Leading with Composite Materials
May 14, 2011Composite materials are increasing with popularity on a regular basis. Innovators are constantly coming up with great new ways to use composites. Composites are a lighter and stronger alternative to many materials. They are being used in so many ways and have become so popular that JEC Composites hosts a composites show all around the world. International buyers and suppliers come to the event to see what new innovations are being manufactured. The show is a great platform for composite autoclave manufacturers like ASC Process Systems. Companies like these get a chance to showcase their products and demonstrate their software advances.
The show is the perfect platform to launch new inventions and ideas involving composite materials in front of a dynamic group of potential buyers, suppliers, and peers. Composite innovators have been focusing on ideas that reduce environmental impact, while reducing cost. Renewable energy features were a big hit at the 2011 JEC Composites show held in Paris, France. Wind blades constructed, of course, by composite material were show cased. Also the Wind Explorer, a two seat electric car made from carbon fiber composite and powered by mostly wind energy, was featured. Inventions like these are paving the way for composite innovations that aid in recycling and the reduction of energy in some way.
Composite materials are usually man-made. Inside the material is a three-dimensional combination of at least two chemically distinct materials. Of the two materials, one is called the reinforcing phase and the other one is called the matrix phase. The reinforcing phase is the in the form of fibers, particles, or sheets that is embedded with the matrix phase. The matrix phase can be metal, ceramic, or polymer. The composite material has a distinct interface separating the components. Composites, or result of combing these two materials, cannot be achieved by any of the single components acting alone.
The curing of composites requires the compacting of the plies of material, then pressing this material against the mold, forcing out volatiles and excess resin, and holding everything motionless during the entire cure cycle. Using an autoclave, the structural adhesive bonding forces the parts together and holds them while the adhesive cures. Unlike a press, the autoclave applies pressure uniformly irrespective of the shape of the workload. Processing by autoclave is far more costly than oven heating and is therefore generally used only when isocratic pressure must be applied to a workload of comparatively complex shape.
Composites make up the concrete in our foundations and the sidewalks we walk on. Composites are our imitation granite, cultured marble sinks and counter tops in our kitchens. Our storage tanks, shower stalls and bathtubs are all made of composites. Composite materials have become very popular in high-performance products. They are the bodies of the race cars we love and the fuselages in planes. They are the future of our spacecraft and are also becoming a staple in the realm of orthopedic surgery. Advances in composites are sure to provide us with a brighter and a more environment-friendly future.
Looking for an Autoclave? then come check out ASC Process Systems at http://www.aschome.com
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