Composites in the News

Automotive topped the news this week, as Congress is expected to exempt auto loans from its overhaul of the financial structure of a new consumer agency. In an effort to win more buyers, Ford is stepping up its efforts to incorporate bio-based materials such as soy foam and natural fiber-reinforced plastics through nearly its entire vehicle lineup this year. Automotive supplier Corvac Composites will undergo a major expansion of its facility. The move is part of an effort from Kentucky governor Steve Bashear to create new jobs in the region. And in the slightly unusual, a new line of Nigerian vehicles from Weststar Associates Ltd., the official distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, feature a protective armor made from state-of-the-art materials such as glass and plastic composites.

Meanwhile, in the marine sector, Discover Boating launched a series of online games and interactive Facebook applications in order to attract potential boaters and outdoor enthusiasts. 5^th St. Marina hopes to attract more users with its newly completed expanded facilities, which added six deepwater berths and will allow users to obtain shipside services themselves or use existing contractors. Dahm International announced it will showcase its new superyachts at the Monaco Yacht Show in September.

Focusing on water for different purposes, The U.S. Department of Energy wants to ramp up R&D on renewable energy, namely offshore wind projects, as it strives to reach its 2030 goal of 20 percent of the country’s electricity produced by wind. The funding will also include infrastructure and energy discommendation applications. Almost in sync with the DOE, sentiments are changing along the eastern shore of the U.S. where wind turbines have sparked heated discussion, especially over whether they are eyesores. After the oil leak disaster in the Gulf, apparently people are starting to think they look kind of sexy. In other advocacy measures, former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle joined a group of wind energy leaders urging Congress to pass renewable energy legislation this summer. And Texas billionaire T. Boone Pickens was quoted as saying the U.S. is ready for the challenge if President Obama would commit to a 10-year plan to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, focusing on renewable energy. But people may wonder, “What’s the point?” after it was reported that Britain’s biggest wind farm companies are to be paid not to produce electricity when the wind is blowing.

All this up-in-the-air business means big business in the aerospace industry. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration announced $125 million in contracts to five companies for development and demonstration of technologies to reduce jet fuel use, emissions and noise. Bombardier unveiled a carbon fiber jet—the Learjet 85—calling it the largest, fastest Learjet ever built. And this year’s aerospace engineering conference, scheduled for November, will provide special composites sessions on fixed and rotary wings, unmanned and space vehicles, and general aviation.

Among universities, Clemson University will host the upcoming World Conference on Carbon, where scientists and engineers will discuss the element’s use in such areas as nanomaterials, fibers and composites. Texas Tech named Elizabeth Dickey as its new Engineering Dean. Her research interests include nanomaterials for electrical and sensing applications, as well as high-temperature ceramic composites. The University of Malaysia has installed an impact testing machine to further research into impact properties of advanced composites.

Good news from the infrastructure sector, as more homeowners are considering composite garage doors for a wood-like appearance without the extra maintenance. One composites consultant made the case for Copenhagen to incorporate more glass reinforced plastic windows. And on the manufacturing side, RS Technologies announced plans for a big expansion at its Tilbury facility in England while Boral US, the parent company of Boral Brick, will establish a new production division named Boral Composites.

And finally, in the recreation market an executive at Edge Composites launched a website that aims to bring the complete bicycle industry supply chain into one comprehensive database. U.S.-based Cannondale launched a new set of bicycles that replace previous aluminum shells and bonded-on chain stays with a new one-piece all-carbon fiber assembly.

Meanwhile, a German designer has developed an all-electric motorcycle with a lightweight carbon fiber body that directly integrates suspension and bearings. Formtech Composites is exploring the extensive usage of composites in Formula One and seeing how it can be used in other industries.

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Tags: Aerospace, Auto, composites, Infrastructure, Marine, news, R&D, recreation, Renewables, university