April 11, 2024Redefining Recycling: Depolymerization of PETChemical recycling, particularly the depolymerization of PET presents a groundbreaking approach to tackling the global plastic waste dilemma. Read more
April 9, 2024Advancements in 3D Printed Hybrid Composite StructuresThe need to lower the steep costs of traditional manufacturing, involving expensive tooling and molds, makes advancing composite manufacturing a key research focus. Read more
April 6, 2024Recyclopedia Initiative: Simplifying Plastics SortingIn the quest for sustainability, proper waste management is a main challenge, particularly when it comes to plastics. The Recyclopedia initiative teaches proper sorting and disposal of plastics and other items. Read more
February 21, 2024CFRP Patch Approved for Offshore Platform Corrosion RepairsToray Industries Inc. and MODEC Inc. have jointly developed another technique for repairing offshore oil and gas platforms. This latest approach uses a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic patch, together with epoxy resin, to fix small areas affected by corrosion. Read more
February 20, 2024Advancing Supersonic Aviation with Prepreg Composite MaterialsThe future of commercial aviation is heading towards supersonic flights, and the development of new composite materials that meet the highest thermal and stiffness requirements will be the keystone for this new era in air transportation. Read more
February 15, 2024Harnessing Hemp for Automotive CompositesComposite materials with natural fibers are presented as alternative and sustainable solutions for manufacturing finishes in fully recyclable vehicles. The French company “Automotive Performance Materials” has sought to leverage the country’s high hemp production to produce these composites. Read more
January 5, 2024Researchers Strive to Make Thermoset Polymers Easier to RecycleResearchers in the U.K. say they have developed a way of introducing degradable bonds into thermoset polymers to make them more easily recyclable. Read more
December 16, 2023Flame Retardancy in Epoxy: The TDPPI BreakthroughA groundbreaking flame retardant has emerged to redefine the performance of epoxy composites. Meet tris[4-(2,5-dioxopyrrol-1-yl)phenyl] phosphite (TDPPI), a phosphorus-based maleimide boasting unparalleled attributes such as moderate transparency, enhanced thermal stability, and improved mechanical strength. Read more
November 20, 2023Fluoropolymers are Considered PFASThe use of “forever chemicals” in the European Union would be largely banned under a proposal issued by the European Chemicals Agency. At the same time, more US states continue to ban PFAS-containing products without a clear roadmap for the… Read more
November 8, 2023Closing the Carbon Fiber LoopThe V-Carbon technology is based on a patented “chemolysis” recycling process and offers up to 85% of carbon fiber’s original strength. Read more
October 24, 2023Natural Fibers are Trending for Plastic ReinforcementBComp, a Swiss composites company brings to the table a natural fiber alternative for reinforced plastics compared to carbon fiber. Read more
June 6, 2023Pressure Points: Thermoforming Awards Highlight Processing and MaterialsWinning parts in annual thermoforming competition highlight advances in process capabilities and materials Ten parts representing a range of applications won awards at the SPE Thermoforming Division’s annual conference in Grand Rapids, Mich., last fall. The event lived up to… Read more