Carbon Nanotubes
There has been lots of discussion in the last few years about the promise of nanotubes, especially those made from carbon. These microscopic particles can be used to create new properties and materials that will improve products in society.
This video discusses “Buckypaper” developed at Florida State University. University research is always intersting, but finding practical applications is sometimes difficult. This video does discuss a few real-world uses for this material.
Fiberglass vs. Aluminum
A great Youtube video where testing was used to compare aluminum and fiberglass composite panels. This really helps to show the superior characteristics of the fiberglass.
This video covers a quick resin infusion example, repair of the damaged laminate, and other useful information. Peel strength and impact testing is covered, and demonstrates the superiority of fiberglass laminates over aluminum.
Composite LPG Bottles
LPG Gas cylinder
Found an interesting article about commercially available filament-wound LPG bottles. Commonly used on fork trucks and barbecue gas grills, these LPG bottles from Composite Scandinavia are now more stylish and useful.
The big feature is that the gas level can be viewed through the bottle. Current steel bottles are always a mystery as to the fuel level. These composite bottles are translucent so that the level can be seen. The composite bottles are also lighter in weight compared to steel to allow for safer worker handling and less costly transportation.
http://www.gizmag.com/see-through-gas-bottle/12653/
Based in Sweden, this technology was developed in Europe. Their website is located here.
Fiberglass Truck Cap Factory
A.R.E. Truck Caps are fiberglass composite pickup truck accessories that add features and benefits to make these vehicles more user friendly and customized to the user’s needs. These are made in a traditional fiberglass factory and they posted a tour on Youtube.
The method they use to fabricate these parts is very similar to most open-molded fiberglass parts of all kinds. The molds, tools, materials, and methods are similar to marine, consumer, automotive, and other recreational applications. The parts are basically made from the outside in: gelcoat, fist laminate, second laminate, and support structure.
This factory tour that is very interesting. You can see that all of the fiberglass parts are made using a gray sandable gelcoat, which is later painted to match the vehicle color. This gelcoat can also be colored and used as the finished surface, such as done many times in the boating industry. The gelcoat is difficult to match with factory vehicle paint colors and does not allow for metallic and pearl coloring effects.
Environmentally Friendly Composites
Many experts argue that composites already are very environmentally friendly based upon their long life span and their good strength-to-weight ratio that saves energy. Many composites structures have long made use of end-grain balsa wood as a core material. This is a renewable resource that is favorable to the carbon footprint.
The strikes against fiberglass composites as being environmentally friendly point out that most of the resin systems are derived from oil and natural gas feedstocks. Most of these feedstocks come from the extra byproducts of making diesel and gasoline. Fiberglass reinforcements consume lots of energy in their manufacturing process.
Resin and reinforcement companies have been working to “green” composites materials. BioResins have been successfully made and used in products that see the real world. These resins use soybean and corn feedstocks to replace the oil and natural gas derivatives to make them from a renewable source. Much work has been accomplished with reinforcements to move towards natural materials. Hemp has proven very useful in this application. Recycled thermoplastics have also been applied to composites products as a reinforcement.
Further research and development, along with identifying appropriate real-world applications will allow composites to flourish as a true sustainable material. It has already proven to be a great material for lightweighting vehicles and structures to result in great energy and material savings. The long life and durability of composites keeps it from landfills to minimize environmental impact.
Composites Outlook
Anybody in the composites industry will tell you that things changed drastically. Market Analyst Lucintel recently completed a report titled “Global Composites Market 2009-2014: Opportunities, Market and Technologies.” This report discusses the continued decline of several markets through 2009 depending upon the recovery of the economy as a whole. The worldwide economy of goods and services needs to recover to help the composites industry as a whole.
The composites industry represents a $19 billion section of the economy. Construction, automotive, and marine composites applications dropped off significantly, while wind energy, aerospace, and corrosion applications saw growth opportunities. The expansion of Asian economies, especially infrastructure has been a bright spot for composites application and opportunity.
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