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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

P-High Modulus Launches PVCell G-Foam to Marine Market

SP-High Modulus, the marine business of Gurit, has launched ‘PVCell G-Foam’, a closed cell, cross-linked PVC foam to enhance its core materials offering. PVCell G-Foam provides high strength to weight ratio for all composite applications. Other key features include outstanding chemical resistance, low water absorption and excellent thermal insulation capabilities. It is compatible with most common resin systems including epoxy, polyester and vinylester. PVCell G-Foam is available in a wide range of densities, which include G60, G80, G100, G130 and G200, with all standard cut patterns, and finishes possible. PVCell G-Foam has secured industry certification from Germanischer Lloyd (GL) (G60-G100), Det Norske Veritas (DNV), American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), and Registro Italiano Navale (RINA). Graham Harvey, General Manager Marine at SP-High Modulus, says: “We are pleased to extend our core materials range for our marine customers with the addition of PVCell G-Foam. This joins the already successful Corecell product family and the versatile and renewable Balsaflex core”. SP-High Modulus, will be exhibiting at the forthcoming Monaco Yacht Show from 21st – 24th September 2011 in the Darse Sud Tent, stand QS1, where staff will be available to discuss this year’s product portfolio including PVCell G-Foam as well as Corecell M-Foam, B3 SmartPac and Spabond 540.

The C-NM5 from CSIR-NAL and Mahindra Aerospace Makes Its Maiden Flight

India's CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL – a constituent laboratory of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research), and Mahindra Aerospace (a part of India’s US $12.5 billion Mahindra Group) makes maiden flight of their jointly developed C-NM5 aircraft, marking an important milestone in their collaborative aircraft development programme. The programme is India's first public-private partnership in the development of aircraft, and this milestone event is the result of teamwork across three development teams – CSIR-NAL, Mahindra Aerospace and GippsAero (a Mahindra Aerospace subsidiary in Australia). Engineers from CSIR-NAL and Mahindra Aerospace spent close to three years designing this all-new aircraft using cutting-edge design and analysis tools. The prototype was built over a 10 month period by the rapid prototyping team at GippsAero in their facilities near Melbourne, Australia. Flight testing is being performed at GippsAero by a professionally-trained test pilot supported by GippsAero’s flight test team. The 45-minute first flight on the 1st of September tested basic handling of the aircraft. Subsequent flights have evaluated aircraft stability and control in different flight regimes. Developmental flight testing and evaluations are continuing, with the ultimate objective of achieving Type Certification in keeping with international regulatory standards, followed by a global sales and marketing programme. The C-NM5 is a 5-seat all-metal aircraft powered by a Lycoming IO-540 engine, and features non-retractable landing gear and a spacious cabin with large access doors. The cabin interior is reconfigurable to adapt the aircraft to different roles, while simplicity of systems and ease of maintenance are design drivers throughout the aircraft. The C-NM5 thus complements Mahindra Aerospace's growing family of light utility aircraft that are designed to meet the latest global standards, while operating in environments with limited infrastructure at extremely low costs per seat mile. “It is our privilege to announce an important milestone in the C-NM5 programme with the first flight of the prototype in Australia which was undertaken by Mahindra” said Prof. Samir Brahmachari, Director General, CSIR, and Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India “It gives us great pride to see our first indigenous effort, the C-NM5, developed along with the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories, complete its maiden flight.” said Mr. Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra Group.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Lucintel’s Analysis of Natural Fiber Composites Market: Automotive to Drive Usage through 2016

Natural fiber composites—a subject of intensive technical research—are becoming more prevalent in use because of increasing environmental awareness and the materials’ relatively low cost and low density. The demand for component materials that are durable, reliable, lightweight, and with excellent mechanical properties is fueling the growing demand for natural fiber in various industries such as automotive and building and construction.

The natural fiber composite materials market is expected to grow to US $531.3 million in 2016 with an 11% CAGR over the next five years.In its new market study, Lucintel analyzes and presents its findings in its report “Natural Fiber Composites Market Trend and Forecast 2011–2016: Trend, Forecast and Opportunity Analysis.” Lucintel’s research indicates that the application of natural fiber composites has increased and is gaining preference over glass fiber. Increasing use of natural fiber composites in automotive applications is driving the market. Indeed, automotive is expected to remain the largest market through 2016. Several automotive components are now produced using natural composites, which are generally based on polyester or polypropylene resin and fibers such as flax, hemp, kenaf, or sisal.

The automotive industry’s adoption of natural fiber composites is led by price, weight reduction, and marketing incentives rather than technical demands. The range of products is no longer restricted to interior and non-structural components such as door panels or rear shelves. In terms of value shipment, Europe is expected to continue its dominance with more than 50% of the worldwide market. North America is expected to be the second-largest region and ROW third in terms of value shipment by 2016. Lucintel’s report provides detailed trend and forecast data for the natural fiber composites market; specifically, forecasts for material and end product applications from 2011‒2016. The report analyzes the drivers leading the demand in the natural fiber composites market, recent developments, Porter’s Five Forces model for the market, growth opportunities in natural fiber composites in applications, and more.

For a detailed table of contents and pricing information on this timely, insightful report, contact Lucintel at +1-972-636-5056 or via email at helpdesk@lucintel.com. Lucintel provides cutting-edge decision support services that help facilitate critical decisions with greater speed, insight, and cost efficiency. To find out more, please visit www.lucintel.com

Chemtreat to Set Up A Composite Technology Park to Manufacture Innovative Anti-Corrosion Products for Construction Industry

Chemtreat India is executing an Rs 25-crore capital expenditure plan to set up a composite technology park at Khopoli in Maharashtra. "We are setting up a composite technology park to manufacture innovative anti-corrosion products for the construction industry," Chemtreat India's Managing Director Mukul Gupta informed media persons the other day. The company has developed products which will replace natural elements such as wood and steel in the construction, Gupta said, adding that company is also developing alternative sustainable light-weight material for metro and bus coaches and aero-space industry. The first phase of the project is expected to cost Rs 20 crore in FY 12, and it will be financed through internal accruals and term loans. IDBI Bank has already sanctioned term loans worth Rs 8 crore, he added. The company will have manufacturing capacity of 1,200 kg per hour of artificial wood, 600 square meter per hour of composite board and 20 square meter per hour of artificial stone at its Khopoli unit. The company is launching a line of composites of artificial stone - a replacement for granite and marble, feather weight board-Plumaplank - a replacement for steel sheet, and Woody-Lenosa - a replacement for wood.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Lamborghini to Produce Sesto Elemento Carbon Fibre Concept Car

Lamborghini has informed that it will produce its Sesto Elemento carbon fibre concept car. At the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September Lamborghini’s President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann said that only 20 units of the new car will be produced, and first cars are scheduled to be delivered early 2013.

It has a 5.2-litre V10 engine that propels it from rest to 62 mph in just 2.5 seconds. The firm also confirmed it will put its sinister-looking all-carbon-fibre Sesto Elemento - or 'sixth element' - into production next year. It sports an extremely lightweight body of 999 kg, a power output of 570 hp, and a V10 engine, and a power-to-weight ratio of just 1.75 kg per hp.

3B Introduces A New Chopped Strand Aimed At A Wide Range of Polyamide (PA) Resins for General Purpose Industrial Applications

3B-the fibreglass company is enhancing its broad range of reinforcements for thermoplastics with the introduction of a new 13µm diameter chopped strand aimed at general purpose polyamide applications. The new grade will be commercially available globally in Q4 2011.

“The development and launching of this specific new grade of Advantex chopped strand – DS 1120-13P – to better serve the polyamide market highlights and strengthens our leading position in the European thermoplastics sector,” said Paul Cazes, Thermoplastic Product Leader at 3B. “It is aimed at compounders looking for a cost competitive yet performing reinforcement for polyamides in applications where hydrolysis resistance is not essential,” he added.

The new grade (DS 1120-13P) of chopped strand is manufactured from Advantex glass fibre that is both an E-glass and an E-CR glass in accordance with ASTM D578 and is designed to fit a broad range of polyamides (PA) such as PA6, PA66, PA610 and PA12 as well their related co-polymers. It also displays excellent compatibility with polyurethanes (PU). In addition, the new DS 1120-13P grade has integrated technology that provides excellent strand integrity and bulk density resulting in optimum feeding properties while maintaining exceptional dispersion within the polyamide resin matrix.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

3B Launches 10 Micron Glass Fibre for High Performance Reinforced Polypropylene (PP) Applications at Composites Europe

Building on its range of short fibre reinforcements for polyolefins, 3B-the fibreglass company launched at Composites Europe a high performance 10µm glass fibre grade (DS2200-10P) for demanding applications manufactured using polypropylene (PP) resins.

“As European leader for technological innovation in glass fibre reinforcements for thermoplastics, 3B is eager to deliver cost competitive solutions to address continuously evolving market needs. Glass fibre reinforcements are unquestionably among the most versatile lightweight design materials for high-end and demanding applications such as automotive,” says Eric Martin, Business Development Leader at 3B.

In addition to offering design freedom, glass fibre reinforced thermoplastics deliver original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s) a considerable weight saving potential for the vehicles of tomorrow, thereby contributing to lower fuel consumption and the reduction of CO2 emissions.

Leveraging the latest technological advances in PP compound formulation and its revolutionary sizing chemistry previously introduced for reinforcing high performance polyolefins, 3B has developed a new 10µm chopped strand grade (DS2200-10P), which further boosts the overall performance limits of polypropylene compounds and extends the range of high end-use applications. Proprietary sizing and binding technology provides excellent Dry-as-Moulded (DAM) performance and a high percentage of property retention after hydrolysis or heat ageing.

Low micron diameter glass fibres are already widely used in polyamide and polyester resins yet their use in combination with polypropylene resins is innovative and opens up new game-changing opportunities especially in automotive applications such as interior semi-structural components, under-the-hood applications and high loaded technical parts such as engine and gearbox mounts.

Boeing, ANA Celebrates the First 787 Dreamliner Delivery

Boeing celebrated the delivery of the first 787 Dreamliner to launch customer ANA during a ceremony adjacent to the factory where the airplane was assembled. More than 500 employees representing the 787 program walked alongside the all-new jetliner to present it to ANA executives as a crowd of thousands looked on.

"Today we celebrate a significant moment in the history of flight," said Jim McNerney, Boeing chairman, president and CEO. "The 787 Dreamliner is the biggest innovation in commercial aviation since the Boeing 707 introduced the world to passenger jet travel more than 50 years ago. I want to thank ANA and all the employees of Boeing and our partner companies for the talent, technology and teamwork that have brought this game-changing airplane to life."

During the ceremony, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh presented a ceremonial key to Shinichiro Ito, president and CEO of ANA.

"It's not often that we have the chance to make history, do something big and bold that will change the world in untold ways and endure long after we are gone," said Albaugh. "That's what the 787 Dreamliner is and what ANA and Boeing have done together – build what truly is the first new airplane of the 21st century."

Made from composite materials, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes and will allow airlines to open new, non-stop routes preferred by the traveling public. In addition to providing airlines with unprecedented fuel economy and low operating costs, the 787 features a host of new technologies that greatly enhance the passenger experience.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Lucintel Analyzes Opportunities in US Aerospace and MRO Market for 2011 and Beyond: Industry to Reach US $100 Billion by 2016

The US aerospace industry, which was hit by recession in 2009, began showing signs of recovery in 2010 and is expected to reach $100 billion by 2016 with a CAGR of 6.9% over the next five years.

Lucintel, a leading global management consulting and market research firm, has analyzed the US Aerospace and MRO Market and offers its findings in a comprehensive research report, “Opportunities in US Aerospace and MRO Market 2011–2016.”

As detailed in the study, aerospace is a prominent driving factor in the US economy. Aerospace is not only a source of employment but revenues generated by exports support research and development activities. The aerospace industry has the largest trade surplus of all the US manufacturing sectors, and is expected to maintain its robust export activity.

Lucintel’s research indicates that major aerospace industry markets such as the US and UK will likely reach saturation, whereas demand should increase from APAC nations such as China and India. Rising fuel prices are expected to generate demand for fuel-efficient aircraft, and the commercial and general aviation segment will propel the industry. Government purchases will drive the defense segment.

The MRO market of the US captures approximately 45% of the world aerospace MRO market. The efficient air transportation system in the US provides a solid market for MRO activities. US aerospace MRO market is expected to reach $20 billion by 2016.

This Lucintel research report provides insights regarding recent industry trends, and future opportunities and threats. In addition, the report addresses the market by segment, addressing civil and military aviation and MRO activities in the US.

For a detailed table of contents and pricing information on this timely and insightful report, please contact Lucintel at 972-636-5056 or via email at helpdesk@lucintel.com. Lucintel provides cutting-edge decision support services that help you make critical decisions with greater speed, insight, and cost efficiency. To find out more, please visit http://www.lucintel.com.

PPG Extends Partnership with Ebtech Industrial

PPG Industries' fiber glass business has apprised about the extension of its partnership with Ebtech Industrial, a global supplier of modular building solutions, by offering MIL-TOUGH(R) ICB (inorganic composite binder) blast/ballistic panels -- an innovative, lightweight and cost-effective alternative to steel-reinforced concrete for asset protection and blast mitigation.

In partnership with the Industrial Hardening and Protective Systems division of Ebtech Industrial Building Solutions (Ebtech), PPG is bringing a complete integrated building solution to the marketplace, addressing the demand for asset protection that extends beyond government and military needs.

"Our proven experience in delivering innovative, industry-leading modular building solutions for the toughest structural challenges makes us a leader in building protection solutions," said Mario Kyd, president of Ebtech. "Partnering with PPG allows us to be at the forefront -- on a global scale -- with this total integrated solution for asset protection and blast mitigation."

Mil-Tough ICB panel products -- part of PPG's portfolio of solutions for blast and ballistics applications -- were successfully marketed and commercialized with Ebtech in 2010. The blast/ballistic panels, which integrate unique ceramic concrete technology and composite construction techniques, were developed through PPG's government solutions cross-business sales initiative.

"When compared to other available technologies, these panels offer an innovative, lightweight and cost-effective building solution for the challenging asset-protection marketplace," according to Kevin Richardson, PPG market development manager for fiber glass. "We foresee a number of military, government, and commercial physical protection applications where these panels provide a unique value proposition for blast mitigation."

Mil-Tough ICB panels from PPG are custom fabricated from a precast platform at PPG's fiber glass manufacturing facility in Shelby, N.C., USA. The panels can be incorporated into a modular or liftable structure, containers, permanent structures (new or retrofit) and freestanding perimeter wall and barrier systems. Mil-Tough ICB building panel solutions are suitable for government, military and oil and gas market applications worldwide.

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