With this transaction, which is anticipated to be completed in the first half of 2022 following customary closing conditions, Westlake expects to significantly expand its integrated business by adding a downstream portfolio of coatings and composite products to its chloro-vinyls businesses.
“Lightweighting is a critical feature for the manufacture of structural components for automobiles and for renewable energy, particularly the composite blades used by wind turbines, and epoxies are key ingredients for these sustainable products,” says Westlake president and CEO Albert Chao. “The industries served by Hexion Epoxy are very attractive to Westlake and the business is expected to be a synergistic addition to Westlake’s existing businesses. We look forward to welcoming the Hexion epoxy employees to the Westlake family and realizing the tremendous opportunities to grow the combined businesses.”
Hexion Epoxy is a global producer of epoxy resins, modifiers and curing agents for high-performance materials, coatings and composites. The fully integrated business includes upstream base epoxy resins and intermediates delivered as liquid or solid epoxy resins, as well downstream specialty epoxy resins used in coatings and composites. Hexion Epoxy operates globally on three continents with eight manufacturing facilities and five research and development labs located in Asia, Europe and the U.S., as well as tolling sites in Asia.
#composites #epoxy #Hexion
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Composites
New sensor technology offers multidirectional and large-area sensing in fiber-reinforced composites for monitoring mechanical deformation and damage. Photo Credit: The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF)
DITF develops textile sensors for composites
German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research are advancing large-area sensors that can detect deformations and stress using printing onto textiles which are then incorporated into composite structures.
The growth of composites technology for large-scale structures such as wind turbine blades, aircraft and automotive parts has created a need to monitor for damage and mechanical deformation. Current options are not fully satisfactory — small sensors cannot cover sufficient area, while fiber optic and piezoelectric sensors reportedly still require significant investment and expertise. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF, Denkendorf) is looking to address this with its development of a large-area sensor produced by printing onto a reinforcing textile.
This DITF fabric sensor enables mechanical deformation to be detected over a large area as it responds with a measurable electrical resistance to external tension or pressure. By detecting and measuring mechanical stress parameters — such as the degree of deformation and bending speed on the shape of the sensor signal — even the smallest of deformations can be detected.
DITF researcher Dr. Reinhold Schneider, in his presentation at the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) EXPO 2021, described how the utilization of the reinforcing textile effectively allows for the creation of a textile-based sensor.
The process begins with screen or inkjet printing of an electroconductive interdigital pattern of electrodes onto the textile, which are used to record and measure the electrical resistance signal of the structure. This is followed by a coating or printing using sensor materials such as an electroconductive polymer or some form of carbon (e.g., powdered carbon black, milled carbon fiber, nanocarbon, etc.). Finally, the composite is manufactured, for example, using vacuum infusion processing with an epoxy matrix resin.
Once produced, the textile-based composite sensor can be tested for ohmic resistivity using a three-point bending method with mechanical load applied and released over a period of time. This is compared with the sensor data which correlate perfectly. In tests, it was revealed that the resistance change is dependent on the coating thickness and the percentage of carbon content in the printing paste. Specifically, a thin layer of sensing coating or printing produces a low amount of carbon, which results in a high resistance change.
“Effective large-scale composites monitoring is essential for health and safety as well as cost,” says Dr. Marie O’Mahony, an industry consultant, visiting professor at the Royal College of Art (RCA, London, U.K.) and author of several books on advanced and smart textiles. Beyond that, it is also an important way of reducing risk into the future as large scale composites become ever more ubiquitous.”
#composites #GermanInstitutesofTextile&FiberResearch #FiberReinforcedComposites
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German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research are advancing large-area sensors that can detect deformations and stress using printing onto textiles which are then incorporated into composite structures.
The growth of composites technology for large-scale structures such as wind turbine blades, aircraft and automotive parts has created a need to monitor for damage and mechanical deformation. Current options are not fully satisfactory — small sensors cannot cover sufficient area, while fiber optic and piezoelectric sensors reportedly still require significant investment and expertise. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF, Denkendorf) is looking to address this with its development of a large-area sensor produced by printing onto a reinforcing textile.
This DITF fabric sensor enables mechanical deformation to be detected over a large area as it responds with a measurable electrical resistance to external tension or pressure. By detecting and measuring mechanical stress parameters — such as the degree of deformation and bending speed on the shape of the sensor signal — even the smallest of deformations can be detected.
DITF researcher Dr. Reinhold Schneider, in his presentation at the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) EXPO 2021, described how the utilization of the reinforcing textile effectively allows for the creation of a textile-based sensor.
The process begins with screen or inkjet printing of an electroconductive interdigital pattern of electrodes onto the textile, which are used to record and measure the electrical resistance signal of the structure. This is followed by a coating or printing using sensor materials such as an electroconductive polymer or some form of carbon (e.g., powdered carbon black, milled carbon fiber, nanocarbon, etc.). Finally, the composite is manufactured, for example, using vacuum infusion processing with an epoxy matrix resin.
Once produced, the textile-based composite sensor can be tested for ohmic resistivity using a three-point bending method with mechanical load applied and released over a period of time. This is compared with the sensor data which correlate perfectly. In tests, it was revealed that the resistance change is dependent on the coating thickness and the percentage of carbon content in the printing paste. Specifically, a thin layer of sensing coating or printing produces a low amount of carbon, which results in a high resistance change.
“Effective large-scale composites monitoring is essential for health and safety as well as cost,” says Dr. Marie O’Mahony, an industry consultant, visiting professor at the Royal College of Art (RCA, London, U.K.) and author of several books on advanced and smart textiles. Beyond that, it is also an important way of reducing risk into the future as large scale composites become ever more ubiquitous.”
#composites #GermanInstitutesofTextile&FiberResearch #FiberReinforcedComposites
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Composites
Photo Credit: Irkut Corp.
Irkut completes final assembly of composite-intensive MC-21-300 aircraft
The MC-21-300 design is approximately 40% composite, which Irkut says is a record figure for medium-range aircraft. After switching to local production, the first aircraft is about to fly.
Russian aircraft manufacturer Irkut Corp. (Moscow) has completed the construction of its first MC-21-300 passenger aircraft, which has what is said to have the world’s largest infused, out-of-autoclave carbon fiber composite wings, manufactured by AeroComposite (Moscow Russia).
On Nov. 30, 2021 the aircraft was transferred from the final assembly shop of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, a branch of Irkut Corp., to the flight test division. Plant specialists and allied enterprises will carry out the ground checks of the aircraft and its systems, and prepare the aircraft for the first flight.
“The use of strong and lightweight composites allowed the designers to make the wing of high aspect ratio and improve the aerodynamics of the aircraft at the same time as increasing the diameter of the fuselage,” says Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov. “I would like to note that Irkut specialists were able to solve the problem of import substitution [the U.S. imposed trade restrictions on AeroComposite in September 2018] in the shortest possible time and start building production aircraft with a Russian wing. The assembly of the first airliner is a big step for the UAC [United Aircraft Corp.] and the entire Russian aircraft industry. This is proof of the maturity of our aviation technologies and another victory over the sanctions.”
The share of composites in the MC-21 design is about 40%, which Irkut says is a record figure for medium-range aircraft. Domestic materials for power composite structures were developed with the participation of scientists from Moscow State University and Rosatom (Moscow) enterprises. The wing consoles and center section of the MC-21-300 aircraft are manufactured at the AeroComposite-Ulyanovsk enterprise. In the production of the wing, the technology of vacuum infusion is used, which is patented in Russia.
#composites #Irkut #MC21300aircraft
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The MC-21-300 design is approximately 40% composite, which Irkut says is a record figure for medium-range aircraft. After switching to local production, the first aircraft is about to fly.
Russian aircraft manufacturer Irkut Corp. (Moscow) has completed the construction of its first MC-21-300 passenger aircraft, which has what is said to have the world’s largest infused, out-of-autoclave carbon fiber composite wings, manufactured by AeroComposite (Moscow Russia).
On Nov. 30, 2021 the aircraft was transferred from the final assembly shop of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, a branch of Irkut Corp., to the flight test division. Plant specialists and allied enterprises will carry out the ground checks of the aircraft and its systems, and prepare the aircraft for the first flight.
“The use of strong and lightweight composites allowed the designers to make the wing of high aspect ratio and improve the aerodynamics of the aircraft at the same time as increasing the diameter of the fuselage,” says Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov. “I would like to note that Irkut specialists were able to solve the problem of import substitution [the U.S. imposed trade restrictions on AeroComposite in September 2018] in the shortest possible time and start building production aircraft with a Russian wing. The assembly of the first airliner is a big step for the UAC [United Aircraft Corp.] and the entire Russian aircraft industry. This is proof of the maturity of our aviation technologies and another victory over the sanctions.”
The share of composites in the MC-21 design is about 40%, which Irkut says is a record figure for medium-range aircraft. Domestic materials for power composite structures were developed with the participation of scientists from Moscow State University and Rosatom (Moscow) enterprises. The wing consoles and center section of the MC-21-300 aircraft are manufactured at the AeroComposite-Ulyanovsk enterprise. In the production of the wing, the technology of vacuum infusion is used, which is patented in Russia.
#composites #Irkut #MC21300aircraft
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Composites
Dr. Maurice N. Collins, project lead at UL and senior lecturer at the School of Engineering, University of Limerick. Photo Credit: University of Limerick
University of Limerick seeks to improve composites recycling solutions
VIBES project focuses on recycling technology maturation to develop bio-based, intrinsically recyclable materials for waste elimination, circular economy.
Researchers at University of Limerick (UL, Ireland) are working on an innovative solution to improve the recyclability of composite materials used in the construction, aerospace and automotive industries through the VIBES project, a pan-European consortium comprised of a host of partners across seven EU member states, plus research and technology organizations, companies, SMEs and public bodies, of which the UL is the only university partner. Importantly, the VIBES consortium aims to achieve better results through collaborative innovation, contributing to competitiveness and helping meet social challenges.
With a budget of almost €5.3 million, the research and innovation (R&I) project seeks to improve the recyclability of composite materials through a greener, cost-efficient and non-toxic recycling technology. It involves scientists at UL’s Bernal Institute, will run a duration of 48 months (four years) and builds on work done at UL that began with LIBRE, a project that aimed to free the composite industry of its reliance on oil-based production.
“The work at University of Limerick specifically addresses the development of sustainable fibers for reinforcement of these next-generation recyclable composite materials,” explains project lead at UL and senior lecturer at the School of Engineering, Dr. Maurice N. Collins. “Researchers at UL will also be involved in the development of the recycling technology and the testing of the new composites for construction, aerospace and naval applications. These new composites could eliminate waste in end-of-life [EOL] composites and create a circular ecosystem for these materials.”
The VIBES approach focuses on the controlled separation and recovery of composite material components, by means of developing customized, bio-based bonding materials. “These new composite materials will be fully bio-based along with the recycling technology itself,” says Dr. Collins. “This will lead to reduced environmental impact by reducing the use of primary materials, harmful chemicals and landfilling.”
He adds that the resulting composite materials with intrinsic recycling properties will be validated for optimum performance and assessed on a cost ratio with applications in three high-performance industrial sectors such as the aeronautical, construction and naval industries.
The VIBES project team believe that the demonstration and training activities of VIBES will also provide new knowledge and skills to researchers, industrial professionals and students in materials science, engineering and chemical fields, to meet the rising demand for technical jobs.
VIBES is funded by Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI – JU) under the European Union’s Framework Program for Research and Innovation, Horizon 2020.
#composites #UniversityOfLimerick #CompositesRecycling
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VIBES project focuses on recycling technology maturation to develop bio-based, intrinsically recyclable materials for waste elimination, circular economy.
Researchers at University of Limerick (UL, Ireland) are working on an innovative solution to improve the recyclability of composite materials used in the construction, aerospace and automotive industries through the VIBES project, a pan-European consortium comprised of a host of partners across seven EU member states, plus research and technology organizations, companies, SMEs and public bodies, of which the UL is the only university partner. Importantly, the VIBES consortium aims to achieve better results through collaborative innovation, contributing to competitiveness and helping meet social challenges.
With a budget of almost €5.3 million, the research and innovation (R&I) project seeks to improve the recyclability of composite materials through a greener, cost-efficient and non-toxic recycling technology. It involves scientists at UL’s Bernal Institute, will run a duration of 48 months (four years) and builds on work done at UL that began with LIBRE, a project that aimed to free the composite industry of its reliance on oil-based production.
“The work at University of Limerick specifically addresses the development of sustainable fibers for reinforcement of these next-generation recyclable composite materials,” explains project lead at UL and senior lecturer at the School of Engineering, Dr. Maurice N. Collins. “Researchers at UL will also be involved in the development of the recycling technology and the testing of the new composites for construction, aerospace and naval applications. These new composites could eliminate waste in end-of-life [EOL] composites and create a circular ecosystem for these materials.”
The VIBES approach focuses on the controlled separation and recovery of composite material components, by means of developing customized, bio-based bonding materials. “These new composite materials will be fully bio-based along with the recycling technology itself,” says Dr. Collins. “This will lead to reduced environmental impact by reducing the use of primary materials, harmful chemicals and landfilling.”
He adds that the resulting composite materials with intrinsic recycling properties will be validated for optimum performance and assessed on a cost ratio with applications in three high-performance industrial sectors such as the aeronautical, construction and naval industries.
The VIBES project team believe that the demonstration and training activities of VIBES will also provide new knowledge and skills to researchers, industrial professionals and students in materials science, engineering and chemical fields, to meet the rising demand for technical jobs.
VIBES is funded by Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI – JU) under the European Union’s Framework Program for Research and Innovation, Horizon 2020.
#composites #UniversityOfLimerick #CompositesRecycling
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Composites
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SABIC pioneers recycled glass fibre compounds to accelerate carbon neutrality
SABIC has launched new LNP ELCRIN WF006XXPiQ compound and LNP ELCRIN WF0061XPiQ compound, the first two grades in a new portfolio of materials that incorporate pre-consumer recycled glass fibre diverted from the waste stream of industrial processes.
These polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) compounds, each reinforced with 30 percent pre-consumer recycled short glass fibre, offer mechanical properties and colour equivalency of ELCRIN iQ grades that use virgin glass fibre reinforcement. This new technology further decreases the carbon footprint of ELCRIN iQ materials, which already support the circular economy and help reduce plastic waste by using upcycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from discarded water bottles.
“We are continually pursuing new avenues to accelerate carbon neutrality for our materials across our portfolio,” said Luc Govaerts, director, Formulation & Application Development for SABIC’s Specialties Business. “This effort includes evaluating each component of our thermoplastic compounds and collaborating with others in the value chain to identify potential replacements that can drive circularity. Central to this process is the prioritisation of customer needs, so that greater sustainability goes hand-in-hand with outstanding performance, consistent quality and processing efficiency.”
SABIC says it is one of the first material suppliers to adopt pre-consumer recycled glass fibre for thermoplastic compounds. The short glass fibre used in these new ELCRIN iQ materials contains 100% recycled content according to Underwriters Laboratories’ Recycled Content Validation procedure (UL 2809), following the mass balance approach. Compared to virgin PBT reinforced with virgin glass fibre, LNP ELCRIN WF006XXPiQ compound contains 67% recycled content and lowers carbon footprint by 29%, while LNP ELCRIN WF0061XPiQ compound contains 55% recycled content and reduces carbon footprint by 24%.
In addition to their improved sustainability profile, these materials deliver good structural performance (stiffness and strength), chemical resistance and colourability for applications in the consumer electronics, automotive and electrical and electronics industries. Furthermore, the new LNP ELCRIN WF0061XPiQ compound offers non-halogenated flame retardance. As a drop-in replacement for incumbent virgin PBT and ELCRIN iQ grades, the two new compounds enable customers to increase application sustainability without the need for design or tooling changes.
“These two next-generation materials create new possibilities for customers to advance their carbon neutrality strategy by further increasing the amount of recycled content they use and lowering the carbon emissions of their applications, all while maintaining equivalent properties and processability,” said Darpan Parikh, global product management leader, LNP Portfolio, SABIC’s Specialties business. “For SABIC, the move to adopt pre-consumer recycled glass fibre reinforces our commitment to optimise the use of resources and contribute to our customers net zero carbon goals.”
SABIC plans to extend the use of pre-consumer recycled glass fibre to reinforced compounds based on other resins from their specialty offerings. These new products are available for sampling globally and formulations can be tailored to customers’ specific needs.
#composites #GlassFiber #SABIC
> source
SABIC has launched new LNP ELCRIN WF006XXPiQ compound and LNP ELCRIN WF0061XPiQ compound, the first two grades in a new portfolio of materials that incorporate pre-consumer recycled glass fibre diverted from the waste stream of industrial processes.
These polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) compounds, each reinforced with 30 percent pre-consumer recycled short glass fibre, offer mechanical properties and colour equivalency of ELCRIN iQ grades that use virgin glass fibre reinforcement. This new technology further decreases the carbon footprint of ELCRIN iQ materials, which already support the circular economy and help reduce plastic waste by using upcycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from discarded water bottles.
“We are continually pursuing new avenues to accelerate carbon neutrality for our materials across our portfolio,” said Luc Govaerts, director, Formulation & Application Development for SABIC’s Specialties Business. “This effort includes evaluating each component of our thermoplastic compounds and collaborating with others in the value chain to identify potential replacements that can drive circularity. Central to this process is the prioritisation of customer needs, so that greater sustainability goes hand-in-hand with outstanding performance, consistent quality and processing efficiency.”
SABIC says it is one of the first material suppliers to adopt pre-consumer recycled glass fibre for thermoplastic compounds. The short glass fibre used in these new ELCRIN iQ materials contains 100% recycled content according to Underwriters Laboratories’ Recycled Content Validation procedure (UL 2809), following the mass balance approach. Compared to virgin PBT reinforced with virgin glass fibre, LNP ELCRIN WF006XXPiQ compound contains 67% recycled content and lowers carbon footprint by 29%, while LNP ELCRIN WF0061XPiQ compound contains 55% recycled content and reduces carbon footprint by 24%.
In addition to their improved sustainability profile, these materials deliver good structural performance (stiffness and strength), chemical resistance and colourability for applications in the consumer electronics, automotive and electrical and electronics industries. Furthermore, the new LNP ELCRIN WF0061XPiQ compound offers non-halogenated flame retardance. As a drop-in replacement for incumbent virgin PBT and ELCRIN iQ grades, the two new compounds enable customers to increase application sustainability without the need for design or tooling changes.
“These two next-generation materials create new possibilities for customers to advance their carbon neutrality strategy by further increasing the amount of recycled content they use and lowering the carbon emissions of their applications, all while maintaining equivalent properties and processability,” said Darpan Parikh, global product management leader, LNP Portfolio, SABIC’s Specialties business. “For SABIC, the move to adopt pre-consumer recycled glass fibre reinforces our commitment to optimise the use of resources and contribute to our customers net zero carbon goals.”
SABIC plans to extend the use of pre-consumer recycled glass fibre to reinforced compounds based on other resins from their specialty offerings. These new products are available for sampling globally and formulations can be tailored to customers’ specific needs.
#composites #GlassFiber #SABIC
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Composites
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Consortium to develop composite liquid hydrogen fuel tank
Toray Advanced Composites, together with partners from industry and academia, has been awarded funding from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy’s Research and Development for Mobility scheme for the development of a long-life, fully composite liquid hydrogen tank for civil aviation.
Hydrogen has been identified by the European Commission (EC) as a key priority to achieve the European Green Deal for a sustainable economy. By converting the construction of the hydrogen tank from existing metallic solutions to composites, the liquid hydrogen (LH2) composite tank will achieve weight savings that enable the advancement of liquid hydrogen as a sustainable fuel source for civil aviation. This will lower the carbon footprint of air travel and increase and extend the flight range of aircraft fleet by reducing construction weight and cost.
The cross-sector research undertaken as part of this program aims to result in a lightweight composite tank that can withstand the incredibly low temperature of liquid hydrogen, minus 253°C. The project will focus on both composite tank construction, digital design strategies and production technologies.
The consortium comprises 13 partners across academia and industry: Aircraft Development and Systems Engineering (ADSE), Airborne, Bold Findings, Cryoworld, GKN Aerospace’s Fokker business, IT’S Engineering, KVE, NLR, PhotonFirst Technologies, Somni Solutions, TANIQ, and Technical University Delft together with SAM|XL.
Frank Meurs, managing director, Toray Advanced Composites, said: “We are delighted to have been granted this funding. By joining together the best of Dutch industries and institutes in a unique consortium, we will contribute to the acceleration of hydrogen technology into aerospace as a sustainable fuel source for the future. This project underlines the commitment across the supply chain to drive forward sustainable propulsion technologies and is conducted in full alignment with the major aircraft and engine manufacturers.”
#composites #CompositeLiquidHydrogenFuelTank #TorayAdvancedComposites
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Toray Advanced Composites, together with partners from industry and academia, has been awarded funding from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy’s Research and Development for Mobility scheme for the development of a long-life, fully composite liquid hydrogen tank for civil aviation.
Hydrogen has been identified by the European Commission (EC) as a key priority to achieve the European Green Deal for a sustainable economy. By converting the construction of the hydrogen tank from existing metallic solutions to composites, the liquid hydrogen (LH2) composite tank will achieve weight savings that enable the advancement of liquid hydrogen as a sustainable fuel source for civil aviation. This will lower the carbon footprint of air travel and increase and extend the flight range of aircraft fleet by reducing construction weight and cost.
The cross-sector research undertaken as part of this program aims to result in a lightweight composite tank that can withstand the incredibly low temperature of liquid hydrogen, minus 253°C. The project will focus on both composite tank construction, digital design strategies and production technologies.
The consortium comprises 13 partners across academia and industry: Aircraft Development and Systems Engineering (ADSE), Airborne, Bold Findings, Cryoworld, GKN Aerospace’s Fokker business, IT’S Engineering, KVE, NLR, PhotonFirst Technologies, Somni Solutions, TANIQ, and Technical University Delft together with SAM|XL.
Frank Meurs, managing director, Toray Advanced Composites, said: “We are delighted to have been granted this funding. By joining together the best of Dutch industries and institutes in a unique consortium, we will contribute to the acceleration of hydrogen technology into aerospace as a sustainable fuel source for the future. This project underlines the commitment across the supply chain to drive forward sustainable propulsion technologies and is conducted in full alignment with the major aircraft and engine manufacturers.”
#composites #CompositeLiquidHydrogenFuelTank #TorayAdvancedComposites
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Composites
Photo Credit: Solvay, PR018
Solvay collaborates with Trillium on bio-based acrylonitrile for carbon fiber applications
New agreement with Trillium Renewable Chemicals will enable Solvay's development of sustainable, bio-carbon fiber for use in various applications.
Solvay (Brussels, Belgium) and Trillium Renewable Chemicals (Birmingham, Ala., U.S.) have signed a letter of intent to develop the supply chain for bio-based acrylonitrile (bio-ACN). Trillium will supply Solvay with bio-ACN from Trillium’s planned commercial asset, and Solvay will evaluate bio-ACN for carbon fiber manufacturing as part of its long-term commitment to developing sustainable solutions from bio-based or recycled sources. The aim of this partnership is to produce carbon fiber for use in various applications such as aerospace, automotive, energy and consumer goods.
“Trillium’s bio-ACN process technology enables bio-carbon fiber,” explains Corey Tyree, CEO of Trillium. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Solvay, who have supported the bio-ACN process technology development since 2014. Solvay is a leader in the most rapidly-growing acrylonitrile segment [carbon fiber] and are market leaders in bio-carbon fiber and sustainable development.”
Acrylonitrile is a chemical intermediate typically made from petroleum-based feedstocks like propylene, and is the primary raw material used in the production of carbon fiber. Trillium’s Bio-ACN process delivers acrylonitrile from plant-based feedstocks, such as glycerol, with a lower carbon footprint.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Trillium which aligns well with our Solvay One Planet commitment to more than double our revenue based on renewable or recycled materials by 2030,” comments Stephen Heinz, head of composite research and innovation, Solvay. “Innovation partnerships such as this are driven by a desire to make a real-world sustainability impact. Bio-based feedstocks are a key part of Solvay’s sustainability strategy, and we look forward to being a consumer of bio-ACN from Trillium’s first bio-based acrylonitrile plant.”
#composites #CarbonFiber #BioBased
> source
New agreement with Trillium Renewable Chemicals will enable Solvay's development of sustainable, bio-carbon fiber for use in various applications.
Solvay (Brussels, Belgium) and Trillium Renewable Chemicals (Birmingham, Ala., U.S.) have signed a letter of intent to develop the supply chain for bio-based acrylonitrile (bio-ACN). Trillium will supply Solvay with bio-ACN from Trillium’s planned commercial asset, and Solvay will evaluate bio-ACN for carbon fiber manufacturing as part of its long-term commitment to developing sustainable solutions from bio-based or recycled sources. The aim of this partnership is to produce carbon fiber for use in various applications such as aerospace, automotive, energy and consumer goods.
“Trillium’s bio-ACN process technology enables bio-carbon fiber,” explains Corey Tyree, CEO of Trillium. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Solvay, who have supported the bio-ACN process technology development since 2014. Solvay is a leader in the most rapidly-growing acrylonitrile segment [carbon fiber] and are market leaders in bio-carbon fiber and sustainable development.”
Acrylonitrile is a chemical intermediate typically made from petroleum-based feedstocks like propylene, and is the primary raw material used in the production of carbon fiber. Trillium’s Bio-ACN process delivers acrylonitrile from plant-based feedstocks, such as glycerol, with a lower carbon footprint.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Trillium which aligns well with our Solvay One Planet commitment to more than double our revenue based on renewable or recycled materials by 2030,” comments Stephen Heinz, head of composite research and innovation, Solvay. “Innovation partnerships such as this are driven by a desire to make a real-world sustainability impact. Bio-based feedstocks are a key part of Solvay’s sustainability strategy, and we look forward to being a consumer of bio-ACN from Trillium’s first bio-based acrylonitrile plant.”
#composites #CarbonFiber #BioBased
> source
Composites
Automated inline process involves a high-resolution vision sensor, colored lights and machine learning. Photo Credit: Diab
Full process, quality control brings Diab closer to Composites 4.0
Developed by 2550 Engineering, an automated inline system helps measures 100% of samples in real time, ensuring a complete quality control process.
Progressive technology consultancy 2550 Engineering (Gothenburg, Sweden), a Qamcom Group company, has collaborated with Diab (Laholm, Sweden), to optimize process and quality control in the production of the company’s sandwich composite solutions used in marine, wind, aerospace and automotive industries.
“Diab came to us with the ambition to perform inline quality control for every sample and provide an individual material property set for each produced sample. This would take Diab from occasionally checking samples manually, to measuring the quality of all material produced. Some would say that it sounds impossible. We said, challenge accepted,” says Magnus Janson, CEO at 2550 Engineering.
With the help of a high-resolution vision sensor, colored lights and machine learning (ML), 2550 Engineering developed an automated inline system that captures the samples’ structure in real time. The result was that Diab moved from measuring one out of 10,000 samples, to all of them.
#composites #SandwichCompositeSolutions #Diab
> source
Developed by 2550 Engineering, an automated inline system helps measures 100% of samples in real time, ensuring a complete quality control process.
Progressive technology consultancy 2550 Engineering (Gothenburg, Sweden), a Qamcom Group company, has collaborated with Diab (Laholm, Sweden), to optimize process and quality control in the production of the company’s sandwich composite solutions used in marine, wind, aerospace and automotive industries.
“Diab came to us with the ambition to perform inline quality control for every sample and provide an individual material property set for each produced sample. This would take Diab from occasionally checking samples manually, to measuring the quality of all material produced. Some would say that it sounds impossible. We said, challenge accepted,” says Magnus Janson, CEO at 2550 Engineering.
With the help of a high-resolution vision sensor, colored lights and machine learning (ML), 2550 Engineering developed an automated inline system that captures the samples’ structure in real time. The result was that Diab moved from measuring one out of 10,000 samples, to all of them.
#composites #SandwichCompositeSolutions #Diab
> source
Composites
Photo
JEC World 2022 postponed to May
Global composites event will now take place May 3-5, 2022 at the same venue, Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, after consultation with exhibitors and event partners.
After thorough consultation with the exhibitors and partners of the event, JEC Group (Paris, France) has decided to postpone the 2022 edition of JEC World from its original March 8-10 date. The leading composites event will now take place May 3-5, 2022, at the same venue, the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre in France, as well as online via the JEC World Connect digital platform.
JEC World is “the place to be” for composites professionals from all over the world. The event brings together major global companies, innovative startups in the field of composites and advanced materials, experts, academics, scientists and R&D leaders. The event also offers a unique showcase of what composites can offer to various application sectors, from aerospace and marine, to construction to automotive, and what event organizers say is an unlimited source of inspiration for participants from these industries.
“We are fully dedicated to supporting the composites industry and to fostering its development via our events and media activities,” says Eric Pierrejean, CEO of JEC Group. “Exhibitors and partners are strongly supporting JEC World, their leading event, and want to meet in person in 2022 to activate business, share knowledge and highlight innovations. Postponing from March to May is a way to offer improved conditions to satisfy the industry requirements for such a trade fair as JEC World.”
The JEC World team has decided to postpone the event after a conducted survey conducted of its exhibitors and partners, confirming that a large majority is in favor of the new dates in May. As already planned, the three-day event will offer a digital platform, JEC World Connect, in parallel to the in-person event in Paris for an augmented digital experience. Content will also be available via the JEC Web TV after the show, in order to extend event reach.
“Our main concern is to create the best possible conditions for our participants for successful networking, inspiration and business success. With a postponement of eight weeks we can enable this and offer to the industry the event it deserves. Taking the decision now, after consultation of all exhibitors, was necessary to give them planning and preparation visibility,” adds Thomas Lepretre, VP events, sales and operations.
#composites #JECWorld2022
> source
Global composites event will now take place May 3-5, 2022 at the same venue, Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, after consultation with exhibitors and event partners.
After thorough consultation with the exhibitors and partners of the event, JEC Group (Paris, France) has decided to postpone the 2022 edition of JEC World from its original March 8-10 date. The leading composites event will now take place May 3-5, 2022, at the same venue, the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre in France, as well as online via the JEC World Connect digital platform.
JEC World is “the place to be” for composites professionals from all over the world. The event brings together major global companies, innovative startups in the field of composites and advanced materials, experts, academics, scientists and R&D leaders. The event also offers a unique showcase of what composites can offer to various application sectors, from aerospace and marine, to construction to automotive, and what event organizers say is an unlimited source of inspiration for participants from these industries.
“We are fully dedicated to supporting the composites industry and to fostering its development via our events and media activities,” says Eric Pierrejean, CEO of JEC Group. “Exhibitors and partners are strongly supporting JEC World, their leading event, and want to meet in person in 2022 to activate business, share knowledge and highlight innovations. Postponing from March to May is a way to offer improved conditions to satisfy the industry requirements for such a trade fair as JEC World.”
The JEC World team has decided to postpone the event after a conducted survey conducted of its exhibitors and partners, confirming that a large majority is in favor of the new dates in May. As already planned, the three-day event will offer a digital platform, JEC World Connect, in parallel to the in-person event in Paris for an augmented digital experience. Content will also be available via the JEC Web TV after the show, in order to extend event reach.
“Our main concern is to create the best possible conditions for our participants for successful networking, inspiration and business success. With a postponement of eight weeks we can enable this and offer to the industry the event it deserves. Taking the decision now, after consultation of all exhibitors, was necessary to give them planning and preparation visibility,” adds Thomas Lepretre, VP events, sales and operations.
#composites #JECWorld2022
> source