Composite
Student Spotlight: Performance of carbon fiber nonwoven composites in crash tests
Sai Aditya Pradeep is pursuing a Ph.D. in Automotive Engineering in the Materials and Manufacturing Specialization at Clemson University where he is conducting research on the scalable production of thermoplastic nano-cellular foams via supercritical fluid assisted injection molding. Another important area of Pradeep’s research is the characterization of recycled nonwoven carbon fiber composites and development …
High performance fibers for composite reinforcement
According to a report by Textile Media Services, the value of the global composites market was around $96 billion in 2019, and while components reinforced with carbon fibers generally gain all the attention through their association with Formula One motor racing and the aerospace industry, glass fibers account for well over 90% of the market …
Automotive textile producers prepare for total transformation
With the global automotive industry facing unprecedented change over the next few decades, suppliers of automotive textiles, including nonwovens and composites, are being challenged to realign their strategies as these major market transformations unfold. As well as advances in electrification, one of the key drivers is the effort to commercialize self-driving vehicles – it is …
Swiss textile machinery companies look to growth in carbon and glass fiber composites
The majority of the members of Swissmem’s association of Swiss textile machinery manufacturers have their origins in technology for the processing of cotton fibers, and as the textile industry developed, synthetics. It has been calculated, in fact, that the association’s 44 members can draw on a staggering 4,011 years of combined engineering and processing know-how between them, but all have greatly diversified over the years.
Tailor-made PP fibers for automotive composites
Polypropylene (PP) staple fibers are used in many different applications, such as automotive, carpets and floorcoverings, geotextiles, apparel, sanitary and hygiene, and technical applications. In the automotive sector, for example, end-uses include luggage compartments, undershields, floor carpet systems, wheel arch liners and seam reinforcement. Currently, around 20 kg of various fibers are used per vehicle – and this figure is increasing.