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Vestas to acquire offshore business in joint venture
Per the agreement, Vestas will acquire Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ shares in the MHI Vestas Offshore Wind (MVOW) joint venture. MHI gets 2.5% in Vestas and a seat on the Vestas board.
Vestas (Aarhus, Denmark), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI, Tokyo, Japan), have signed an agreement that Vestas will acquire MHI’s shares in the MHI Vestas Offshore Wind (MVOW) joint venture, against MHI acquiring 2.5% in Vestas and being nominated to a seat in Vestas’ Board of Directors. This decision is said to have strengthened the partnership within sustainable energy between the two companies.
Vestas is to acquire MHI’s 50% share of the MVOW joint venture against 5,049,337 shares in Vestas that will be issued at closing of the transaction, corresponding to 2.5% of Vestas’ nominal share capital after the capital increase. The transaction has a value of approximately €709 million EUR (approx. $828 million USD), based on the volume-weighted average of the price for shares in Vestas as quoted on Nasdaq Copenhagen the last five days up to and including Oct. 28, 2020. Following a decision made on Oct. 29 by the Board of Directors of Vestas, and subject to completion of the transaction, the share capital of Vestas will be increased by a nominal value of DKK 5,049,337 (about $791,568) USD, divided into shares of DKK 1 ($0.16 USD) each, pursuant to the authorisation in article 3(1)(b) of Vestas’ Articles of association.
If the transaction is approved by the competition authorities, MHI will— through MHI Holding Denmark ApS (MHI, Copenhagen, Denmark) — subscribe for nominally DKK 5,049,337 new shares, divided into shares of DKK 1 each, by contribution in kind of MHI Denmark’s shares in the MHI Vestas Offshore Wind (MVOW) joint venture. The new shares will be subscribed at a price of DKK 1,045 (approx. $164 USD) per share of nominally DKK 1, calculated as the volume-weighted average of the price for shares in Vestas as quoted on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S the last five business days open for trading up to and including Oct. 28.
Subscription and payment of the new shares will be made by MHI Denmark at the date of completion of the transaction, but no later than 12 months after the date of the decision by the Board of Directors to issue the shares. Vestas is subject to certain obligations to offer MHI Denmark rights to subscribe for shares against cash payment in the event of a rights issue to shareholders in the period until closing of the transaction to ensure that any changes to the size of the nominal value of Vestas shares do not subsequently impact MHI Denmark’s proportionate holdings.
The new shares will have the same rank (“pari passu”) as the existing shares in Vestas and will carry a right to dividend from the date of registration of the capital increase with the Danish Business Authority. Following completion of the capital increase, the registered share capital of Vestas will amount to nominally DKK 201,973,452 (approx. $31,662,751 USD), divided into 201,973,452 shares of DKK 1 each. The new shares are expected to be admitted to trading and official listing on Nasdaq Copenhagen as soon as possible following closing of the transaction.
The share issue will be made pursuant to applicable exemptions from the obligation to publish a prospectus as a directed issue and private placement at market value and without pre-emption rights for Vestas’ existing shareholders.
Per the agreement, Vestas will acquire Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ shares in the MHI Vestas Offshore Wind (MVOW) joint venture. MHI gets 2.5% in Vestas and a seat on the Vestas board.
Vestas (Aarhus, Denmark), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI, Tokyo, Japan), have signed an agreement that Vestas will acquire MHI’s shares in the MHI Vestas Offshore Wind (MVOW) joint venture, against MHI acquiring 2.5% in Vestas and being nominated to a seat in Vestas’ Board of Directors. This decision is said to have strengthened the partnership within sustainable energy between the two companies.
Vestas is to acquire MHI’s 50% share of the MVOW joint venture against 5,049,337 shares in Vestas that will be issued at closing of the transaction, corresponding to 2.5% of Vestas’ nominal share capital after the capital increase. The transaction has a value of approximately €709 million EUR (approx. $828 million USD), based on the volume-weighted average of the price for shares in Vestas as quoted on Nasdaq Copenhagen the last five days up to and including Oct. 28, 2020. Following a decision made on Oct. 29 by the Board of Directors of Vestas, and subject to completion of the transaction, the share capital of Vestas will be increased by a nominal value of DKK 5,049,337 (about $791,568) USD, divided into shares of DKK 1 ($0.16 USD) each, pursuant to the authorisation in article 3(1)(b) of Vestas’ Articles of association.
If the transaction is approved by the competition authorities, MHI will— through MHI Holding Denmark ApS (MHI, Copenhagen, Denmark) — subscribe for nominally DKK 5,049,337 new shares, divided into shares of DKK 1 each, by contribution in kind of MHI Denmark’s shares in the MHI Vestas Offshore Wind (MVOW) joint venture. The new shares will be subscribed at a price of DKK 1,045 (approx. $164 USD) per share of nominally DKK 1, calculated as the volume-weighted average of the price for shares in Vestas as quoted on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S the last five business days open for trading up to and including Oct. 28.
Subscription and payment of the new shares will be made by MHI Denmark at the date of completion of the transaction, but no later than 12 months after the date of the decision by the Board of Directors to issue the shares. Vestas is subject to certain obligations to offer MHI Denmark rights to subscribe for shares against cash payment in the event of a rights issue to shareholders in the period until closing of the transaction to ensure that any changes to the size of the nominal value of Vestas shares do not subsequently impact MHI Denmark’s proportionate holdings.
The new shares will have the same rank (“pari passu”) as the existing shares in Vestas and will carry a right to dividend from the date of registration of the capital increase with the Danish Business Authority. Following completion of the capital increase, the registered share capital of Vestas will amount to nominally DKK 201,973,452 (approx. $31,662,751 USD), divided into 201,973,452 shares of DKK 1 each. The new shares are expected to be admitted to trading and official listing on Nasdaq Copenhagen as soon as possible following closing of the transaction.
The share issue will be made pursuant to applicable exemptions from the obligation to publish a prospectus as a directed issue and private placement at market value and without pre-emption rights for Vestas’ existing shareholders.
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Vestas’ planning of the expected integration of MVOW into the Vestas group will commence immediately and run until transaction closing, focusing on synergies in sales, technology, manufacturing footprint and procurement to sustain customer relationships, lower costs and the building of a strong shared Vestas culture. Until transaction closing, the executive management of MVOW will consist of Johnny Thomsen, CEO of MVOW, Tatsuichiro Honda, co-chief executive officer and CFO of MVOW, Kentaro Hosomi, deputy chairman of MVOW and CEO, Energy Systems, MHI, and Henrik Andersen, chairman of MVOW and Group president and CEO of Vestas.
On a stand-alone basis, MVOW is expected to report a consolidated revenue for 2020 of approximately €1.4 billion EUR (approx. $1.6 billion USD), with an EBIT margin of around 4%.
Closing of the transaction is expected to take place within either the fourth quarter of 2020 or the first quarter of 2021.
> source
On a stand-alone basis, MVOW is expected to report a consolidated revenue for 2020 of approximately €1.4 billion EUR (approx. $1.6 billion USD), with an EBIT margin of around 4%.
Closing of the transaction is expected to take place within either the fourth quarter of 2020 or the first quarter of 2021.
> source
Composites
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JEC WORLD ANNOUNCES NEW 2021 DATES NEW DIGITAL PLATFORM UNVEILED
Paris, November 3, 2020 – Due to the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and after thorough consultation of clients and partners, the JEC World team today announces that the next edition of JEC World is postponed from March 9 to 11 to June 1 to 3, 2021.
With the growing concern among our exhibitors and partners surrounding the critical situation of the Covid 19, travel restrictions, quarantine, and lockdown measures announced recently in many countries, the JEC World team has decided to work on a new timeline to hold the next edition of the event in safer conditions in 2021.
Thus, JEC World exhibitors answered a survey proposing three dates to determine which one would suit them the most. It appeared that a large majority of respondents favored holding the next JEC World session from June 1 to 3, 2021.
“We truly regret having to make this difficult decision. However, we are all committed, starting today to deliver the best JEC World experience to our clients. We look forward to welcoming the international composites community back to Paris in June 2021″, says Eric Pierrejean, CEO of JEC Group.
Join us from June 1 to 3, 2021, at Paris Nord Villepinte (same venue) and online for a new augmented experience.
As the leading trade show of the composites industry, JEC World brings together the whole composites materials value chain and professionals from application sectors, experts from the scientific and academic world, associations and media from more than 112 countries.
JEC World is also proud to introduce its audience this year, its new digital platform, JEC World Augmented. This online platform, programmed to take place alongside JEC World, is tailored primarily for attendees who cannot be present physically at the show but still want to experience a tremendous digital event immersion.
“JEC World and its augmented platform will bring the international composites community and specialists together to network with exhibitors, hold digital business meetings, access online conferences, workshops, and discover the latest composites innovation,” says Adeline Larroque, Show director and EMEA events. “Now, more than ever, the international composites sector needs to come together to discuss today’s challenges and tomorrow’s composites solutions,” adds Larroque.
About JEC Group
JEC Group is the world’s leading company dedicated entirely to developing information and business connections channels and platforms supporting the growth and promotion of the composite materials industry. The company publishes the sector’s leading magazine, JEC Composites Magazine, and coordinates international programs in innovation. It organizes several events worldwide, including JEC World, the biggest international trade fair in composites and their use, which takes place every year in Paris.
Press contact
Farah Boudjemia – Tel. +33 1 58 36 43 99 – boudjemia@jeccomposites.com
> source
Paris, November 3, 2020 – Due to the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and after thorough consultation of clients and partners, the JEC World team today announces that the next edition of JEC World is postponed from March 9 to 11 to June 1 to 3, 2021.
With the growing concern among our exhibitors and partners surrounding the critical situation of the Covid 19, travel restrictions, quarantine, and lockdown measures announced recently in many countries, the JEC World team has decided to work on a new timeline to hold the next edition of the event in safer conditions in 2021.
Thus, JEC World exhibitors answered a survey proposing three dates to determine which one would suit them the most. It appeared that a large majority of respondents favored holding the next JEC World session from June 1 to 3, 2021.
“We truly regret having to make this difficult decision. However, we are all committed, starting today to deliver the best JEC World experience to our clients. We look forward to welcoming the international composites community back to Paris in June 2021″, says Eric Pierrejean, CEO of JEC Group.
Join us from June 1 to 3, 2021, at Paris Nord Villepinte (same venue) and online for a new augmented experience.
As the leading trade show of the composites industry, JEC World brings together the whole composites materials value chain and professionals from application sectors, experts from the scientific and academic world, associations and media from more than 112 countries.
JEC World is also proud to introduce its audience this year, its new digital platform, JEC World Augmented. This online platform, programmed to take place alongside JEC World, is tailored primarily for attendees who cannot be present physically at the show but still want to experience a tremendous digital event immersion.
“JEC World and its augmented platform will bring the international composites community and specialists together to network with exhibitors, hold digital business meetings, access online conferences, workshops, and discover the latest composites innovation,” says Adeline Larroque, Show director and EMEA events. “Now, more than ever, the international composites sector needs to come together to discuss today’s challenges and tomorrow’s composites solutions,” adds Larroque.
About JEC Group
JEC Group is the world’s leading company dedicated entirely to developing information and business connections channels and platforms supporting the growth and promotion of the composite materials industry. The company publishes the sector’s leading magazine, JEC Composites Magazine, and coordinates international programs in innovation. It organizes several events worldwide, including JEC World, the biggest international trade fair in composites and their use, which takes place every year in Paris.
Press contact
Farah Boudjemia – Tel. +33 1 58 36 43 99 – boudjemia@jeccomposites.com
> source
Composites
Photo: IR thermograms of six impact damage defects/ Composites Part B: Engineering.
Heat and ultrasonic help scientists to detect 'kissing-bond' defects in a promising space material
Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University together with their colleagues from Malaysia have studied for the first time a carbon-carbon (C/C) composite by a new non-destructive method – ultrasonic IR thermography. The material itself is promising for aerospace engineering since it can withstand the temperature of up to 2,500 °C. Experiments showed that the method makes it possible to detect so-called ‘kissing-bond’ defects in the materials with high accuracy and online. If they are not detected in time they can cause emergency situations. The study results were published in the journal Composites Part B: Engineering.
‘Due to its high strength with relative less mass and resistance against corrosion, composite materials are often used for aerospace engineering, shipbuilding, and automobile industry. However, they have substantial limitations – composites are vulnerable to shock damage.
If they are used for external parts in aircraft (airplanes, rockets, and others), for example, hail, bird strikes, and tools can damage them. Defects in such materials, e.g. the smallest delamination, cracks, breaks in the fibers are often invisible. Over time, during their operation, they enlarge and potential danger increases. Therefore manufacturing of critical parts out of composites requires new methods of non-destructive testing, ’ says research fellow Zaki Umar from Malaysian Nuclear Agency. Recently he has been on internship at Tomsk Polytechnic University. The carbon-carbon composite has a complex fibrous structure. It features ‘’kissing-bond’ defects. Such defects look like, for example, cracks in which the edges closely adjoin each other. They are difficult to detect by standard ultrasonic and X-ray methods because they do not resist mechanical waves and ionizing radiation. At TPU Zaki Umar was proposed to test the C/C composite by ultrasonic infrared thermography. It unites two methods of non-destructive testing at once: an ultrasonic and a thermal.
Tomsk Polytechnic University is one of few Russian scientific centers where the research of ultrasonic infrared thermography is conducted.
TPU Professor Vladimir Vavilov, the head of the Research Laboratory for Thermal Testing says:
‘The method is still new in the world and not adopted at manufacturing in Russia. Though it has a series of advantages. The idea of the method is simple: powerful ultrasound with a frequency of 20-40 kHz, which is more powerful than in the traditional ultrasonic testing, is introduced into the tested object. Ultrasonic waves propagating in a solid body causes friction of the defect walls, generating thermal energy. We identify the energy with an infrared camera installed at a short distance from the tested object. The thermal ‘footprints’ of defects show their location and characteristics.’
Experiments showed that ultrasonic infrared thermography is very effective in detecting defects in a carbon-carbon composite. The scientists received clear signals that are difficult to confuse with ‘noises’ that are usual for standard ultrasonic testing.
‘Composites, including carbon-carbon ones are materials for manufacturing parts which are difficult to test by usual ultrasound. Ultrasonic thermography is more accessible from the perspective of the point of ultrasonic introduction, therefore it is appropriate for testing complex shaped parts. The testing process is carried out online, all data obtained are immediately available for analysis,’ explains Professor Vavilov.
In the framework of the study, TPU scientists developed ThermoSource software to solve a basic problem on the evaluation of the energy released during internal friction. This will determine the limiting capabilities of the method and optimize the procedure of non-destructive testing. In addition, 3D modeling of thermal release in defects makes it possible to study the structure of complex defects that occur in composites due to external exposure.
Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University together with their colleagues from Malaysia have studied for the first time a carbon-carbon (C/C) composite by a new non-destructive method – ultrasonic IR thermography. The material itself is promising for aerospace engineering since it can withstand the temperature of up to 2,500 °C. Experiments showed that the method makes it possible to detect so-called ‘kissing-bond’ defects in the materials with high accuracy and online. If they are not detected in time they can cause emergency situations. The study results were published in the journal Composites Part B: Engineering.
‘Due to its high strength with relative less mass and resistance against corrosion, composite materials are often used for aerospace engineering, shipbuilding, and automobile industry. However, they have substantial limitations – composites are vulnerable to shock damage.
If they are used for external parts in aircraft (airplanes, rockets, and others), for example, hail, bird strikes, and tools can damage them. Defects in such materials, e.g. the smallest delamination, cracks, breaks in the fibers are often invisible. Over time, during their operation, they enlarge and potential danger increases. Therefore manufacturing of critical parts out of composites requires new methods of non-destructive testing, ’ says research fellow Zaki Umar from Malaysian Nuclear Agency. Recently he has been on internship at Tomsk Polytechnic University. The carbon-carbon composite has a complex fibrous structure. It features ‘’kissing-bond’ defects. Such defects look like, for example, cracks in which the edges closely adjoin each other. They are difficult to detect by standard ultrasonic and X-ray methods because they do not resist mechanical waves and ionizing radiation. At TPU Zaki Umar was proposed to test the C/C composite by ultrasonic infrared thermography. It unites two methods of non-destructive testing at once: an ultrasonic and a thermal.
Tomsk Polytechnic University is one of few Russian scientific centers where the research of ultrasonic infrared thermography is conducted.
TPU Professor Vladimir Vavilov, the head of the Research Laboratory for Thermal Testing says:
‘The method is still new in the world and not adopted at manufacturing in Russia. Though it has a series of advantages. The idea of the method is simple: powerful ultrasound with a frequency of 20-40 kHz, which is more powerful than in the traditional ultrasonic testing, is introduced into the tested object. Ultrasonic waves propagating in a solid body causes friction of the defect walls, generating thermal energy. We identify the energy with an infrared camera installed at a short distance from the tested object. The thermal ‘footprints’ of defects show their location and characteristics.’
Experiments showed that ultrasonic infrared thermography is very effective in detecting defects in a carbon-carbon composite. The scientists received clear signals that are difficult to confuse with ‘noises’ that are usual for standard ultrasonic testing.
‘Composites, including carbon-carbon ones are materials for manufacturing parts which are difficult to test by usual ultrasound. Ultrasonic thermography is more accessible from the perspective of the point of ultrasonic introduction, therefore it is appropriate for testing complex shaped parts. The testing process is carried out online, all data obtained are immediately available for analysis,’ explains Professor Vavilov.
In the framework of the study, TPU scientists developed ThermoSource software to solve a basic problem on the evaluation of the energy released during internal friction. This will determine the limiting capabilities of the method and optimize the procedure of non-destructive testing. In addition, 3D modeling of thermal release in defects makes it possible to study the structure of complex defects that occur in composites due to external exposure.
Composites
Photo: IR thermograms of six impact damage defects/ Composites Part B: Engineering.
The elaborated testing method and the model for calculation releasing energy are now possible to apply for different composite materials, in particular, carbon-fiber plastic, fiberglass, composite ceramics, and others.
> source
> source
Composites
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Turkish Aerospace, Boeing partner to produce thermoplastic composites
Per the partnership, Boeing will provide technical support to establish a fully automated facility in Turkey for the production of thermoplastic aerospace components, as well as training technical personnel.
R&D company, Turkish Aerospace (Ankara, Turkey) announced on Nov. 12 a partnership with Boeing (Chicago, Ill., U.S.) that aims to develop thermoplastic manufacturing capabilities in Turkey, as part of the region’s continued effort to develop high-tech products locally. For the collaboration, Boeing will provide technical support for Turkish Aerospace to establish a fully automated facility for the production of thermoplastic materials for the aerospace industry.
“We are very excited to sign a new cooperation with our strategic partner Boeing,” Turkish Aerospace CEO, Professor Temel Kotil says. “We look forward to continue increasing the direction of new production technologies in the aviation sector. As the company that guides and leads the most important projects of Turkey, we will have high-quality thermoplastic part production, which will reduce cost significantly.”
Aysem Sargin, managing director Boeing Turkey, adds that this agreement adds a new dimension to the longstanding partnership between Turkish Aerospace and Boeing. “It also expands the existing technology collaboration between Boeing and Turkey under the National Aerospace Initiative (NAI), which is Boeing’s investment plan for Turkey, announced in 2017. This is a reflection of our continued commitment to the country and to our partners.”
Turkish Aerospace and Boeing’s research is focused on designing high-quality thermoplastic parts in a high-capacity rapid production system for aerospace use. Initial results show that High Efficiency Affordable Rapid Thermoplastic (HEART), can reduce the production cycle and process costs by 30% compared to conventional composites.
This partnership will include the training of technical personnel to develop local expertise in this field and enable Turkey to produce thermoplastics that meets the highest global standards.
> photo: Turkish Aerospace
> source
Per the partnership, Boeing will provide technical support to establish a fully automated facility in Turkey for the production of thermoplastic aerospace components, as well as training technical personnel.
R&D company, Turkish Aerospace (Ankara, Turkey) announced on Nov. 12 a partnership with Boeing (Chicago, Ill., U.S.) that aims to develop thermoplastic manufacturing capabilities in Turkey, as part of the region’s continued effort to develop high-tech products locally. For the collaboration, Boeing will provide technical support for Turkish Aerospace to establish a fully automated facility for the production of thermoplastic materials for the aerospace industry.
“We are very excited to sign a new cooperation with our strategic partner Boeing,” Turkish Aerospace CEO, Professor Temel Kotil says. “We look forward to continue increasing the direction of new production technologies in the aviation sector. As the company that guides and leads the most important projects of Turkey, we will have high-quality thermoplastic part production, which will reduce cost significantly.”
Aysem Sargin, managing director Boeing Turkey, adds that this agreement adds a new dimension to the longstanding partnership between Turkish Aerospace and Boeing. “It also expands the existing technology collaboration between Boeing and Turkey under the National Aerospace Initiative (NAI), which is Boeing’s investment plan for Turkey, announced in 2017. This is a reflection of our continued commitment to the country and to our partners.”
Turkish Aerospace and Boeing’s research is focused on designing high-quality thermoplastic parts in a high-capacity rapid production system for aerospace use. Initial results show that High Efficiency Affordable Rapid Thermoplastic (HEART), can reduce the production cycle and process costs by 30% compared to conventional composites.
This partnership will include the training of technical personnel to develop local expertise in this field and enable Turkey to produce thermoplastics that meets the highest global standards.
> photo: Turkish Aerospace
> source
Composites
Photo
Russian Scientists Create a Particularly Durable Pseudoplastic Material
Composite materials, which are employed in modern technology, have great rigidity, strength, and fragility. Scientists have learned how to produce unique composites that have unusual pseudoplasticity.
The professor from South Ural State University Sergei Sapozhnikov, together with colleagues from KU Leuven, Belgium, have developed a pseudoplastic hybrid of two initially fragile carbon plastics. The work employs an original theory, proposed by Prof Sapozhnikov. An article on the new pseudoplastic CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) has been published in Composites Part B: Engineering, the journal with the highest JCR-rank (2019) in the composite materials field.
Durable composite of fragile components
Carbon fiber composite materials have been used for decades. Their use is remarkably widespread in aviation and astronautics. These materials are light-weight, but at the same time possess extraordinary strength. However, composite materials are relatively fragile. If a structure made of such a material is affected by a force slightly greater than the calculated value, then the object is destroyed instantly. Therefore, scientists who study composites are proposing alternative options for pseudoplastic non-fragile materials. To create them, different composites are combined: carbon fiber and fiberglass, carbon fiber and organic plastic, etc.
Professor of the Institute of Engineering and Technology Sergei Sapozhnikov, together with professors Yentl Svolfs and Stepan Lomov from the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven, Belgium), proposed to produce an experimental material based on two brittle carbon plastics – ultra-high-strength and ultra-high-modulus.
The joint work was supported with a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (RSF), by the administration of the Catholic University of Leuven and the Japanese company TORAY, a supplier of materials and sponsor of the Chair for Composite Materials in the Catholic University of Leuven. Sergei Sapozhnikov visited KU Leuven to carry on his research on the unique technological, testing, and analytical equipment. The original theory, developed by Prof Sapozhnikov, allowed a clever design of the tested materials.
It was formerly considered that only thin-layer hybrid composites possess the pseudoplastic properties. The team of scientists showed that the effect of pseudoplasticity can be obtained on composites with standard layer thicknesses. It is only important to have enough fracture toughness at the interface of two layers. The team described this property in their first article.
“I have used two hybrid composites that have never been used to create one material with a unique property called pseudoplasticity. Such materials do not failure suddenly. First, they are initially elastically deformed, then accumulate microdamage, and then destroyed. Pseudoplasticity is necessary to make materials more durable. These hybrid composites have higher strength, but much lower density than steel. With the help of my software program, we created such materials and experimentally proved that these composites can be used,” Sergei Sapozhnikov says. Pseudoplastic composites are the basis of “smart structures”
The collaboration with the University of Leuven is not accomplished: the team intends to test how the new material will resist repeated loads. Professor Valter Carvelli of Politecnico di Milano, Italy, is also collaborating on this topic. The research will be further developed by the study of polymers wear resistance.
Sergei Sapozhnikov also noticed that the data obtained by the international team can at present be used in practice around the world.
Composite materials, which are employed in modern technology, have great rigidity, strength, and fragility. Scientists have learned how to produce unique composites that have unusual pseudoplasticity.
The professor from South Ural State University Sergei Sapozhnikov, together with colleagues from KU Leuven, Belgium, have developed a pseudoplastic hybrid of two initially fragile carbon plastics. The work employs an original theory, proposed by Prof Sapozhnikov. An article on the new pseudoplastic CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) has been published in Composites Part B: Engineering, the journal with the highest JCR-rank (2019) in the composite materials field.
Durable composite of fragile components
Carbon fiber composite materials have been used for decades. Their use is remarkably widespread in aviation and astronautics. These materials are light-weight, but at the same time possess extraordinary strength. However, composite materials are relatively fragile. If a structure made of such a material is affected by a force slightly greater than the calculated value, then the object is destroyed instantly. Therefore, scientists who study composites are proposing alternative options for pseudoplastic non-fragile materials. To create them, different composites are combined: carbon fiber and fiberglass, carbon fiber and organic plastic, etc.
Professor of the Institute of Engineering and Technology Sergei Sapozhnikov, together with professors Yentl Svolfs and Stepan Lomov from the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven, Belgium), proposed to produce an experimental material based on two brittle carbon plastics – ultra-high-strength and ultra-high-modulus.
The joint work was supported with a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (RSF), by the administration of the Catholic University of Leuven and the Japanese company TORAY, a supplier of materials and sponsor of the Chair for Composite Materials in the Catholic University of Leuven. Sergei Sapozhnikov visited KU Leuven to carry on his research on the unique technological, testing, and analytical equipment. The original theory, developed by Prof Sapozhnikov, allowed a clever design of the tested materials.
It was formerly considered that only thin-layer hybrid composites possess the pseudoplastic properties. The team of scientists showed that the effect of pseudoplasticity can be obtained on composites with standard layer thicknesses. It is only important to have enough fracture toughness at the interface of two layers. The team described this property in their first article.
“I have used two hybrid composites that have never been used to create one material with a unique property called pseudoplasticity. Such materials do not failure suddenly. First, they are initially elastically deformed, then accumulate microdamage, and then destroyed. Pseudoplasticity is necessary to make materials more durable. These hybrid composites have higher strength, but much lower density than steel. With the help of my software program, we created such materials and experimentally proved that these composites can be used,” Sergei Sapozhnikov says. Pseudoplastic composites are the basis of “smart structures”
The collaboration with the University of Leuven is not accomplished: the team intends to test how the new material will resist repeated loads. Professor Valter Carvelli of Politecnico di Milano, Italy, is also collaborating on this topic. The research will be further developed by the study of polymers wear resistance.
Sergei Sapozhnikov also noticed that the data obtained by the international team can at present be used in practice around the world.
Composites
Photo
“We hope to establish the properties of pseudoplastic objects made of composite materials, which were created in SUSU. This is necessary to increase reliability and prevent sudden destruction of the material. After all, pseudoplastic composites, due to the accumulation of fibers rupture that is more rigid and fragile, warn that complete destruction of the material is approaching,” Sergei Sapozhnikov says.
Research in the field of materials along with the smart industry and ecology represents the strategic directions of the scientific-educational activities at South Ural State University.
SUSU is a member of the 5-100 Project intended to increase the competitiveness of the university among the world's leading research and academic centers.
> source
Research in the field of materials along with the smart industry and ecology represents the strategic directions of the scientific-educational activities at South Ural State University.
SUSU is a member of the 5-100 Project intended to increase the competitiveness of the university among the world's leading research and academic centers.
> source
Composites
Photo
Skoltech optimizes pultrusion process productivity
The institute analyzed the influence of pulling speed on the structural characteristics of L-shaped profiles, analyzing the interconnection between a variety of characteristics.
A group of scientists from the Skoltech Center for Design, Manufacturing and Materials (CDMM, Moscow, Russia) and University of Salerno (Italy) have reportedly improved pultrusion process productivity by optimizing pulling speed and structural parameters. According to the research results, which were published in the Composites Structures journal, Skoltech discovered and analyzed the interconnection between pulling speed of pultrusion and severity of manufactured induced shape distortions, matrix cracking and delaminations, as well as mechanical characteristics.
Out of the many current composite manufacturing processes, Skoltech says, pultrusion is considerably the most efficient, combining high production rates with low material waste, characteristics that are continuously sought after, particularly in the construction market.
The pultrusion process optimization involves careful consideration of the many parameters influencing the quality of the final product, the institute adds. One of the parameters to be considered is the pulling speed. Maximizing the pulling speed while preserving the quality of the produced profiles is necessary to increase efficiency and, thus, the pultrusion process's profitability.
#Skoltech #UniversityOfSalerno
> source
The institute analyzed the influence of pulling speed on the structural characteristics of L-shaped profiles, analyzing the interconnection between a variety of characteristics.
A group of scientists from the Skoltech Center for Design, Manufacturing and Materials (CDMM, Moscow, Russia) and University of Salerno (Italy) have reportedly improved pultrusion process productivity by optimizing pulling speed and structural parameters. According to the research results, which were published in the Composites Structures journal, Skoltech discovered and analyzed the interconnection between pulling speed of pultrusion and severity of manufactured induced shape distortions, matrix cracking and delaminations, as well as mechanical characteristics.
Out of the many current composite manufacturing processes, Skoltech says, pultrusion is considerably the most efficient, combining high production rates with low material waste, characteristics that are continuously sought after, particularly in the construction market.
The pultrusion process optimization involves careful consideration of the many parameters influencing the quality of the final product, the institute adds. One of the parameters to be considered is the pulling speed. Maximizing the pulling speed while preserving the quality of the produced profiles is necessary to increase efficiency and, thus, the pultrusion process's profitability.
#Skoltech #UniversityOfSalerno
> source
New Alfa Romeo EV has carbon fiber bodywork
Bercella says that it has designed and manufactured the carbon fiber bodywork of the new Alfa Romeo Giulia electric race car.
According to the company, the 500kW vehicle will compete in the Pure ETCR (Electric Touring Car Racing), the first world touring championship dedicated to electric cars scheduled for 2021.
Besides the bodywork, Bercella also plans to design a number of electric powertrain structures for the race.
According to the company, its design balanced aerodynamic requirements with safety in structural performance, for instance through installing Kevlar anti-intrusion bars inside the bumpers.
#CarbonFiber
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Bercella says that it has designed and manufactured the carbon fiber bodywork of the new Alfa Romeo Giulia electric race car.
According to the company, the 500kW vehicle will compete in the Pure ETCR (Electric Touring Car Racing), the first world touring championship dedicated to electric cars scheduled for 2021.
Besides the bodywork, Bercella also plans to design a number of electric powertrain structures for the race.
According to the company, its design balanced aerodynamic requirements with safety in structural performance, for instance through installing Kevlar anti-intrusion bars inside the bumpers.
#CarbonFiber
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Composites
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Composite resins price change report
CW’s running summary of resin price change announcements from major material suppliers that serve the composites manufacturing industry.
Nov. 24, 2020
AOC has announced a price increase of 8% for all products sold in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Latin America, as a result of rapid and significant escalation of costs for key raw material ingredients and freight.
Effective for all orders shipping on or after Dec. 18, 2020.
Nov. 16, 2020
AOC announces a price increase of €150 per ton for its entire Composites portfolio sold in Europe and the Middle East.
The price increase will take effect for all new deliveries after Dec. 1, 2020 or as soon as contracts allow. This price increase is in addition to the increase that was announced on Nov. 2 2020 (listed below).
Nov. 3, 2020
Polynt Composites announced that, as a consequence of the continuous escalation of UPRs raw materials and logistic costs, prices are increasing to €80 per ton effective Nov. 1, or as agreements allow, for the complete line of UPRs, vinyl esters and gelcoats in Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Nov. 2, 2020
Huber Carbonates, LLC, a subsidiary of J.M. Huber Corporation, announced a price increase for its industrial calcium carbonate products generally ranging from 5-9%. The price increase does not apply to Huber’s food and USP calcium carbonate grades.
Increase effective Jan. 1, 2021, or as current contracts allow.
#adhesives #bulkmoldingcompound #aramidfiber
> source
CW’s running summary of resin price change announcements from major material suppliers that serve the composites manufacturing industry.
Nov. 24, 2020
AOC has announced a price increase of 8% for all products sold in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Latin America, as a result of rapid and significant escalation of costs for key raw material ingredients and freight.
Effective for all orders shipping on or after Dec. 18, 2020.
Nov. 16, 2020
AOC announces a price increase of €150 per ton for its entire Composites portfolio sold in Europe and the Middle East.
The price increase will take effect for all new deliveries after Dec. 1, 2020 or as soon as contracts allow. This price increase is in addition to the increase that was announced on Nov. 2 2020 (listed below).
Nov. 3, 2020
Polynt Composites announced that, as a consequence of the continuous escalation of UPRs raw materials and logistic costs, prices are increasing to €80 per ton effective Nov. 1, or as agreements allow, for the complete line of UPRs, vinyl esters and gelcoats in Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Nov. 2, 2020
Huber Carbonates, LLC, a subsidiary of J.M. Huber Corporation, announced a price increase for its industrial calcium carbonate products generally ranging from 5-9%. The price increase does not apply to Huber’s food and USP calcium carbonate grades.
Increase effective Jan. 1, 2021, or as current contracts allow.
#adhesives #bulkmoldingcompound #aramidfiber
> source
Composites
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Carbon fiber or fiberglass: choosing the correct composite
You wouldn’t attempt to delicately manicure a bonsai tree with a chainsaw, even if it would be entertaining to watch. This may seem obvious, but there are many fields where selecting the right tool is a vital ingredient to success. In the composites industry, customers often request carbon fiber when in fact fiberglass is a better suited high-performance material for their needs. Here, Kim Sjödahl, Senior Vice President, R&D and Technology from global composites producer Exel Composites, explains why carbon fiber is not always the best option.
Carbon fiber is often hailed as the material of the future. When people think of carbon fiber, they’re likely to envision slick sports cars with doors that open vertically or, if they are industry focused, wind turbine blades longer than previously imaginable. For most composite producers, carbon fiber is the material that gets customers and their design engineers interested in composites — before they realise that other composites such as fiberglass are better suited to their project.
Sports cars, road bikes and professional tennis rackets are all extensively made using carbon fiber. This is because these applications require a low density and high ultimate tensile strength material to maximise weight advantages. However, this doesn’t mean that carbon fiber is perfect for every application.
Raising the glass
In many cases when clients are looking for carbon fiber, the material that better suits their needs is fiberglass. In fact, it could be said that fiberglass was the first ever high-performance material, with its conception dating back to before the Second World War. Fiberglass has proven its usefulness over and over, from use in door or window frame profiles to telescoping poles, in automotive applications to rail joints and telecommunications radomes. If you have the impression that fiberglass is reserved for making row boats, it may be time to take another look at what else it can achieve
Fiberglass has a very good ultimate tensile strength, higher than most metals. It’s a great insulator, with a very low coefficient of thermal expansion, and it is corrosion and weather resistant. For example, the ITER fusion reactor, a tokamak style fusion reactor being developed by 35 collaborating nations, uses fiberglass composite pre-compression rings (PCR) to hold the reactor together.
The ITER fusion reactor uses the PCRs to absorb the deformation and fatigue from magnets that hold the plasma, which is heated to 150 million degrees Celsius, in place. Fiberglass was selected for the PCRs because of the material’s specific high-performance mechanical properties.
Fiberglass has withstood the test of time. Since its early uses in World War II, the material has yet to be replaced with a better alternative. This is largely due to the material’s mechanical properties combined with its competitive cost and design flexibility.
Tailor made
With composites, it is also important to note that the choice is not binary. At Exel Composites, we offer a range of pultruded and pull-wound composite solutions. We manufacture many carbon fiber products along with fiberglass and hybrid combinations, where we use both carbon and glass fibers.
Deciding on the best material choice requires a clear understanding of the desired application and product specifications, and we first work with customers to develop a mutual understanding. Based on this understanding, your composites supplier should use their materials science expertise to design your ideal composite product. This discussion should include costs, particularly as raw carbon fiber materials come at a higher cost point than fiberglass.
You wouldn’t attempt to delicately manicure a bonsai tree with a chainsaw, even if it would be entertaining to watch. This may seem obvious, but there are many fields where selecting the right tool is a vital ingredient to success. In the composites industry, customers often request carbon fiber when in fact fiberglass is a better suited high-performance material for their needs. Here, Kim Sjödahl, Senior Vice President, R&D and Technology from global composites producer Exel Composites, explains why carbon fiber is not always the best option.
Carbon fiber is often hailed as the material of the future. When people think of carbon fiber, they’re likely to envision slick sports cars with doors that open vertically or, if they are industry focused, wind turbine blades longer than previously imaginable. For most composite producers, carbon fiber is the material that gets customers and their design engineers interested in composites — before they realise that other composites such as fiberglass are better suited to their project.
Sports cars, road bikes and professional tennis rackets are all extensively made using carbon fiber. This is because these applications require a low density and high ultimate tensile strength material to maximise weight advantages. However, this doesn’t mean that carbon fiber is perfect for every application.
Raising the glass
In many cases when clients are looking for carbon fiber, the material that better suits their needs is fiberglass. In fact, it could be said that fiberglass was the first ever high-performance material, with its conception dating back to before the Second World War. Fiberglass has proven its usefulness over and over, from use in door or window frame profiles to telescoping poles, in automotive applications to rail joints and telecommunications radomes. If you have the impression that fiberglass is reserved for making row boats, it may be time to take another look at what else it can achieve
Fiberglass has a very good ultimate tensile strength, higher than most metals. It’s a great insulator, with a very low coefficient of thermal expansion, and it is corrosion and weather resistant. For example, the ITER fusion reactor, a tokamak style fusion reactor being developed by 35 collaborating nations, uses fiberglass composite pre-compression rings (PCR) to hold the reactor together.
The ITER fusion reactor uses the PCRs to absorb the deformation and fatigue from magnets that hold the plasma, which is heated to 150 million degrees Celsius, in place. Fiberglass was selected for the PCRs because of the material’s specific high-performance mechanical properties.
Fiberglass has withstood the test of time. Since its early uses in World War II, the material has yet to be replaced with a better alternative. This is largely due to the material’s mechanical properties combined with its competitive cost and design flexibility.
Tailor made
With composites, it is also important to note that the choice is not binary. At Exel Composites, we offer a range of pultruded and pull-wound composite solutions. We manufacture many carbon fiber products along with fiberglass and hybrid combinations, where we use both carbon and glass fibers.
Deciding on the best material choice requires a clear understanding of the desired application and product specifications, and we first work with customers to develop a mutual understanding. Based on this understanding, your composites supplier should use their materials science expertise to design your ideal composite product. This discussion should include costs, particularly as raw carbon fiber materials come at a higher cost point than fiberglass.