The new composite materials breakthrough has direct implications for electric motors

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory used new techniques to create a composite that increases the electrical current capacity of copper wires, providing a new material that can be scaled for use in ultra-efficient, power-dense electric vehicle traction motors. The research is aimed at reducing barriers to wider electric vehicle adoption, including cutting the cost Read more about The new composite materials breakthrough has direct implications for electric motors[…]

A new advanced material for aerospace industry

A cutting-edge material, inspired by nature, that can regulate its own temperature and could equally be used to treat burns and help space capsules withstand atmospheric forces is under development at the University of Nottingham. The research used a network of multiple microchannels with active flowing fluids (fluidics) as a method and proof of concept Read more about A new advanced material for aerospace industry[…]

A new innovative thermoset prepreg resin system

Solvay announces at JEC World 2017 (March 14-16) the launch of its new innovative thermoset prepreg resin system SolvaLite™ 730* specifically developed for high volume automotive applications. This next-generation material, formulated with Reichhold Advalite™ resins, offers an unmatched combination of characteristics and benefits to the market including: Sub 60 seconds cure capability, making it ideal Read more about A new innovative thermoset prepreg resin system[…]

3D printing techniques for carbon fiber

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) researchers have become the first to 3D print aerospace-grade carbon fiber composites, opening the door to greater control and optimization of the lightweight, yet stronger than steel material. The research, published by the journal Scientific Reports (link is external) online on March 6, represents a “significant advance” in the development of micro-extrusion 3D Read more about 3D printing techniques for carbon fiber[…]

Nano-modified aerospace composites

Carbon fibre composites, composed of reinforcing carbon fibres within a plastic, have revolutionised industries that demand strong, yet light materials. However, their application has been hindered by inherently poor electrical and thermal conductivities. New research demonstrates that by growing nanomaterials, specifically carbon nanotubes, on the surface of the carbon fibres it is possible to impart Read more about Nano-modified aerospace composites[…]

Infrared leader to use world’s blackest coating in blackbody calibration sources

Exclusive rights to the use of ultra-black Vantablack S-VIS surface coating in blackbody calibration sources has been agreed between Surrey NanoSystems and Santa Barbara Infrared. The unparalleled broadband absorption of Vantablack S-VIS makes it ideally suited to enhancing the performance and utility of Santa Barbara Infrared’s (SBIR) precision electro-optical instrumentation, reinforcing its leadership position in Read more about Infrared leader to use world’s blackest coating in blackbody calibration sources[…]

A new a material that is substantially stronger and more resistant to damage than other advanced composites

The newest Airbus and Boeing passenger jets flying today are made primarily from advanced composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic — extremely light, durable materials that reduce the overall weight of the plane by as much as 20 percent compared to aluminum-bodied planes. Such lightweight airframes translate directly to fuel savings, which is Read more about A new a material that is substantially stronger and more resistant to damage than other advanced composites[…]

Collier Research Releases New HyperSizer Express for the Composite Engineer

Manufacturers in an ever-widening array of industries are discovering the versatility of composites for strong, lightweight designs. Whatever the application, for the most cost-efficient and highest performance use of these advanced materials, design optimization software is essential. Now, NASA-born Collier Research, a leader in the field of aerospace composites and metals optimization for more than Read more about Collier Research Releases New HyperSizer Express for the Composite Engineer[…]