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.
Composite Utility Poles
Composite Utility Poles have been under development for a number of years. Replacing the existing wooden poles with fiberglass composites have many long-term advantages and yet have many obstacles to implementation. These poles are pultruded and use polyester resin and E-glass reinforcement. UV additives are employed to minimize one of the Achilles heels of composites resin.
Advantages of composite poles over wood are numerous. Composite poles have a lifespan of roughly 80 years versus the 25-30 years for wood, due to rotting issues. These rotting issues with wooden poles are combatted with chemical additives that are sometimes corrosive and toxic. Composite poles have a weight advantage, as they weigh about two-thirds less than a wooden pole, which allows for easier transportation to the jobsite and reduced equipment requirements for installation. Due to their controlled and known construction, composite poles have physical properties that are more stable and reliable over the duration. Composites are intrinsically non-conductive, which is ideal in this application.
Replacing an existing material in a current application always brings hurdles and challenges for acceptance. The wooden poles are known by purchasing, engineering, installation, and line utworker crews. Composite poles have a higher upfront cost, though long-term savings are significant. As the educational resources reach those affected, the transition will take place and composite utility poles will become widespread.
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