Advanced Composites Bulletin - Issue 11, 2010

A monthly digest of international developments in research, design, manufacturing, testing and recycling of all advanced composites – organic and inorganic fibres and fillers, polymers, metal and ceramic matrices, hybrid and macrocomposite systems.

Every month, Advanced Composites Bulletin keeps its readers informed about new materials, new technologies, the latest research, product launches, business and industry news, environmental issues and concerns, shows and conferences, and more. It covers all application areas, including aerospace, automotive, marine, civil engineering, computer technology, energy generation, electrical engineering, sports and leisure, and recycling.

Aerospace
- Carbon fibre-reinforced plastic telescope structure passes cryogenic tests
- Polyetherimide composite board developed for interior parts

Marine
- First racing boat to be 50% reinforced with flax fibres built
- Carbon fibre rudder components manufactured

Wind energy
- Glass rovings with highest available tensile modulus launched
- Fabric enables 2 MW turbine blades to be one tonne lighter

Sports and leisure
- The world's first robot-built carbon fibre bicycle frame

Reinforcements
- Progress made in banana fibre research

Processing
- Combined thermoforming and injection mould for composite automotive components
- Reusable vacuum bagging system introduced

Construction
- Fibreglass bus shelter keeps commuters cool
- Glass-reinforced polyamide has high-gloss finish

Company news
- Gurit's first half sales down 10%

Automotive
- Dimensionally stable, stiff reinforced polyethersulphone