AGC Developed Two New Out-of-Autoclave Composite Materials

The Advanced Composites Group (AGC) in Tulsa, OK presented a technical paper on their two newest “out-of-autoclave” process composite materials. The industry today is currently looking hard at avoiding autoclaves and the interest in “out-of-autoclave” (or OOA as they are referred too) processing is higher than ever. Several papers presented at SAMPE 2009 reflect this wide interest — as well as two non-scheduled meetings held in Baltimore on the subject that captured many attendees. AGC presented several fabrication and testing summaries on their MTM45-1 and MTM44-1 materials.

They provided a wealth of new technical data on mechanical properties and processing information for these materials. It was also noted that these products are also usable for RFI (resin film infusion) processing along with various complex preform structures. Cure cycles avoid many of the problems inherent in autoclave, prepreg systems. This paper is also published in the SAMPE CD Proceedings and was awarded the 3rd place in the Outstanding Technical Paper contest in Baltimore.

Thermal Management Materials Update

In case you missed it at SAMPE 2009 last week, the paper presented by Dr. Carl Zweben on “thermal management” materials advances and current applications was excellent. He noted that although we are in an early stage of more development within this critical area, there are a number of polymer-based, metal-based and ceramic-based composites that are currently addressing needs in thermal management. The article has numerous applications covered and his presentation at SAMPE 2009 held the best attendance of that session. The paper is still available through the printed CD ROM Proceedings that SAMPE has for this conference.

Tuesday’s Opening Exhibition Day @ SAMPE 2009

Floor traffic was great at SAMPE’s 2009 Symposium & Exhibition on Tuesday, the opening day of three exhibition days running through Thursday (May 21st). The number of exhibitors was certainly increased over last year and was quite busy for an opening day. SAMPE also offered on-floor exhibitors technical presentations during the day that were well attended.

Dr. David Warren (Low Cost Carbon Fiber) Keynote

Low cost, commercial carbon fiber developments were really covered very nicely in Dr. Warren’s SAMPE 2009 Keynote address yesterday. The work, led by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory team and their contractors, shows a lot of promise in obtaining lower cost carbon fiber materials into the commercial industry. And, it looks as if the possibility exists for addressing the needed commercial applications capacity in many areas such as — automotive, oil & gas, wind energy, alternative energy, civil infrastructure, and numerous other important areas. He noted he would make the presentation available via SAMPE for those interested.

Marc Stanley, NIST Keynote Address @ SAMPE 2009

Tuesday’s Keynote address by Marc Stanley (NIST) on their newest Technology Innivation Program (TIP) was very interesting and informative to the conference attendees. Most interesting for SAMPE members (and non-members) was the fact that this US Government funding program will offer unique opportunities within two critical areas immediately: Civil Engineering and Manufacturing. Five supporting subgroups were evident, with Wind Energy and “Green” Technology applications taking the front lead. Lots of great information. He noted his slide presentation would be available through SAMPE …

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