Composites and Sports: the era of optimized performance

The increasing use of composites in sports is redefining the standards of performance. These materials offer a unique combination of lightness, strength, and flexibility, enabling the manufacturing of cutting-edge sports equipment. From traditional Olympic and Paralympic sports like athletics and cycling to emerging disciplines like skateboarding, composites are omnipresent and greatly contribute to the evolution of athletic performances.

Approaching the 2024 Games, JEC World has chosen to highlight the undeniable impact of these innovative materials on the world of sports through a dedicated day on March 7, 2024. Developed with the Global Sports Week Paris, France’s leading international forum for the sports ecosystem, this Sports Summit will showcase concrete examples of innovations that increases the level of competition in each discipline.

A comprehensive program serving innovation

This special day focused on discovery and exchange will address numerous topics related to sports and composites such as:

• The material at the heart of performance: lightness, resilience, stiffness, elasticity (…): the properties of composites can be a real added value.
• The sports industry, a laboratory for composites innovation: new materials, new processes, sports provide a playground to test innovations that other sectors can only adopt after long industrial certification and implementation processes. How do major companies use the sports industry to test new processes, techniques…?
• Sports for all with composites: equipment for Paralympic sports, physical protection of athletes (masks, helmets, cockpits…), and applications in the field of health.
• Sports & ESG criteria (Environmental, Social, and Governance) – athletes, nature, and composites: athletes are pioneering the use of natural materials (bio-sourced and/or recyclable fibers and resins).
• Foil & Composites: how composites have revolutionized competitive water sports and sports in general?

First speakers (other names will be announced soon):

• Xavier Roussin-Bouchard, Innovation Director, Rossignol
• Thomas Dupont, Composite R&D Manager, Look Group
• Damian Cessario, Founder and CEO, V-Carbon
• Christophe Lecompte, VP of Biomechanical Solutions – Research & Development, Össur
• Luca Rizzotti, Founder, The Foiling Organization

To offer visitors a complete experience, the “Discover Composites” area, an immersive exhibition tracing the evolution of composites in sports, has been created at the entrance of Hall 6. This space will showcase a panorama of sports using composites as well as the major milestones associated with them. This exploration will reveal how composites shape the present and future of sports.

Programme

• 09:30-12:30 : Sports conferences
  Round tables, debates, and testimonials will show how composites serve sports on one hand, and how sports serve innovation in composites on the other.

JEC World 2024 offers much more than a mere industrial event. It celebrates a unique convergence between the ingenuity of composites and sporting excellence, highlighting how these materials transform every discipline.

Posted: February 12, 2024

Source: JEC Group

As the maintenance, repowering, and retrofitting of existing wind turbine blades is poised to become a more prominent industry facet, there is a demand for innovative solutions to reduce landfill waste, which has been the standard disposal destination for replaced turbine blades. RNWBL, a prominent figure in wind turbine maintenance and repowering and other renewable energy services, has entered into a strategic collaboration with DE to explore and develop strategies that empower their clients to minimize waste generation and discover financially viable avenues for recycling.

Leveraging DE’s proficiency in cementitious and concrete materials, the collaborative team has successfully identified and manufactured materials derived from wind turbine blades. These materials enhance the strength, durability, and longevity of concrete, contributing to sustainable construction practices. Moreover, the team has devised a practical in-situ execution plan to minimize transportation costs and carbon emissions.

Objectives of the Project: The main objective of this project is to develop innovative solutions for recycling wind turbine materials, especially fiber-reinforced composites and critical minerals. The project will explore various aspects of the recycling process, including collection, transportation, separation, recovery, reuse, and disposal. Additionally, the project will evaluate the environmental, economic, and social benefits of recycling wind turbine materials, addressing potential market opportunities and barriers.

DE and RNWBL look forward to collaborating with stakeholders from the wind energy industry, recycling industry, academia, and government agencies to ensure the feasibility and scalability of the proposed solutions. This partnership signifies a crucial step towards achieving a sustainable and circular approach to wind turbine materials, contributing significantly to the green transformation of the energy sector.

Posted: February 8, 2024

Source: RNWBL

The competition is open to any company, university or R&D Center with a compelling collaborative innovation or concept to showcase. The success of participants is closely tied to partnerships and collective intelligence. Beyond being a ceremony, these awards serve as a platform to spotlight potentially undisclosed projects, offering inspiration and motivation to an expert audience eager to explore new frontiers.

After pre-selection of the 33 finalists, one winner has been named in each of the 11 categories by an international jury representing the entire composites value chain:

• Hüseyin ATES
  • CTO & Compounding BU Leader, Kordsa
• Pr. Alan BANKS
  • Innovation & Industrial Engagement Supervisor, Ford Motor Company
• Pr. Christophe BINETRUY
  • Professor, Centrale Nantes / Nantes Université
• Tamara BLANCO
  • Composite Materials & Processes Engineer & Expert, Airbus
• Dale BROSIUS
  • Executive VP/Chief Commercialization Officer, IACMI – The Composite Institute
• Michel COGNET
  • Chairman of the Board, JEC
• Dr. Karl-Heinz FÜLLER
  • Manager Future Exterior and Materials, Mercedes-Benz
• Dr. Sung HA
  • Professor, Hanyang University
• Guy LARNAC
  • Technical Domain Coordinator for Materials, Structures and Industrialization JTFR, Ariane Group
• Pr. Véronique MICHAUD
  • Head of Laboratory for Processing of Advanced Composites (LPAC), EPFL
• Pr. Kiyoshi UZAWA
  • Professor/Director, Innovative Composite Center, Kanazawa Institute of Technology.

The awards ceremony took place in Paris on February 8th, 2024.

Aerospace – Parts

ATG Europe (Netherlands)

Partner: ÉireComposites Teo (Ireland)

ATG Europe has developed a one-shot manufacturing process for uninterrupted prepreg fibre-placed lattice structures that aim to replace current satellite central tube designs. These cylindrical lattice structures offer optimal structural functionality at a reduced mass.

This innovation included the design, development and manufacture of a fully representative CFRP lattice central tube based on requirements for ESA’s PLATO satellite, including all necessary interface zones. Thermoset pre-preg carbon fibre tows and patches were manually laid-up onto a mandrel, consolidated and cured in an autoclave in a single step to form one integral part. The primary interface to the launcher structure was provided by a one-piece aluminium interface ring, which was assembled to the lattice cylinder through a hybrid joint.

Key Benefits
• One-shot manufacturing process
• Structural efficiency and significant mass savings
• Uninterrupted pre-preg fibres leading to optimised structural performance
• High specific stiffness
• Reduced manufacturing time and cost

Aerospace – Process

German Aerospace Center (Germany)
Partners:
• 9T Labs AG (Switzerland)
• Airtech Europe (Luxembourg)
• Ansys Switzerland GmbH (Switzerland)
• CEAD B.V. (Netherlands)
• Ensinger GmbH (Germany)
• Fiberthree GmbH (Germany)
• FILL Gesellschaft m.b.H. (Austria)
• Hans Weber Maschinenfabrik GmbH / WEBER additive (Germany)
• PRIME aerostructures GmbH (Austria)
• Siemens AG (Germany)
• Suprem SA (Switzerland)
• SWMS Systemtechnik Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH (Germany)

The EmpowerAX Demo Part is a multi-curved thermoset shell additively functionalised with short and continuous fibre- reinforced elements realised by DLR and 12 EmpowerAX members. It demonstrates the industrially available process chain for Additive Functionalisation.

The EmpowerAX Demo Part showcases the concept of Additive Functionalisation and its industrially available process chain. It is a collaborative project within DLR Innovation Lab EmpowerAX where DLR and twelve industrial players – from design and simulation experts over CAD-CAM specialists to printing and material suppliers – joined forces to demonstrate the capability of overprinting a multi-curved thermoset shell with high-performance, short- and continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastic material. Cost-efficient composite manufacturing is combined with the high agility and design freedom of additive manufacturing.

Key benefits:
• Cost-efficient composite manufacturing
• Overprinting of a multi-curved shell
• Combining thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers
• Short & continuous fibre-reinforced materials
• Industrially available process chain

Automotive & Road Transportation –Parts

Toyota Motor Corporation (Japan)
Partners:
• Toyota Central R&D Labs., Inc (Japan)
• Toyota Customizing & Development Co., Ltd. (Japan)
• TISM Co., Ltd. (Japan)

A full-scale variable axial CFRP-aluminum semi-monocoque was designed, fabricated, and evaluated. It showed a 15% weight reduction with minimal fiber waste (4%) and assembly cost.

This technology aims to improve carbon neutrality through the effective use of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs).
The technology creates 3D monolithic CFRP-aluminum structures by integrating anisotropic topology optimization, Turing pattern fiber path generation, tailored fiber placement and nano uneven anodization bonding, to optimize fiber function and material utilization.
A semi-monocoque prototype demonstrates the potential for weight reduction in large 3D structures with complex topology using large fiber tow (50K) placed on 5 km of design paths with only 4% fiber waste.

Key benefits:
• Full-Lifecycle Carbon Neutrality
• Weight Reduction
• Minimized Fiber Waste and Assembly Cost
• Optimized Material Usage
• Advanced Manufacturing Process

Automotive & Road Transportation – Process

Röchling Automotive SE (Germany)
Partners:
• Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT (Germany)
• Röchling Industrial SE & Co. KG – Haren (Germany)

Reactive thermoplastic pultrusion enables the production of cost-effective and highly resilient automotive components. The profiles are integrated in the final part by injection or compression molding. The PA6-based composites allows simple recycling in without dismantling.

The innovation is the use of in-situ pultruded PA6GF profiles for cost-efficient composite parts in the automotive industry. The combination of a highly efficient production for the reinforcement elements by using continuous pultrusion with state-of-the-art injection molding allows a production at low cycle time and costs. The achievable fiber content of the pultruded profiles is higher than for alternative reinforcements and due to the same plastic material for injection molding and the pultruded profiles, the whole part can be recycled without any dismantling operations.

Key benefits:
• Cheap Processes and Raw Materials
• Sustainable – Just a Single Polymer
• Strong by Design and Reinforcements
• Light due to Material Savings
• Flexible use in Diverse Applications

Building & Civil Engineering

RENCO USA (USA)
Partners:
• Arquitectonica (USA)
• Catalyst Communications (USA)
• Coastal Construction (USA)
• DeSimone Consulting Engineers (USA)
• DeVit Consulting. Inc. (USA)

RENCO MCFR is a state-of-the-art structural building system comprised of interlocking composite building units of various types and sizes of blocks, columns, beams, joists, headers, decking, connectors, etc. These products are all adhesively joined (chemically bonded) to form monolithic structures.

RENCO products are manufactured with naturally occurring raw materials and newly composed materials from recycled products in an environmentally friendly manufacturing process. Yet it is economical, easy to work with, fast to construct, has superior strength and requires no maintenance after construction, EVER! The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has verified and listed our Environmental Product Declarations (EPD).

Key benefits
• Less costly than a comparable wood, concrete, or steel structure.
• Stronger-passed ASTM and TAS Standards; able to withstand Cat 5 hurricane winds.
• Faster – No shoring, formwork, bracing or waiting for related inspectors
• Lighter – Similar in weight to a wood structure and 1/4 the weight of concrete.
• Fire, water, and pest resistant. Easy to build with.

Circularity & Recycling

B&M Longworth (Edgworth) Ltd (UK)
Partners:
• Autotech Engineering (Gestamp) (UK)
• B&M Longworth (Edgworth) Ltd (UK)
• Brunel University London (UK)
• EMS-Grivory (UK)
• Ford Motor Company (UK)
• Gen2Plank Ltd (UK)
• TWI Ltd (UK)

The creation of ‘glassene’ a brand new, advanced material with price-point close to glass and performance to rival some carbon fibre, with impressively low LCA. Promotes structural reuse of composites on a mass scale.

EMPHASIZING aims to create a new advanced material with price close to glass fibre, performance to rival some carbon fibre and impressive LCA.
GRP from a range of sources (wind, marine, fibre production) reclaimed as 100% clean glass by DEECOM® pressolysis.
The fibres are chopped into 6mm lengths before a range of sizing chemistries are considered, assessed, and tested; then compounded with polyamide thermoset and injection moulded; creating a mass production, structural component, tested against the steel counterpart and with a characterisation data card.

Key benefits:
• Global GRP waste solution
• Enables wind/marine/glass fibre industries to have ‘zero waste from composites’
• Creates a new, green, low cost advanced material to directly displace virgin
• Recyclate can go back into industries looking to decarbonise = circularity
• Addresses the current advanced materials imbalance of demand vs supply

Digital, AI & Data

ReliaBlade (Denmark)
Partners:
• CEKO Sensors (Denmark)
• FORCE Technology (Denmark)
• Siemens Industry Software (SISW) (Belgium)
• Technical University of Denmark (Denmark)
• Zebicon (Denmark)

The wind turbine blade executable Digital Twin combines a reduced-order model with live sensor signal to assess structural performance in real-time. Physical and virtual sensors combined is key to perform Structural Health Monitoring.

The 12.6m wind turbine blade is manufactured using a conventional vacuum infusion process at DTU BladeLab. Non-crimp UD and BIAX fiberglass fabrics, sandwich core material and root inserts are placed as dry layup in the molds. Subsequently, vacuum infusion processes are conducted for each of the parts using an epoxy resin system. After the shells and webs have been infused and fully cured, the two airfoil shells and shear webs are bonded together using epoxy adhesive before the blade is trimmed.

Key benefits:
• Live monitoring of blade deformations
• Live monitoring of loads and remaining life
• Predictive maintenance assessment
• Remote monitoring and health assessment
• Model error reduction

Equipment, Machinery & Heavy Industries

Deutsche Institute für Textil- und Faserforschung Denkendorf (Germany)
Partner: Leitz GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)

A new modular cutting tool for woodworking machine is developed exploiting the mechanical advantages of CFRP. More than 50 % weight reduction and an increase in working speed of over 50 % is achieved.

Instead of replacing the metallic tool body with CFRP, new design principles were analyzed using numerical simulation. Following the principle of optimal load sharing, the virtual development resulted in a modular tool design, with triangular components that absorb the centrifugal forces and an outer shell that accommodates the bending and torsional loads. Load optimized orientation of carbon fibers leads to maximum stiffness and strength of the tool body. The final result features maximum weight reduction and increased productivity without compromising product quality.

Key benefits:
• Modular lightweight design with CFPR parts can replace standard cutting tools.
• New design exploits fiber strength and stiffness leading to rigid tools.
• Over 50% mass reduction and 50% higher speed and productivity possible.
• Scalability of design leads to a high application range.
• Usage with standard adapter and cutting knives, high processing accuracy.

Maritime Transportation & Shipbuilding

AYRO (France)
Partners:
• Alizés (France)
• Jifmar Offshore Services (France)
• Zéphyr et Borée (France)
• Neptune Marine (Pays-Bas)
• VPLP Design (France)
• ArianeGroup (France)

OceanWings® is a patented, automated, self-raising and lowering vertical wingsail system that enables newbuild or existing ships to reduce their fuel consumption and resulting carbon footprint by up to 50%.

The challenges of our technology include the wing’s ability to withstand winds of up to 100 knots, while ensuring the proper functioning of its operations: automatic orientation in relation to the wind, adjustable camber, reefable and furlable. Structure is therefore essential to meet these challenges. At AYRO, we have chosen to use composite materials to a large extent in the construction of our wingsails, for their high mechanical strength and lightweight.

Key benefits
• Up to 50% of fuel savings
• Automated and passive system
• Dimensioned for harsh sea environmental conditions
• Reefable and furlable system
• Adapted to new-build and retrofitted ships

Renewable Energies

Vestas Wind Systems A/S (Denmark)
Partners:
• Vestas (Denmark)
• Olin (Germany)
• Aarhus University (Denmark)
• Danish Technological Institute (Denmark)
• Stena Recycling (Denmark and Sweden)

CETEC’s Blade Circularity Solution renders epoxy-based turbine blades circular without altering the material’s design or composition. It employs a chemical process breaking down epoxy resin into virgin-grade materials, establishing a circular economy for blade manufacturing.
Our innovation redefines circularity for epoxy-based turbine blades. It precisely separates glass, carbon fibers, core material, metal components, and resin for dedicated recycling, optimizing reuse and enhancing circular value chains. Featuring cutting-edge chemcycling, it breaks down epoxy resin into chemical monomers, ensuring recycled materials achieve virgin-grade properties. Emphasizing sustainability, it operates efficiently using non-toxic, standardized chemicals with minimal energy input. Tailored for conventional epoxy-based turbine blades, it addresses an industry gap, supported by waste handlers’ interest and ongoing industrial scaling, promising swift lab-to-large-scale implementation.

Key benefits:
• Circularity for epoxy-based composite material
• Recyclability without modifying design
• New sustainable raw material source
• Strengthening the wind industry’s sustainability proposition
• Immediate scalability and mature recycling value streams

Sports, Leisure & Recreation

silbaerg GmbH
Partners:
• Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI) (Germany)
• bto-epoxy GmbH (Austria)
• Circular MTC e.V. (Germany)
• SachsenLeinen GmbH (Germany)

Snowboard with patented anisotropic coupling effect (A.L.D.-tech.®) made out of hemp and recycled carbon fibers with bio-based epoxy resin.

The innovation is the application of the Dry-Fiber-Placement (DFP) for the production of hybrid hemp and recycled carbon fiber (rCF) snowboard preforms. The process was currently only used to process continuous virgin carbon fibers. Thanks to the excellent material properties of the hemp tape and the directional rCF nonwovens, both materials can be processed automatically using DFP. This saves 75% of cutting waste of the hemp fibers and uses the cutting waste of our carbon fiber snowboards to save costs and reduces the CO2 footprint.

Key benefits:
• Green snowboard based on hemp fibers and recycled carbon nonwoven
• Using of Dry-Fiber-Placement for waste-reduced production
• Unidirectional or high-orientated semi-finished textiles for perfect properties Circular economy for high-performance snowboards made of virgin carbon fiber
• Green economy for the green snowboard by using bio-based epoxy

Posted: February 8, 2024

Source: JEC Group

By spotlighting emerging composites markets globally and examining new materials, products, and processes, this carefully crafted program encourages executives and engineers at every stage of the supply chain to exchange insights. It offers a comprehensive set of resources to comprehend the industry’s future trajectory and capitalize on distinctive opportunities for international business expansion.

Sustainability Conferences

In 2024, sustainability is still a key growth driver for the composites industry, enabling diverse application sectors to achieve ambitious sustainability goals thanks to recycling, lightweight, bio-based materials, digitalization and more.

March 5th 12.00-13.00 – Agora 5 (Hall 5)
Unleashing the Power of Nature: Exploring Natural Fibers and Bio-Sourced Materials in the Composites Industry
Speakers:

• Mr Remi DAUDIN, President MATERI’ACT – FORVIA
• Dr Christian FISCHER, CEO & Co-Founder – BCOMP AG
• Mr Christoph GEYER, CEO – SAERTEX GMBH & CO KG
• Dr Martin JENSEN, CTO – Pond A/S
• Mr David SALTMAN, Chairman & CEO – INCA Renewable Technologies Inc.
• Mr Corey TYREE, CEO – Trillium Chemicals

Moderator: Prof Ignaas VERPOEST, Emeritus Professor – Composite Materials Group, KU Leuven

March 5th 15.00-15.55 – Agora 5 (Hall 5)
Circularity meets Lightweight Design for the Future of Automotive

Speakers:

• Dr Stefan CABA, Head of Innovation Field Sustainable Vehicle Development – EDAG Engineering GmbH
• Prof Ahmed ELMARAKBI, Professor – Northumbria University at Newcastle
• Dr Thomas HIPKE, Division Director – FRAUNHOFER IWU
• Dr Thierry RENAULT, Senior Expert Composites – FAURECIA AUTOMOTIVE COMPOSITES
• Dr Violeta VARGAS-PARRA, Researcher – Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya

Moderator: Dr Ricardo del VALLE, Senior Innovation Consultant – Bax and Company

March 6th 12.00-13.00 – Agora 5 (Hall 5)
Revolutionizing Composites: The Benefits and Challenges of using Recycled Materials
Speakers:

• Dr Erwan FAOUCHER, Sustainability, Research and Innovation Director – Beneteau
• Mr Andrew GOODMAN, CSR Manager – SCOTT Sports
• Mr Ross HOOD, Director, Composite Manufacturing – McLaren Racing
• Mr Andrew MAXEY, CEO – Vartega Carbon Fiber Recycling LLC
• Mr Guillaume PERBEN, CEO – COMPOSITE RECYCLING

Moderator: Mr Malcolm FORSYTH, Sustainability Manager – COMPOSITES UK

March 7th 12.00-13.00 – Agora 5 (Hall 5)
Composites Manufacturing 4.0: Unlocking Efficiency and Sustainability Through Automation & Digitalization
Speakers:

• Mr Avner BEN BASSAT, President & CEO – PLATAINE LTD
• Ms Cornelia BEYER, Managing Director – Netzsch Process Intelligence GmbH
• Dr Jose FEIGENBLUM, Innovation Director – ROCTOOL S.A.
• Dr Enrique GARCIA, Chief Technology Officer – National Composites Centre UK
• Mr Mitchell SMITH, Director of Technology and Process Engineering – MRA Systems LLC

Moderator: Mrs Hannah DAMMERS, Head of Composite Production Division – Institut fuer Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University

End-user Applications Conferences

March 5th 14.00- 14.55 – Agora 6 (Hall 6)
Composite Materials and Sustainable Transportation: Paving the Way Forward
Speakers:

• Mr Andrea FAGGIANI, Head of Composite Materials and Technologies Centre – Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
• Dr Philippe PAPIN, Project Manager – AIR LIQUIDE
• Mr Baptiste ROSSI, VP Engineering – AYRO

Moderator: Mr Dale BROSIUS, Chief Commercialization Officer – IACMI – THE COMPOSITES INSTITUTE

March 6th 14.00- 14.55 – Agora 6 (Hall 6)
Beyond Boundaries: Composite Materials Shaping the Aerospace Industry
Speakers:

• Dr Emma CLAXTON, Programme Manager – UltraFan Fan Rig Validation – Rolls-Royce plc
• Mr David PATE, Head of Materials and Processes – Lilium
• Dr Stephanie PATEL, Head of Material – Expert – DAHER

Moderator: Mr Marc FETTE, CEO – Composite Technology Center (An AIRBUS Company)

March 7th 14.00- 14.55 – Agora 6 (Hall 6)
Composite Materials in Wind Energy Today and Tomorrow – Pathways to 100% Circularity
Speakers:

• Mr Mathieu CARIOU, Director – Strategic Corporate Development & MarCom – GURIT
• Mr Guillaume CLEDAT, Elium Business Director – ARKEMA
• Dr Leif Ole MEYER, Global Wind Technology Platform and EMEAI R&D Leader – Olin Germany Upstream
• Mr Allan POULSEN, Head of Materials and Sustainable Scaling – Vestas Wind Systems
• Dr Tom WASSENBERG, Director Strategic Marketing Wind – OWENS CORNING
• Mr Peter WINDMOELLER, Senior Sales Manager – LOESCHE

Moderator: Mr Alexander VANDENBERGHE, Sustainability Manager – WindEurope

The best of innovation and entrepreneurship

• The JEC Composites Innovation Awards

In more than 25 years, the JEC Composites Innovation program has involved more than 2,000 companies worldwide. 225 companies and 573 partners have been awarded for the excellence of their composites innovations.
Eleven winners were named on February 8th : they will be joining the opening speech on March 5th from 9:30 am in Agora 5 (Hall 5). Don’t miss this opportunity to meet with them and their partners!

JEC Composites Innovation Awards partner

• The JEC Composites Startup Booster

The leading startup competition in the world of composites is set to host 20 pre-selected finalists, who will present their projects live before a panel of industry experts. The jury will select three winners overall, including a special award for the project demonstrating outstanding sustainability.

March 5th 10.00 – 11.25 AGORA 6 (Hall 6)
Pitching Session – “Products & Materials” Category
Startups:

• BioHalo (Denmark)
• BioTwin (UK)
• CARBOCON (Germany)
• Cellexcel (UK)
• High Temperature Material Systems (UK)
• Nano Electronics (South Korea)
• RECARBON (Italy)
• Sargassum Eco Lumber (USA)
• SpacEngineer (Portugal)
• ZILA BioWorks (USA)

March 5th 16.30 – 17.55 AGORA 6 (Hall 6)
Pitching Session – “Process, Manufacturing & Equipment” Category
Startups:

• CarboScreen (Germany)
• Componous (Greece)
• Eddytec (Netherlands)
• Elementag (Italy)
• fiberior (Germany)
• Holy Technologies (Germany)
• MOB-E-SCRAP (France)
• REINFORCE3D (Spain)
• TechnoCarbon Technologies (France)
• 3P.COM (South Korea)

March 6th 15.30- 15.55 AGORA 6 (Hall 6)
Startup Booster Awards Ceremony

Country on stage

In-depth presentations and discussions on the composites industry in specific countries and regions.

March 5th 10.00 – 11.25 – Agora 5
Belgian Composites for a Sustainable Future

Speakers:

• Mr André BERTIN, CEO – COEXPAIR
• Mrs Linde DE VRIESE, Project Leader Circular Economy Composites & Renewable Materials – Sirris
• Dr Stephane GUALANDRIS, Project Manager – Skywin Wallonie
• Dr Laurent HAZARD, Head of Material Science & Application Center – Syensqo
• Mrs Martine LECLERCQ, Trade and Investment Counsellor – Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX)
• Mr Johan POTARGENT, CEO – AMS Robomould
• Mr Wim SIX, R&D Project Manager – Deceuninck
• Miss Lucie SOUVY, Project Manager & Quality System Management Responsible – ISOMATEX S.A.
• Mrs Karolien VANBROEKHOVEN, Research Manager Sustainable Chemistry – VITO
• Mr Jan VERHAEGHE, CEO – AGESIA

Moderator: Dr Kevin POELMANS, Business Group Leader Agoria Composites – AGORIA

March 6th 10.00 – 11.25 – Agora 5
How Italy is Making the Composites Market of Tomorrow: Innovations and Dynamism

Speakers:

• Prof Luigi ASCIONE, Retired Professor of Structural Mechanics at the University of Salerno (Italy) – Convenor of WG 4 of CEN-TC 250 – University of Salerno
• Dr Vincenzo CASTORANI, R&D Project Manager – HP Composites S.p.A.
• Dr Andrea RATTI, Associate Professor – Politecnico di Milano

Moderator: Prof Roberto FRASSINE, President – ASSOCOMPOSITI

March 7th 10.00 – 11.25 – Agora 5
Competitiveness and Innovation in the French Composites Industry Through the “France 2030” Relaunch Plan

Speakers:

• Mr Nicolas ABIVEN, President – SolidSail Mast Factory – Chantiers de l’Atlantique
• Mr Mathieu BRANDIBAT, Senior Advisor for Critical & Sustainable Materials – General Secretariat for Investment (SGPI)
• Mr Arnaud CACQUEVEL, Marketing Manager – Innovation – Bretagne Développement Innovation
• Mr Thibault GARIN, CEO – MerConcept
• Mr Jean-François GERARD, Deputy Scientific Director of CNRS Chemistry – French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS)
• Mr Roland JOURDAIN, Skipper & CEO – Kaïros
• Mrs Marie-Cécile TARDIEU, COO – Business France

Moderator: Mr Antoine THEVENIN, Key Account Manager – Business France

Women in composites

March 7th 11.00 – 11.55 – Agora 6
Building a Supportive Community for Women in the Composites Industry

Speakers:

• Trupti ARABATTI, CEO, Sustainable Materials Specialist – Terra Stems
• Shelly BENNION, General Manager – Hawkeye Industries, LLC
• Ümmühan EKER, R&D Director – DowAska
• Anna GALASSO, Ravenna Shipyard Plant Director – Ferretti SpA
• Joannie HARMON, Vice President, Workforce Development – IACMI – THE COMPOSITES INSTITUTE

Moderator: Marcy OFFNER, Director, Marketing Communications – Composites One

CAMPUS

Careers in the composites industry have much to offer and need to be highlighted. On April 27th, JEC World invites all universities, training programs, students, HR representatives, to gather and foster recruitment and training in this thriving sector.

Tuesday, March 5th – CAMPUS VILLAGE

10:00-10:20: Nantes Université, Christophe BINETRUY, Professor at Centrale Nantes, VP for Entrepreneurship

10:30-10:50 : Politecnico di Milano, Luca M. MARTULLI, Assistant Professor

11:00-11:20: University of Tokyo, Nobuhiro YOSHIKAWA, Professor at University of Tokyo, Institute of Industrial Science

11:30-11:50: Tu Dresden, Daniel KOHLER, Research Assistant

12:30-13:00: Space Team Aachen, Richard BOTSCHEK Structures Team Lead & Dominik NEUMANN Structural Engineer

14:00-14:20: University of Patras, Dr. Stavros TSANTZALIS, Research Project Manager, or Prof. Vassilis Kostopoulos, Head of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics Dept. and director of Applied Mechanics and Vibrations Laboratory

14:30-14:50: ExpertHeads Consulting, Christian THOBEN, Managing Director

15:00-15:20: DS Talent Recruitment – Antal: Arnaud SPORTOUCH, Executive Senior Recruiter

15:30-15:50: Fluency People, Glenn HARDY, Director

16:00-16:20: Enercomp, Gilles LUBINEAU, Director of ENERCOMP & Professor of Mechanical Engineering at KAUST/ Mechanics of Composites for Energy and Mobility Lab.

16:30-16:50: KFUPM

Wednesday, March 6th – CAMPUS VILLAGE

10:00-10:20: Tu Dresden, Daniel KOHLER, Research Assistant

10:30-10:50: EPFL, Véronique MICHAUD, Head of laboratory for processing of advanced composites.

11:00-11:20: Space Team Aachen, Richard BOTSCHEK Structures Team Lead & Dominik NEUMANN Structural Engineer

11:30-11:50: University of Patras, Prof. Vassilis KOSTOPOULOS, Head of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics Dept. and director of Applied Mechanics and Vibrations Laboratory

12:00-12:20: Nantes Université, Christophe BINETRUY, Professor at Centrale Nantes, VP for Entrepreneurship

12:30-13:00: Politecnico di Milano, Luca M. MARTULLI, Assistant Professor

14:00 -14:20: University of Tokyo, Nobuhiro YOSHIKAWA, Professor at University of Tokyo, Institute of Industrial Science

14:30-14:50 : 6C32 DAHER, Lucas PETRY, Industrial Services Talent Acquisition Manager

15:00-15:20: ExpertHeads Consulting, Christian THOBEN, Managing Director

15:30-15:50: DS Talent Recruitment – Antal: Arnaud SPORTOUCH, Executive Senior Recruiter

16:00-16:20: Fluency People, Glenn HARDY, Director

16:30-16:50: 6S42 KU LEUVEN, Yentl SWOLFS, Research Professor

Thursday, March 7th- CAMPUS VILLAGE

10:00-10:20 University of Tokyo, Nobuhiro YOSHIKAWA, Professor at University of Tokyo, Institute of Industrial Science

10:30-10:50: Tu Dresden, Daniel KOHLER, Research Assistant

11:00-11:20: EPFL, Véronique MICHAUD, Head of laboratory for processing of advanced composites.

11:30-11:50: KFUPM

12:30-13:00: University of Patras, Dr. Stavros TSANTZALIS, Research Project Manager, or Prof. Vassilis KOSTOPOULOS, Head of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics Dept. and director of Applied Mechanics and Vibrations Laboratory

14:00-14:20: Space Team Aachen, Richard BOTSCHEK, Structures Team Lead & Dominik NEUMANN, Structural Engineer

14:30-14:50: Enercomp, Gilles LUBINEAU, Director of ENERCOMP & Professor of Mechanical Engineering at KAUST/ Mechanics of Composites for Energy and Mobility Lab

Live Demonstration Area

The Live Demonstration Area showcases composite parts manufacturing processes, with four experts of the industry Aerovac- Composites One, Magnum Venus Products, Thermwood and Roctool.

Fast Induction Heating Molding of Composite Thermoplastics: Thermocompression Molding with Roctool Heat and Cool Technology
Speakers:

• Mr Mathieu BOULANGER, CEO – ROCTOOL S.A.
• Mr Edouard PHILLIPE, Composite Business Development Manager – ROCTOOL S.A.

March 5th – 10.00-10.30

March 5th – 12.15-12.45

March 5th – 16.15-16.45

March 6th -10.00-10.30

March 6th -12.15-12.45

March 6th -16.15-16.45

March 7th – 11.30-12.00

Process Material Kits Finish First by Offering Real Time Savings
Speakers:

• James KNOX, Technical Services Manager – Aerovac Composites
• James JONES, Lead Technical Support Manager – Composites One

March 5th -10.45-11.15

March 6th – 14.45-15.15

March 7th – 10.00 – 10.30

Mastering Closed Mold Silicone Bag Construction
Speaker:

• Charles TUR, Closed Molding Specialist – MVP

March 5th -10.45-11.15

Exploring LSAM – Thermwood’s Large Scale Additive Manufacturing System
Speakers:

• Mr Eduardo BAROCIO, Assistant Director of Additive Manufacturing – Purdue University – CMSC
• Mr Scott VAAL, LSAM Product Manager – THERMWOOD CORP

March 5th -14.00-14.30

March 6th – 14.00-14.30

Save Time, Money, and Effort with Vacuum Infusion and Custom Process Material Kits from Aerovac
Speakers:

• Mr James JONES, Lead Technical Support Manager – Composites One
• Mr James KNOX, Technical Services Manager – Aerovac Composites

March 5th -14.45-15.15

March 6th – 11.30-12.00

Revolutionizing Closed Molding with SVB Seal Technology
Speaker:

• Charles TUR, Closed Molding Specialist – MVP

March 5th -15.30-16.00

Precision Injection with Collapsible Resin Channel in Silicone Bags
Speaker: Charles TUR, Closed Molding Specialist – MVP

March 6th – 10.45-11.15

Injecting Collapsible Resin Channel with SVB Seal
Speaker: Charles TUR, Closed Molding Specialist – MVP

March 6th – 15.30 – 16.00

Achieve Rapid Injection Times and Higher Quality Parts with Fast Flow LRTM
Speaker: Charles TUR, Closed Molding Specialist – MVP

March 7th – 10.45 – 11.15

Closed Mold Methodologies Reviewed for Optimal Results
Speaker:

• Charles TUR, Closed Molding Specialist – MVP

March 7th – 12.15-12.45

Composites Exchange

The Composites Exchange are a dedicated program of exhibitors’ and partners workshops, showcasing products, solutions, and business cases.

March 5th
AGORA 5 (Hall 5) SYENSQO / DASSAULT SYSTEMES / EXXONMOBIL / ALLIANCE FOR EUROPEAN FLAX-LINEN & HEMP / HRC / SGL CARBON
AGORA 6 (Hall 6) SWANCOR / sensXPERT / MASSIVIT / BODO MÖLLER CHEMIE GMBH / OCSIAL Europe / IMCD /

March 6th
Agora 5 (Hall 5) SYENSQO / DASSAULT SYSTEMES / EXXONMOBIL / SYENSQO / POLYCELL SRL / VON ROLL MANAGEMENT AG /DIEFFENBACHER GMBH MASCHINEN- UND ANLAGENBAU / THE JAPAN CARBON FIBER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
AGORA 6 (Hall 6) ECODEC / DISTRAN / HUNTSMAN ADVANCED MATERIALS / HELD TECHNOLOGIE GMBH / ARKEMA / NIONE LTDA / FORMOSA PLASTICS CORPORATION / TESTIA / WESTLAKE EPOXY /

March 7th
AGORA 5 (Hall 5) FAIRMAT
AGORA 6 (Hall 6) COMEC INNOVATIVE / PENTAXIA / MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION / MEDC

Posted: February 6, 2024

Source: JEC Group

Exhibiting on the Composites UK stand, Slack & Parr will showcase the benefits of its metering solutions, which are designed to improve accuracy in fluid mixing, flow and dosing, giving manufactures greater control in the downstream processing and application of resins and polymers.

Visitors will discover how the company’s bespoke gear pumps can be customized to handle the most challenging materials, from very low viscosity polymers processed under high pressure to fast-cure resins that require in-line mixing and high-speed application.

Slack & Parr is a supplier of gear metering pumps for the production of PAN precursor used to manufacture carbon fiber. Its technologies are used in many composites manufacturing processes including coating, prepreg, filament winding and spraying, as well as in extruder-based processes most commonly used in the manufacture of thermoplastic composites.

“Our precision metering technologies are designed to overcome challenges associated with the downstream processing of resins and polymers to improve accuracy and efficiency at every stage,” explained Neil Anderton, Industrial director at Slack & Parr.

“We pride ourselves on delivering the most accurate, robust, and reliable gear pumps in the world, tested and developed over many decades. This unparalleled engineering expertise means that we are able to customize each pump to match the exact requirements of the application, which is proving crucial in the rapidly evolving resin technology and materials science industries.

“Our pumps promote successful outcomes for composites-intensive products where fiber-to-resin ratio is an important measure of weight, strength, and performance in the finished part. We help manufacturers achieve desired ratios in a way that is consistent and repeatable while also increasing speed of production and reducing waste.

“Last year’s JEC presented us with some excellent opportunities, and we are looking forward to repeating that success in Paris this year.”

Slack & Parr’s metering pumps are built around hardened steel involute gears which are machined to precise tolerances of one or two microns. This results in extremely small, controlled clearances – measuring significantly less than a human hair — between the gear and mating components, ensuring almost no internal slip even at high pressures. This level of precision means the pump is able to control or meter the flow with extreme accuracy and repeatability.

Posted: February 6, 2024

Source: Slack & Parr

Congressman Dale Strong of the Fifth Congressional District of Alabama delivered the event’s opening remarks and highlighted Toray’s contributions to national defense. “I am thrilled to see Toray’s commitment to investments in Decatur and North Alabama. Toray provides high performance carbon fibers which are critical to our defense industrial base and national security. I want to thank them for their investment in Alabama and wish them continued success,” said Congressman Strong.

Major General Tom O’Connor, commanding general of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, participated as the featured guest in a policy discussion led by former Commander of the Army Material Command, retired General Paul Kern. The discussion focused on the importance of a strong domestic industrial base following the January 11, 2024 release of the Department of Defense’s inaugural National Defense Industrial Strategy (NDIS).

Other esteemed guests included a cross-section of local and federal government, industry, and academia.

Toray has already begun production utilizing this new capability and are in the process of qualifying the new line with a number of customers. “Our team in Decatur worked tirelessly to advance the commissioning of our upgraded carbon fiber production line to support the strong demand from the defense industry. As the DoD prioritizes developing a resilient supply chain as part of the NDIS, Toray’s focus is to ensure that we are doing our part to produce and increase material availability for various defense programs,” said Dennis Frett, President of Toray Composite Materials America.

Toray is the largest carbon fiber and prepreg producer in the United States. The Decatur Plant has operation lines from precursor to carbon fiber and is one of three Toray manufacturing facilities. The company has other locations in Tacoma, Washington, and Spartanburg, South Carolina, producing precursor, carbon fiber, and prepreg. Toray’s comprehensive portfolio of carbon fiber composite materials supports customers in aerospace and defense, industrial, and automotive industries.

Posted: January 30, 2024

Source: Toray Composite Materials America, Inc.

Initiated in 2017, JEC Startup Booster provides an exceptional networking opportunity, offering increased visibility into the future of the composites industry. Held in three regions (Europe, the United States, and Asia), the competition has already fostered the emergence of over 900 innovative projects from more than 60 countries. It has become an essential springboard for participants seeking international opportunities!

This year, the competition is organized with the sponsorship of Airbus and Owens Corning as the main innovation partners, and the Mercedes-Benz Group as the innovation partner:

On the day of the selection of the 20 finalists, Jelle Bloemhof, head of Composites Manufacturing Technologies at Airbus, stated: “Supporting this competition gives us the ability to identify innovations early in the key area of composites that we would not otherwise discover. JEC Startup Booster is just the first step toward broader collaboration opportunities. It facilitates an introduction between participants and industry end-users, providing the opportunity to engage directly and discuss. The diversity of ideas is inspiring, and we look forward to continuing our partnership.”

“Once again this year, the list is exciting and covers a wide range of technologies. Observing the constant improvement and innovation in both technologies and applications is fascinating. They not only reflect industry trends but also play a major role in shaping them. This is significant for us as partners and for JEC World, as it is a rich source of inspiration and opportunities,” said Chris Skinner, vice president of Strategic Marketing and R&D at OWENS CORNING.

Three winners will be designated by the jury, along with one winner for the sustainable dimension of the project.
The award ceremony will take place on Wednesday, March 6, at 3:30 PM in Agora 6.

The 2024 Jury:
• Jelle BLOEMHOF, Head of Composites Manufacturing Technologies, AIRBUS
• Karl-Heinz FUELLER, Manager Future Exterior & Materials, MERCEDES-BENZ
• Rebecca RAVENNI, Program Manager and Investment Analyst, TECHSTARS SUSTAINBAILITY PARIS
• Florent ILLAT, Head of Safran Corporate Ventures, SAFRAN
• Chris SKINNER, Vice-President of Strategic Marketing and R&D, OWENS CORNING

Category “Products & Materials”

BioHalo (Denmark) – The Biohalogenation Company
Our mission is to introduce bio-based materials that serve as safe, eco-friendly and high-performance replacements for harmful PFAS.

BioTwin (UK) – Designing and developing low carbon construction materials
BioTwin’s vision is to revolutionise construction and build zero carbon villages and cities for a sustainable world. We want to innovate, collaborate and make a difference in sustainable building materials. We are proud to present our first innovation, a low carbon wall stud made of hemp and resin, which will help the construction sector meet embodied carbon demands.

CARBOCON (Germany) – Leading service provider when it comes to carbon-reinforced concrete
CARBOCON is an independent service provider in the field of the innovative building material carbon-reinforced concrete. We operate in different areas of business, ranging from civil engineering services to introducing new products and processes to the market. In this way, we advocate progress and sustainability in the building industry.

Cellexcel (UK)-Unlocking the use of biomaterials through chemistry
As a chemistry-based technology company, Cellexcel provides the key to unlock the use of biomaterials and radically change industry’s carbon footprint. It does this through molecular modification and not a coating. The Cellexcel process chemically modifies the cellulose by delivering and then attaching a compound related to the targeted performance property. By attaching a hydrophobic compound, the resistance to moisture can be positively impacted enabling biomaterials to be used in more demanding applications, that can then lead to the replacement of high embedded emission materials.’

High Temperature Material Systems (UK)-Revolutionizing the high temperature composite materials market
Our core mission is to develop bespoke Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) materials and to push the boundaries of innovation. Through our cutting-edge research and development capabilities, we strive to pioneer novel matrix chemistries that yield improved performance, durability, and functionality.

Nano Electronics (South Korea)-3D Nano Heater utilizing high-conductivity nanowires enables a 90% reduction in electric energy compared to conventional heating wires
By utilizing ultra-fine nano threads through electrospinning, we create copper nanofiber films with high electrical conductivity, resulting in efficient conductive heating elements with exceptional heat transfer capabilities. As a result, we have achieved a nano-surface heating element with up to 89% power efficiency compared to traditional heating wires, providing three times greater heat generation efficiency and instantaneous heating.

RECARBON (Italy)-One-stop Solution in Circular Economy for Carbon Fiber
RECARBON gives new value to carbon fiber wastes, creating, producing, and offering innovative ready-to-use intermediate products based on recycled carbon fiber. RECARBON has developed a functional approach for manufacturing products in the form of both thermoplastic Organosheets, thermoset Prepregs, and sandwich panels, with different combination of skins and cores.

Sargassum Eco Lumber (USA)-Solving the Sargassum and Plastic Crisis Creating High-Quality Eco Lumber for a Cleaner and Greener Future
The proliferation of Sargassum, has become a global concern, notably affecting countries in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic coasts of Africa and South America. The issue is compounded by the persistent pollution of polyethylene plastics, primarily MDPE and HDPE, which degrade over decades and release micro plastics that affect marine life and human health. In response, our project, Sargassum Eco Lumber, proposes a novel approach that leverages this environmental challenge by repurposing Sargassum and polyethylene waste into a commercially viable, sustainable building material.

SpacEngineer (Portugal)-Your Partner in green and impact protective composites
In 2018, the problem of small Space debris was presented to SpacEngineer team. Due to the previous experience of the team in the ballistic, in 2019 SpacEngineer was created. The goal of the SpacEngineer was to develop composites, with a high amount of green materials, flexible, and the capability to dissipate a high amount of impact energy. With this objective, Impact2Space was born. Currently, the technology is under validation for aeronautic and aerospace applications.

ZILA BioWorks (USA)-Industrial Bioplastics for a Circular Carbon Economy
ZILA has developed a patented bio-epoxy resin for use in industrial composites, coatings, and adhesives. We have identified clear steps to a 60% reduction in carbon footprint compared to petroleum-based epoxies. And our vitrimer technology can help manufacturers deal with the end of life of their products. ZILA formulates our bio-resin systems so manufacturers can adopt without any retooling.

Category “Process, Manufacturing & Equipment”

CarboScreen (Germany)-Enhancing Carbon Fiber Production with AI-based Online Monitoring
CarboScreen offers cutting-edge sensor technology in combination with AI-based online monitoring to significantly reduce production cost while increasing product quality of carbon fibers and reliability of oven equipment.

Componous (Greece)-Democratizing Photonics
Componous specializes in embedding optical fiber sensors in composite structures. These sensors can monitor multiple analytes with proven field capabilities. Componous revolutionizes the market with cost-effective, in-house-developed sensor readout units with state-of-the-art specifications.

Eddytec (Netherlands)-Defect Detection in Carbon Fiber Composites Made Simple
Eddytec is a spin-out from the University of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. Eddytec’s ambition is to transform defect detection in carbon fibre composites making it fast, simple and affordable. The technology is based on eddy currents and allows for easy detection of cracks and imperfections in a variety of applications including manufacture and maintenance of aircraft, wind turbines and cars. Eddytec’s sensor and software solution reduces measurement time and complexity of data collection and enables technical personnel with various levels of experience to interpret the results increasing usability. The benefits of Eddytec’s product is that it can reduce waste during manufacturing, simplify maintenance and safely extend the lifetime of materials. With that it will contribute to an efficient use of our resources while reducing cost and complexity.

Elementag (Italy)-Nanomarker that blends into any material or product, to make it traceable, authentic and to fight against its counterfeiting
Elementag is the latest technology developed by Particular Materials. It represents a radical innovation for supply chain traceability and anticounterfeiting. By using nanoparticles as inorganic fingerprints that can be applied to virtually any product or material, we can guarantee its authenticity in a quick and reliable way by scanning it with a portable device. Elementag overcomes the main limitations of traditional technologies (QR/barcodes, NFC, RFID): invisible, processing-resistant, hard to replicate and fully embedded.

fiberior (Germany)-Cost Efficient Manufacturing of Hydrogen Pipeline Systems
fiberior – The sustainable solution to the energy transport problem! Through our innovative manufacturing process, we are able to produce a cost-effective pipeline system for the transport and storage of hydrogen. Compared to conventional steel pipelines our system is made of fiber-reinforced thermoplastics. In addition to numerous advantages, they can also be utilized for hydrogen storage in the pipeline grid. This unique feature is a key aspect in enabling the transformation of the energy industry towards renewable energy sources.

Holy Technologies (Germany)-Sustainable lightweight production systems for the 21st century
Holy Technologies is on a mission to lightweight the future of mobility, by designing sustainable production systems that are extremely scalable. Holy is the developer of a machine learning-enhanced additive manufacturing system for composite components. The company helps innovation leaders across industries to make their structural carbon fiber components up to 30% lighter, 50% cheaper and 100% recyclable. The technology addresses 80% of component types, ranging from automotive, medical, and sports equipment, to aerospace and wind turbine blades.

MOB-E-SCRAP (France)-Breakthrough Mechanical Delamination Technology to Recycle Composites
MOB-E-SCRAP is a French startup founded in 2021 to deploy our breakthrough patented delamination technology on various markets: electronic scrap, composites, solar panels, batteries … By submitting composites to high intensity and high frequency impacts, we can separate the fibers (glass, carbon) which keep a length up to 50mm and resin which is pulverized. We have built a demonstrator at industrial scale in France, and we are now looking for partners to deploy our technology on the composite recycling market.

REINFORCE3D (Spain)-Enabling the reinforcement of highly optimized 3D parts with continuous carbon fibres. Let’s go beyond shell-like structures!
Reinforce3D is a start-up aimed to further develop and commercialize the Continuous Fibre Injection Process (CFIP) technology. CFIP is a completely new composite processing method which unlocks new capabilities unimaginable before, such as the ability of to place continuous fibres in all directions following complex trajectories, to reinforce any material including plastics, metals and ceramics, or to integrally join different parts. “Delta” is the first ever commercial CFIP machine, enabling the efficient manufacturing of highly optimized 3D composite structures at industrial scale.

TechnoCarbon Technologies (France)-Building the future of sustainable high performance composites materials with its patended innovation: CarbonFibreStone
TechnoCarbon designs, develops, manufactures and sells components and systems made of the first sustainable, ultra-low-carbon composite material to outperform steel and reinforced concrete. Our patented technologies enable deep decarbonization, lifetime extension, weight and environmental footprint reduction.

3P.COM (South Korea)-Recyclable, Affordable Hydrogen Storage Tanks
3P.COM designs, develops recyclable and affordable hydrogen tanks according to customers’ requirement and specification using a new optimization design methodology and in-house design tools, transfers the technology license and provide prototype hydrogen tanks meeting performing industrial standard safety requirement. 3P.COM has now customers in India, Taiwan, Japan, Brazil and China.

Posted: January 25, 2024

Source: JEC Group

Black Swan’s recently achieved groundbreaking advancement in polymer composites using GEMs. Thomas Swan will now distribute and significantly broaden the market presence of these GEM products through its Polymer Performance Solutions division where it possesses proven expertise in delivering value-add solutions to both the rubber and polymer markets, in addition to its chemical formulation expertise. The agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the partnership, fostering collaboration and growth in the global market whilst embracing Black Swan’s approach to avoid supply chain disruption.

Harry Swan, CEO of Thomas Swan and chairman of Black Swan, commented: “Our journey in graphene commenced over a decade ago. After dedicated years of investing in graphene processing development, we established Black Swan to champion commercialization and downstream ventures. The efforts invested by Black Swan from its inception have now culminated in the creation of products ready for immediate commercial deployment, where they can be adopted without any supply chain disruption. Armed with this achievement, I am genuinely thrilled that Thomas Swan is now poised to harness its distribution channels and market access.”

This partnership has the potential to introduce a paradigm shift in sustainability through the innovative use of bio-based and recycled polymers using GEM as the enabler of features such as improved strength, impact resistance and barrier properties. These features will allow major companies to reduce their carbon footprint through the use of compostable consumer packaging materials. Thomas Swan has been distributing, as well as manufacturing chemicals and advanced materials since 1926, and is today a supplier to a substantial customer base in over 80 countries globally.

Distribution and Sales Agreement

Thomas Swan is appointed as non-exclusive distributor and reseller of Black Swan’s GEM Products within the polymer additive market, leveraging its extensive global network. The Agreement shall remain in force until the fifth anniversary of its effective date. Both parties have the option to renew the Agreement upon mutual agreement. The terms include the establishment of a framework for transparent pricing, shipment logistics, documentation provision, invoicing, payment terms, and other respective responsibilities.

Posted: January 24, 2024

Source: Black Swan Graphene Inc.

LINDAU, Germany — January 24, 2024 — After 35 years in the company, including 25 years as managing director, Peter D. Dornier will hand over the operational management of Lindauer DORNIER GmbH on July 1, 2024, to join the Supervisory Board of the family-owned company. His successor as chairman of the board of management will be Andreas Kueckelmann, previously technical managing director at DORNIER. He will be supported by commercial managing director Franz-Peter Matheis.

The planned change at the top is part of a rejuvenation of the operational level aiming to make the traditional family business fit for the future. “By handing over the operational management and making the planned move to the Supervisory Board, I am following DORNIER’s tradition of interweaving the established with the new,” says Peter D. Dornier.” As a member of the Supervisory Board, I will do everything in my power to ensure that Lindauer DORNIER remains an independent, internationally active family business and continues to operate successfully.”

Clear commitment to production in Germany

In 1989, after studying mechanical engineering in Esslingen and completing his diploma thesis in gas turbine design at mtu in Munich, Peter D. Dornier joined the family business, which his father Peter Dornier had founded in Lindau-Rickenbach in the summer of 1949 with engineers from Dornier’s former aircraft building division.

Taking over as speaker of the board of management in 1999 later on promoted to CEO, he continues to drive forward the technological development of DORNIER, already an internationally renowned mechanical and plant engineering company at the time. He is supported in this endeavour by longstanding employees. “The fact that Lindauer DORNIER has grown from a small sapling to a stately tree in the 75 years of its existence is due above all to the commitment and good ideas of our workforce,” said Peter D. Dornier.

Today, around 1,000 “Dornianers” work at the company, 63 of whom are trainees. Peter D. Dornier also remains true to the company’s clear commitment to producing all of its machines and systems exclusively in Germany. Basis for this are the “Seven Commandments”, principles of Lindauer DORNIER GmbH, which he developed with a group of leading employees after joining the company in the early 1990s and which still guide the company today.

DORNIER is currently realizing the largest investments in its recent company history in order to make the Lindau and Esseratsweiler sites fit for the future. In addition to modernizing the machinery, this also includes new photovoltaic systems on the roofs of the production halls. In the long term, DORNIER aims to cover most of its electricity requirements from renewable sources.

The investments in the new training center at the headquarters in Lindau also show that the family business is serious about rejuvenation. From 2024, up to 75 young people will be trained here on 1,000 square meters as mechatronics engineers, industrial mechanics, machine and plant operators as well as commercial employees and dual university students.

Strategic focus on flexibility and quality

During Peter D. Dornier’s tenure as CEO, the weaving machine division has been characterized by the increasing demand for technical textiles. While the manufacture of clothing and home textiles, which are also produced on DORNIER weaving machines, is mainly about mass, the focus for technical textiles for the chemical, automotive and aerospace industries is on precision, quality and maximum production reliability. Under his leadership, the engineering-driven company therefore consistently follows the new credo “Quality creates value” and positions itself as a reliable partner working closely together with manufacturers of high-quality, technically sophisticated fabrics.

These manufacturers also appreciate the durability and flexibility of DORNIER weaving machines, which achieve running times of over 40 years. To enable fabric manufacturers to convert DORNIER air-jet and rapier weaving machines more quickly, Peter D. Dornier is driving forward the platform concept. A milestone in this strategy was the market launch of the P2 rapier weaving machine in 2019. Thanks to its modular design, fabric manufacturers can easily adapt it and thus react quickly and flexibly to market fluctuations. “Anything that can be wound onto a yarn spool can be processed on a weaving machine from DORNIER,” says Peter D. Dornier, “whether airbags, protective clothing, vehicle tires or high-quality textiles made from silk, wool and linen — all these convenient and necessary companions of our modern life are produced worldwide every day using technology from Lindau on Lake Constance.”

Part of fast-growing future fields

When Peter D. Dornier took over the business of Lindauer DORNIER in 1999, smartphones, photovoltaic systems and electric cars in large quantities were still visions of the future. Today, DORNIER’s Special Machines division designs, develops and builds plants on which the company’s customers produce e.g. special films for smartphones, PV systems and lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.

Peter D. Dornier has thus “interwoven” the traditional family business from Lake Constance with three important and fast-growing future fields. Films for packaging food and medicines are also produced on these plants. Lindauer DORNIER GmbH is the market and technology leader in the field of machines for the production of biaxially oriented polyester film (BOPET).

As the company is heavily dependent on the global economy, with an export ratio of over 90 per cent, the special machines division has proven its worth, especially in difficult times. For example, while fewer textiles were woven during the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for packaging rose sharply due to the higher hygiene requirements worldwide.

Fibre composite components in series production

Peter D. Dornier demonstrated his pioneering spirit by founding the Composite Systems (CS) division in 2014, in which DORNIER bundles its decades of experience in the construction of weaving machines and film stretching systems. Here, the company develops state-of-the-art systems for the scalable series production of high-quality yet cost-effective composite semi-finished products made of carbon, glass and aramid for the growing fibre composite industry – an industry that is also on the rise due to increasing sustainability requirements and the associated demand for weight and CO2 savings. Highly specialised suppliers use CS systems to produce lightweight components for sports equipment, high-performance vehicles and aircraft.

In a way, Claude Dornier’s grandson is taking the company back to its roots: while the knowledge of the former aircraft engineers around founder Peter Dornier was used in the construction of weaving machines when Lindauer DORNIER was founded, the expertise of DORNIER engineers now flows into the production of components for the latest aircraft.

Posted: January 24, 2024

Source: Lindauer DORNIER GmbH

JEC World 2024 will see longstanding Alliance member Libeco join for the first time, providing 2D woven flax reinforcements for the composite sector, whilst CultureIn and Texinov Tech, both new to JEC in 2023, have also signed up again for 2024. In addition, long term Alliance members Bcomp, Demgy, Depestele, EcoTechnilin, Flipts & Dobbels, Safilin and Terre de Lin will exhibit a wide range of flax raw materials and composite products aimed at the automotive, aerospace, marine, sporting goods, design and lifestyle markets. On the JEC Mobility planets, Depestele, in partnership with GREENBOATS, will also display the natural fiber composite GREENLANDER van structure that has been nominated as a finalist in the 2024 JEC Innovation Awards.

The Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp will also present its latest scientific work package – adding reliable environmental impact data for European Flax fibre to the version 3.10 ecoinvent materials database. This is the first time European Flax long and short fiber data (representing 3/4 of global production) has been included in the ecoinvent database allowing flax users, industrials, and brands to move forwards with truly representative and reliable data.

Furthermore, as part of the JEC Composite Exchange, Dr Gilles Koolen, Postdoctoral Researcher at KU Leuven and Expert of the European Scientific Council of Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp alongside Alliance directors Marie Demaegdt, Sustainable Director and Julie Pariset, Innovation & CSR Director, will present a session titled Flax and Hemp: the natural fibres for composite solutions within the industry. The conference will highlight recent developments of flax-linen & hemp as advanced materials for the composite industry and will provide an update on the environmental trajectory for European Flax-Linen focusing on fiber and processing data co-construction, availability, and granularity. The session will take place on 5 May at 4.00PM on the Agora Stage in Hall 5.

“2024 promises to be another strong year for flax and hemp in composites”, says Julie Pariset, Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp. “At JEC, we can already see the impact that natural fibre composites have created across the composite sector. With European Flax fibre data now added to the ecoinvent database, we can provide the composite sector with accurate, scientifically proven data that will allow them to refine their own environmental trajectory.”

Posted: January 23, 2024

Source: Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp