The Graphene Council has identified 45 major application areas for graphene, ranging from semiconductors to coatings to rubber — and composites, which the Graphene Council says is currently the largest current user of graphene.

Experimentally, Barkan says that graphene is also being tested as an enhancement for composite wind turbine blades, whose high-impact surfaces and need for lightweight structures would be well-served by inclusion of graphene into the matrix. Smith adds that Haydale also sees potential for graphene in wind turbine blades to enhance electrical conductivity to protect against lightning strikes.

“I think that all sectors are now vying for use of graphene,” Smith adds, “because we have learnt how to use graphene, and how and where it offers improvements, thanks to a huge amount of research at companies and institutions like the University of Manchester specifically looking at different applications. … As an industry, we’re having sensible conversations with big space companies, big aerospace companies, big automotive companies, and because of this, I think the use of graphene in composites is going to grow. There's no reason why it wouldn’t.”

The final form of the graphene product depends, first, on the number of layers of carbon that make up the material. According to Barkan, though “pristine” graphene is only one atomic layer thick, a material that has 10 atomic layers of carbon or fewer is still referred to in the market as graphene. Graphene is typically categorized as very few layer graphene (vFLG, 1-3 layers of carbon), few layer graphene (FLG, 2-5 layers), multi-layer graphene (MLG, 2-10 layers), or graphene nanoplatelets (GNP, stacks of graphene sheets that can consist of multiple layers).

Kennametal will cover the influence of different composite materials characteristics on drilling performance and how to optimize the process. Agenda:  Who is Kennametal? Hole making challenges in composite materials Innovations for hole making applications Upcoming events and academic partnerships

EU project will develop bio-based, repairable and recyclable vitrimer composites and advanced sensors for highly reliable, sustainable wind blades.

According to Barkan, for composites applications, multi-layer nanoplatelets (1-5 nanometers thick) in black powder form are typically blended into the liquid resin or hardener. Unlike many other types of additives, graphene only needs to be incorporated in very small amounts to achieve the desired properties — frequently less than 1% by weight and often down to a tenth of a percent or less by weight, Barkan says. Some companies are also adding graphene to fiber sizing for certain applications, or it can even be woven into the fibers — some nylon fiber suppliers have done this, Barkan notes.

CompositesWorld’s Tech Days: Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures is designed to provide a multi-perspective view of the state of the art in design, simulation, failure analysis, digital twins, virtual testing and virtual inspection.

Rose points to the sporting goods industry as the first major adopter of graphene-enhanced composites. “[The] sporting goods [market] could benefit not only from the performance attributes [of graphene], but also the marketing attributes,” he says. “In the sporting goods world, everyone wants the latest and greatest.” So when graphene became the new “latest and greatest” material, sporting goods manufacturers quickly began to test its value in high-end composites sporting goods equipment, such as field hockey sticks, golf balls, skis and tennis rackets. According to Barkan, some applications of graphene in composite sporting good products have been elevated to serial production.

The composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.

One application that Barkan says is overlooked is the use of graphene in composite tooling. Benefits of graphene-enhanced composite tooling include longer-lasting tooling and better heat distribution, he says. A recent example of this is a prototype tooling material developed by SHD Composites Ltd. (SHD, Sleaford, U.K.) in collaboration with Composite Tooling and Engineering Solutions Ltd. (CTES, Matlock, U.K.) and Applied Graphene Materials (AGM, Redcar & Cleveland, U.K.). Enhanced by graphene nanoplatelets from AGM, a demonstrator CFRP automated fiber placement (AFP) mandrel tool showed potential for lower-cost, high-performance aerospace part tooling. The team is working on developments such as processing the material out-of-autoclave (OOA) and prototype tooling for thermoplastic composite applications.

“I really invite people to take a look at [graphene] with a fresh set of eyes,” Barkan concludes, “because the quality is different [now, compared to a decade ago]. The price is different. The handling techniques are advanced. We have proven case studies, we have examples. It is being commercialized. And it’s worth taking a look at.”

A report on the demand for hydrogen as an energy source and the role composites might play in the transport and storage of hydrogen.

Explore the cutting-edge composites industry, as experts delve into the materials, tooling, and manufacturing hurdles of meeting the demands of the promising advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Join us at CW Tech Days to unlock the future of efficient composites fabrication operations.

Cryomotive’s CRYOGAS solution claims the highest storage density, lowest refueling cost and widest operating range without H2 losses while using one-fifth the carbon fiber required in compressed gas tanks.

What’s next for this “wonder material”? Barkan predicts full commercialization of graphene within the next decade. “We have a lot of positive momentum,” Rose says, adding, “we’re still in somewhat of a discovery phase, but it will start with deliberate design and activity, which in the automotive world takes a long time, and quicker in markets like sporting goods … But that then provides more supply chain robustness and more knowledge about efficacy, and then becomes self-propagating.”

Six U.S. companies have proven their recycling technologies for composites and rare earth elements, and will be supported for relevant scale demonstration and validation.

There is also an inherent sustainability factor to using graphene, points out Barkan. Graphene itself can be recycled from waste products such as biodiesel fuel, and its durability can add to a material or product’s lifespan, making them more sustainable. In addition, graphene is pure carbon, which avoids the potential toxicity of some other chemicals or additives used in resin matrices.

Validation of 80-100% tensile strength and comparability to injection molding via Voxelfill extrusion process was achieved through plastic and fiber-filled test series.

The Marservis PROeco is a mass transportation marine vessel using Bcomp natural fiber for interior parts in place of standard materials.

Reliable news and information on where and how fiber-reinforced composites are being applied — that’s just the start of what you get from our team here at CompositesWorld.

Initial demonstration in furniture shows properties two to nine times higher than plywood, OOA molding for uniquely shaped components.

Closed mold processes have many advantages over open molding. In this knowledge center, learn the basics and vital tools needed to produce parts accurately.

Explore the technologies, materials and strategies used by composites manufacturers working in the evolving space market.

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CompositesWorld's Carbon Fiber conference offers you cutting-edge information and access to industry experts in streamlining manufacturing costs, market outlooks and forecasting, and more. You will make invaluable contacts as you meet and network with the industry's most innovative and influential leaders at Carbon Fiber. __PRESENT

Whether you’re exploring new applications or seeking to gain a foothold in emerging markets, Carbon Fiber 2024 is where you’ll discover the insights and connections needed to shape your business strategy. Register now.

Knowing the fundamentals for reading drawings — including master ply tables, ply definition diagrams and more — lays a foundation for proper composite design evaluation.

Recoat temperature, part orientation and bead geometry are some key design variables to consider for a successful and reliable large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) process.

Stephen Heinz, vice president of R&I for Syensqo delivered an inspirational keynote at SAMPE 2024, highlighting the significant role of composite materials in emerging technologies and encouraging broader collaboration within the manufacturing community.

Graphene is a two-dimensional, planar sheet of bonded carbon atoms in a dense, honeycomb-shaped crystal lattice. Though the purest form of graphene is only one atom thick, graphene can also be fabricated in sheets comprising up to 10 or more carbon layers.

Graphene (0.075 weight %) added to PAN precursor exhibited 225% increase in carbon fiber tensile strength and 184% increase in modulus.

The composites industry plays a crucial role in developing lightweight and durable materials for a range of applications, including those critical to national defense. One key focus area is the development of advanced structural materials and manufacturing technologies that support next-generation space, missile and aircraft systems for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). ARC Technologies LLC (ARC), a division of Hexcel Corporation, based in Amesbury, Massachusetts, is a provider of advanced composites structures, specialty materials and other unique products that provide the U.S. Department of Defense with advanced capabilities to protect service members while in harm’s way. This team’s specialty is to understand a specific need from a program office, PEO, platform manufacturer or other offices within the DOD. With that understanding, the team can design a solution, develop a prototype for test and evaluation, perform extensive in-house testing — including electromagnetic, environmental and structural testing — and then partner with the customer through platform evaluation. The Hexcel Amesbury division has a team of engineers on staff, including mechanical, chemical, electrical and research and development specialists that can provide design, testing and manufacturing capabilities to service customer requirements from concept through production. This presentation will illustrate capabilities in advanced composites and other specialty materials structures, focusing on the Hexcel Amesbury team's niche in electromagnetic signature reduction and other unique capabilities.

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) certifies use of jointly developed CFRP repair technique on FPSO and FSO industrial systems, addressing traditional steel restoration challenges.

The JEC Forum DACH is a business meetings event organised by JEC The JEC Forum DACH is organised on October 22 and 23, 2024 by JEC, in partnership with the AVK, gathering the composite materials community from the DACH Region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland).

Foundational research discusses the current carbon fiber recycling landscape in Utah, and evaluates potential strategies and policies that could enhance this sustainable practice in the region.

The ITHEC 2024 will take place from the 9 to 10 October 2024 in Bremen, Germany. At the 7th International Conference, more than 300 participants from around the world will be presenting and discussing newest scientific results, meet leading international specialists, share their expertise and start business co-operations in the field of thermoplastic composite technologies. The international exhibition will feature 40+ exhibitors showcasing all steps of the supply-chain. Be it materials, machines, testing, processes, or solutions. By combining the exhibition and the conference ITHEC is further fostering the inter-connectivity between science and industry.

Increasingly, prototype and production-ready smart devices featuring thermoplastic composite cases and other components provide lightweight, optimized sustainable alternatives to metal.

Prepreg co-molding compound by IDI Composites International and A&P Technology enables new geometries and levels of strength and resiliency for automotive, mobility.

Graphene, first isolated and characterized in 2004 by researchers at the University of Manchester (Manchester, U.K.) who used adhesive tape to separate graphite into individual layers of carbon, won its founders Andre Geim and Kostya Novoselov the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010. A decade later, graphene-enhanced composite applications (from aramid nanofiber-reinforced supercapacitors for electric vehicle batteries to aerospace composite tooling and cryogenic pressure vessels) continue to pick up headlines. The material itself has been available commercially for about 10 years now, but, according to Terrance Barkan, executive director of the Graphene Council (New Bern, N.C., U.S.), graphene’s path to commercialization has been accelerating significantly over the past couple of years. In fact, more than 2,300 graphene-related patents have been approved in the past 12 months alone, the Graphene Council reports.

C2C were approached by Promolding to provide an intelligent cleanroom solution in order to protect a medical device manufacturing contract that runs until 2032.

CompPair and Composite Recycling introduce a roof scoop made of recycled fibers to an eco-efficient rally buggy, which channels airflow to the engine for optimal, sustainable performance.

CompositesWorld’s CW Tech Days: Infrastructure event offers a series of expert presentations on composite materials, processes and applications that should and will be considered for use in the infrastructure and construction markets.

There was an effective collaboration with injection moulding machine manufacturer Engel allowing C2C to integrate HEPA-lite with injection moulding machines so floor supports weren’t necessary.

“Graphene can be used in almost any plastic, resin or solvent you can think of,” Barkan says. This includes thermoplastics, in which the graphene is typically incorporated into the thermoplastic beads or pellets during the melt mix stage. The combination of graphene with thermoplastic, Barkan says, increases the service temperature of the resin and extends its lifespan.

In composites, graphene is typically used as an additive within resin matrices and other materials to enhance a variety of mechanical properties, including electrical and thermal conductivity, durability, flexibility, stiffness, UV resistance, weight reduction and fire resistance. Of particular importance for use in composite applications, Barkan notes, is that graphene can also reduce interlaminar shear failure, eliminate microcracking issues within a composite laminate and enhance impact resistance/toughness. “It’s basically magic,” he concludes.

“Typically what happens after sporting goods [adopts a material],” Rose continues, “is that the industrial market starts to adopt it, and that can become quite broad.” The reach of graphene within the industrial market, he notes is not limited to composites: many of XG Sciences’ current customers use graphene to enhance the performance of packaging, or the recyclability of plastic bottles.

Performing regular maintenance of the layup tool for successful sealing and release is required to reduce the risk of part adherence.

Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.

Graphene-enhanced composites have also seen several successes in the automotive industry, where graphene presents an opportunity to add strength and impact resistance with less material, thereby reducing the overall weight of the part. For example, XG Sciences worked with Ford Motor Co. (Dearborn, Mich., U.S.) on graphene-enhanced polyurethane foam that improved durability, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and weight on components produced for the Ford F-150 and Mustang vehicles. In addition, luxury sports car company Briggs Automotive Co. (BAC, Liverpool, U.K.) announced in August 2019 that all of the body panels for its Mono R single-seater supercar are produced with 100% graphene-enhanced carbon fiber composites using functionalized graphene from Haydale, signaling, Barkan says, potential for more opportunities within the automotive industry.

Over the last 8 months, Archer Aviation has completed a total of 402 test flights with its composites-intensive aircraft, adding to key milestones.

Base Materials introduces a high-performance, toughened epoxy tooling board designed for thermoforming and vacuum forming processes, direct-to-part applications and more.

Recoat temperature, part orientation and bead geometry are some key design variables to consider for a successful and reliable large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) process.

Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.

Electrical conductivity is another potential benefit of graphene in aerospace applications. In November 2019, Haydale launched a range of graphene-enhanced prepregs for lightning strike protection. The company reported that the functionalized graphene-enhanced material is suitable for improved electrical conductivity in structural components and for enclosures on electronic avionics systems.

An on-demand mapping tool for anisotropic materials and polymer material fracture prediction model, i-Lupe, aims to help predict impact, crash behaviors.

How the predictive tool “CZone” is applied to simulate the axial crushing response of composites, providing valuable insights into their use for motorsport applications.

Hailed as a “wonder material,” graphene has become known for its impressive array of mechanical qualities, high costs and supply chain immaturity. As a result, the Graphene Council and others in the graphene industry are helping composites industry professionals take a fresh look at what graphene is and its potential within composites applications.

Arris presents mechanical testing results of an Arris-designed natural fiber thermoplastic composite in comparison to similarly produced glass and carbon fiber-based materials.

In the Automated Composites Knowledge Center, CGTech brings you vital information about all things automated composites.

This session is designed to demonstrate the benefits of ultra polymers for aerospace applications with real case examples of Syensqo's polymer portfolio. Agenda:  Introduction to ultra polymers (PAEK, PEKK, PEEK, PAI) key features Application of ultra polymers in aerospace: concrete examples Benefits of ultra polymers: enhanced performance, durability and cost-efficiency

New aircraft is expected to deliver wind turbine blades from 105 meters up to expand the reach of wind energy and achieve global climate goals.

Automotive components in serial production. All of the body panels for BAC’s Mono R single-seater supercar are constructed from graphene-enhanced carbon fiber composites. The graphene is said to enhance the structural properties of the fiber to make panels stronger and lighter with improved mechanical and thermal performance. BAC worked with Haydale and Pentaxia Composites (Derby, U.K.) on the panels. Source | BAC

Industry 4.0 is the fourth industrial revolution - the digital transformation. In this example, C2C applied Industry 4.0 techniques and designed a cleanroom with automated canopies to work in cooperation with Promolding’s robotics. The robotics aim to reduce the risk of human error and improve the quality and consistency of the end product.

This collection features detail the current state of the industry and recent success stories across aerospace, automotive and rail applications.

Graphene producers make graphene in a couple of different ways. One way is to exfoliate individual layers of carbon from a feedstock material such as the mineral graphite. Alternatively, layers of carbon can be deposited onto a substrate from a gaseous feedstock such as methane (this is called chemical vapor deposition, or CVD). CVD produces the thinnest, single-layer versions of graphene; most of the bulk or multi-layer graphene products that are used in composite applications are exfoliated from graphite.

“Markets emerge and grow over time,” he explains. The commercialization of a new material “starts with a few applications at low volume, then many applications at low volume. And then you get a number of those growing to intermediate volume, and then a fewer numbers growing to very high volume. [With graphene], we're still in the ‘few applications at low volume’ stage in the composite space. And that could be for a number of reasons: supply chain arguments, efficacy, or other reasons. I believe it’s just a maturity issue … and that just takes time, and education.”

Analyzing structural resonance of the aircraft under various loads becomes a critical step in obtaining flight certification.

Celebrating National Composites Week 2024, CW looks at how composites are being used to provide the next generation of energy.

Within the composites industry, end markets using graphene range from sporting goods to aerospace to 3D printing, at varying degrees of commercialization. According to Philip Rose, CEO of graphene nanoplatelets manufacturer XG Sciences (Lansing, Mich., U.S.), the market for graphene is still maturing, especially within the composites industry.

The main cleanroom area was installed under a mezzanine, so the ceiling was suspended from the walkway above. This secured the roof and ensured an open plan layout.

Each moulding machine has two High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtered, overhead canopies; one fixed and one actuated. They are driven by a linear actuator that is operated by programmable logic controller controls to drive the filter system to an open or closed position.

Advanced Engineering is the UK’s largest annual gathering of engineering and manufacturing professionals. The event will help you to source new suppliers, network, build connections and learn about the latest industry developments all in one place. Get involved and exhibit alongside 400+ exhibitors offering solutions and products across all industries and sectors to help improve your productivity and inspire creativity. With over 9,000+ of your peers due to attend and ready to network with and inspire you, this is the event you can’t afford to miss!

Program will focus on sustainable, next-gen wing solutions, including in wing design and manufacturing and advancements in carbon fiber-reinforced composite materials.

According to Barkan, there are currently more than 200 companies that claim to supply graphene. Of these, though, he says about 80% are small, lab-scale operations. He estimates there are about 30 industrial-scale graphene producers operating at present — with new companies entering the market frequently. The following is a list of commercial graphene suppliers that are members of The Graphene Council:

Today’s graphene market. First isolated as individual layers of carbon in 2004, today graphene is supplied commercially by about 200 suppliers globally, in forms such as additive powders, aqueous solutions and sheets. Source | Getty Images

Sporting graphene. Sports equipment manufacturer Grays of Cambridge Ltd. (Robertsbridge, U.K.) added XG Sciences’ graphene nanoplatelets to its GR line of composite field hockey sticks to enhance player performance with lighter weight, superior ball performance and better shock absorption. Source | XG Sciences

Jetcam’s latest white paper explores the critical aspects of nesting in composites manufacturing, and strategies to balance material efficiency and kitting speed.

C2C developed a reliable and intelligent cleanroom solution which connects with Promolding’s Engel machines and robots through Industry 4.0 design. design features have been optimised to ensure cleanroom performance is maintained for years to come.

After a decade of proving its linerless, weight-saving composite tanks with NASA and more than 30 aerospace companies, this CryoSphere pioneer is scaling for growth in commercial space and sustainable transportation on Earth.

In aerospace, impact resistance and lightweighting are key. The aerospace market “seems like it’d have large potential,” Rose says, “but applications haven’t really ramped up to an appreciable volume yet.” While full qualification is yet to be achieved for graphene-enhanced composite aircraft components, a number of demonstrator parts in commercial aerospace have been unveiled or are in development, however. For example, a European Union-funded consortium called Graphene Flagship, which consists of more than 150 partner organizations in 23 countries, announced in 2018 the development of a graphene-enhanced composite horizontal tail leading edge for an Airbus A350. Consortium partners Airbus, Aernnova and Grupo Antolin-Ingenieria reported that the demonstrator showed increased mechanical and thermal properties, which allowed them to make the leading edge thinner and lighter while maintaining the required properties. The Graphene Flagship is also spearheading a project looking at use of graphene in deicing aircraft surfaces, as well as applications in automotive, batteries and more.

Additionally, stitch-bonded non-crimp fabrics (NCFs) provide manufacturers and asset owners even more ways to gain a competitive advantage with products built specifically for the environments and loading conditions in which they will be utilized. Join Vectorply Corporation and Creative Composites Group (CCG) for this in-depth webinar detailing the process of engineering NCFs to build composite parts that will stand the test of time. Unlike steel, concrete and wood, composite NCFs can be optimized utilizing various fiber types, architectures and substrates to achieve the specific goals of their application efficiently. High corrosion resistance, strength and stiffness, and longevity can all be accomplished with custom-designed laminates for these heavily abused applications. Vectorply Vice President of Engineering Trevor Gundberg and Creative Composites Group Chief Sales Officer Dustin Troutman will share their industry-leading expertise on the process of laminate design and part production. Attendees can expect to learn when to use composite NCFs in their production process and the wide range of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composites that Creative Composites Group produces for the industrial and infrastructure markets. Whether you want to learn more about utilizing NCFs in your production process or why CCG’s extensive product line may be the choice for your project, this webinar is the place learn the process and how to take the next steps. Agenda:  Distinct advantages of non-crimp fabrics versus alternative materials How to design laminates for specific processes such as pultrusion and infusion Real-world success spotlights of NCFs in industrial applications

Solving microcracking issues. Used as an additive within the epoxy resin matrix, graphene is said to act as a mechanical reinforcement preventing microcracking within the carbon fiber composite laminate of Infinite Composites Technologies’ spherical pressure vessel at cryogenic temperatures. Source | ICT

Formnext Chicago is an industrial additive manufacturing expo taking place April 8-10, 2025 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Formnext Chicago is the second in a series of Formnext events in the U.S. being produced by Mesago Messe Frankfurt, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, and Gardner Business Media (our publisher).

Suppliers of thermoplastics and carbon fiber chime in regarding PEEK vs. PEKK, and now PAEK, as well as in-situ consolidation — the supply chain for thermoplastic tape composites continues to evolve.

Continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite targets full circularity in aircraft interior applications, with FST, impact resistance and toughness features.

During this CW Tech Days event, sponsored by Composites One, experts will offer presentations to review and evaluate the composite materials, processes and applications that should and will be considered for use in the infrastructure and construction markets.

This collection details the basics, challenges, and future of thermoplastic composites technology, with particular emphasis on their use for commercial aerospace primary structures.

In general, the smaller the number of layers, the higher the price. According to the Graphene Council, graphene with 1-2 layers can cost up to $100,000 per square meter (although commercial forms are far less expensive), while multi-layer graphene costs between $50-1,500 per kilogram. For many composites applications, Barkan says, multi-layer graphene or graphene nanoplatelets exhibit more than enough properties to be used. Barkan also notes that graphene molecules are so small that they’re fully encapsulated in the resin — there’s no chance of them “falling out” or being “liberated” during manufacture.

The composite tubes white paper explores some of the considerations for specifying composite tubes, such as mechanical properties, maintenance requirements and more.

CW Tech Days are virtual events dedicated to the topics impacting the composites industry today. Access past event recordings and register for upcoming Tech Days.

The intelligent moulding machine is able to recognise faults with a product and drop the affected products into stainless steel drop drawers for inspection. The personnel door is interlocked with the moulding machine during manufacture. The sample drawers are accessible from outside the HEPA-lite, meaning the faulty parts or samples can be safely removed without interrupting manufacture.

There are a number of ways that graphene in any of its forms can be dispersed for an application, using functionalization, compounding or a variety of solvents and surfactants. Barkan notes that one obstacle for commercialization of graphene is that dispersion methods are still a challenge to understand and execute for many applications.

Infinite Composites Technologies’ Type V pressure vessel for storing cryogenic space launch vehicle propellants shows promise for eliminating elusive microcracking issues.

CW’s editors are tracking the latest trends and developments in tooling, from the basics to new developments. This collection, presented by Composites One, features four recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.

The cleanroom also features an intelligent digital system, in the form of C2C’s ECO control system. The system is designed to ensure that the cleanroom operates at optimum effectiveness by constantly monitoring the operating conditions in real time within the critical environment and raising alarms if any of these parameters vary beyond a user specified threshold.

In the meantime, studies continue to emerge to fill in knowledge gaps. For example, The Graphene Council is working with Composites One (Arlington Heights, Ill., U.S.), the University of Manchester, Huntsman (The Woodlands, Texas, U.S.) and Chromaflo (Ashtabula, Ohio, U.S.) to coordinate a project testing different forms of graphene within a common resin system. For the project, graphene nanoplatelets, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide and functionalized graphene will each be added to a common resin system (Huntsman’s Araldite GY 282 epoxy resin, chosen because it is a common, widely used resin system), each at 1% by weight, 0.5% by weight, and 0.1% by weight. With no less than 14 different sample materials from eight companies obtained, each material system will each be made into a part that has a resin but no graphene, graphene but no fiber, resin with graphene and glass fiber, and resin with graphene and carbon fiber. Testing will include impact resistance, tensile strength, flexural modulus and interlaminar shear tests, Barkan says.

In these sessions, experts will discuss the emerging hydrogen economy and the opportunities for composites in this lucrative space.

The composites-intensive VTOL platform is next expected to undergo a series of test flights in various conditions to validate its performance, safety and reliability, leading up to eventual certification.

“It’ll be the first time that there’s been a third party, independent head-to-head comparison of different types of graphene from different companies using the exact same resin system and exactly the same tests,” Barkan says. The Graphene Council plans to publish the results publicly.

Graphene vs. carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene are sometimes lumped together, as both are nanomaterials made up of carbon that are often used as an additive within composites. They can share similar properties, though take different forms. CNTs are three-dimensional tubes of carbon that can be a variety of thicknesses and lengths, while graphene is a two-dimensional sheet of carbon. Some suppliers produce both graphene and CNTs. Source | Getty Images

The first project is underway to recover carbon fiber used in an A330-200 aircraft, which will then be regenerated for other end uses by HRC.

During this webinar, the audience will be introduced to a variety of fiber composite technologies — as well as the machines and equipment — from short fibers to continuous fibers, from thermoset to thermoplastic, as well as the according process technology, including a special focus on long-fiber injection (LFI) and structural composite spray (SCS). Focus markets include automotive, aviation and AAM, transportation, and construction. This webinar will provide a detailed overview of according application examples. Agenda: Long fiber injection (LFI) Structural composite spray (SCS) Resin transfer molding (RTM), wet compression molding, etc. Pultrusion FiberForm

In the space market, graphene’s tendency to mitigate microcracking issues within composite laminates lends itself to composite pressure vessels for storage of space launch vehicle fuels and oxidizers, such as Infinite Composites Technology’s (ICT, Tulsa, Okla., U.S.) filament-wound, spherical, all-composite cryotank announced earlier this year.

Collins Aerospace draws on global team, decades of experience to demonstrate large, curved AFP and welded structures for the next generation of aircraft.

After the Nobel Prize was awarded to Geim and Novoselov in 2010, there followed a surge in companies and laboratories clamoring to develop applications that use graphene, according to Barkan, because the material has proven to be the strongest, stiffest, thinnest material yet available.

HEPA-lite claims to be economical, adaptable and efficient. It attempts to effectively maintain the quality of air at points where the product is exposed, and thus negates the need for the entire production line to be fully enclosed within a cleanroom.

Low-melt polyaryletherketone (LMPAEK) unidirectional tapes provide outstanding thermal and fire protection, demonstrating their effectiveness through rigorous testing. These tapes are fire, smoke and toxicity compliant with FAR25.853 and meet OSU Heat Release Rate standards. The tapes were tested under ISO 2685/AC 20-135 Change 1, meeting the fireproof criteria. Additionally, they met UL 2596 requirements for battery thermal runaway tests. These tapes are crucial for high-temperature applications showcasing their resilience and safety in both aerospace and automotive applications. Part of a broader range that includes films and compounds, Victrex LMPAEK materials are valued for their excellent processability and weldability. They offer versatile solutions for complex needs beyond traditional structural parts, such as: thermal runaway and lightning strike protection, heat sinking, and intricate bracketry. Victrex LMPAEK materials facilitate automation and high-rate production while addressing performance and sustainability challenges. With reduced environmental impact, lower weight and cost-efficiency, they meet the evolving demands of the transportation industry and support innovative design solutions. Agenda:  Introduction to LMPAEK ecosystem, highlighting unidirectional tapes Thermal and fire protection performance: applications and benefits Material forms and processability Sustainability and efficiency Conclusion and future innovations

This sidebar to CW’s August 2024 feature article reviews this technology for more efficient composites manufacturing and why it aligns with Koridion active core molding.

The canopies feature effective safety mechanisms and are able to send infra-red signals across the actuators. If the signals are interrupted, for instance by the robot or by an operative’s hands, the canopy will deactivate movement, preventing any accidents.

In addition to carbon layers, graphene comes in several commercial forms, including graphene oxide (GO, which is a compound of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen); reduced graphene oxide (rGO, which has less oxygen and more carbon); graphene powder, solution or paste; graphene nanoplatelets (with a thickness between 1-3 nanometers and lateral dimensions ranging from 100 nanometers to 100 microns); and functionalized graphene, which adds elements to the surface or edges of the graphene for some applications. One example of functionalized graphene is plasma-treated graphene produced by Haydale (Ammanford, U.K.), which is said to help prevent agglomeration during dispersion into a resin, according to Gemma Smith, Haydale global head of marketing.

Prepreg co-molding compound by IDI Composites International and A&P Technology enables new geometries and levels of strength and resiliency for automotive, mobility.

Aerospace manufacturer joins forces with composite materials company to achieve sustainable manufacturing practices that overcome traditional composite layup tooling.

Prepreg co-molding compound by IDI Composites International and A&P Technology enables new geometries and levels of strength and resiliency for automotive, mobility.

Cevotec, a tank manufacturer, Roth Composite Machinery and Cikoni, have undertaken a comprehensive project to explore and demonstrate the impact of dome reinforcements using FPP technology for composite tanks.

Herone, Spiral RTC, Teijin Carbon Europe and Collins Aerospace Almere recycle A350 thermoplastic composite clips/cleats waste into rods for the all-thermoplastic composite Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator’s crown.

An overview of ASTM Standard Guide D8509, and its coupon-level mechanical testing of design properties for analyzing composite bolted joints.

The overall objective was to provide particulate protection throughout the whole process from product mould tool face to assembly and packaging to ISO class 7 14644-1:2015, whilst accommodating tool changes to the machines x two (with the ability to increase to four, to facilitate future contract growth and project profitability) in a continuous protected environment. Thus, Promolding required environmental particulate protection to the injection moulding machines.

A combination of Airtech’s 3D printing materials and Ascent’s production capabilities aim to support increased use of composite additive tooling in spaces like defense and aerospace.

How the predictive tool “CZone” is applied to simulate the axial crushing response of composites, providing valuable insights into their use for motorsport applications.

All relevant control parameters for each three zones are graphically displayed on a human machine interface allowing users full control and the ability to run diagnostics and locate faults. All system performance data is logged and is downloadable, for audit purposes and traceability.

Whether you’re exploring new applications or seeking to gain a foothold in emerging markets, Carbon Fiber 2024 is where you’ll discover the insights and connections needed to shape your business strategy. Register now.