Composites

Decathlon, a leader in sports equipment and apparel, is stepping up to address shoe pollution with its innovative mono-material shoes, designed for more efficient recycling. Shoe pollution poses a major environmental challenge. Millions of discarded shoes, made from a mix of materials, end up in landfills each year. These materials release harmful substances as they slowly decompose.

The case study from Citrine on the AI-driven development of additives for the carbon fiber manufacturing process outperformed conventional approaches by 4x in its ability to pinpoint viable candidates. This illustrates the transformative impact AI and machine learning (ML) have on materials science.

French startup Motion Concept Group has developed a zero-emission electric outboard motor can propel small boats, dinghies, surfboards, standup paddle boards and even underwater snorkelers.

Toray Industries Inc. and MODEC Inc. have jointly developed another technique for repairing offshore oil and gas platforms. This latest approach uses a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic patch, together with epoxy resin, to fix small areas affected by corrosion.

The future of commercial aviation is heading towards supersonic flights, and the development of new composite materials that meet the highest thermal and stiffness requirements will be the keystone for this new era in air transportation.

Composite materials with natural fibers are presented as alternative and sustainable solutions for manufacturing finishes in fully recyclable vehicles. The French company “Automotive Performance Materials” has sought to leverage the country’s high hemp production to produce these composites.

On the journey towards sustainability, car manufacturers have faced a significant challenge in reducing the carbon footprint associated with the use of animal leather in vehicle upholstery and interiors.  Some have chosen to rigorously trace the supply chain of animal leather, while others have partnered with innovative emerging companies. A few have embarked on designing their own leather using recycled materials.

Carbon-fibre reinforced compounds play a pivotal role in demanding applications like automotive, aviation, and renewable energy due to their blend of rigidity, mechanical strength, and lightness. However, recycling these compounds, especially in wind turbines, has been a persistent challenge. As part of the Wind Turbine Materials Recycling Challenge by the US Department of Energy, scientists are spearheading innovative solutions, with a particular focus on chemical recycling.

A pair of U.S. defense-related organizations –– America Makes and NCDMM –– have awarded funds to a project designed to optimize recycled PET (rPET) and rPET-based composites in filament-fed material extrusion 3D printing.

A young couple in Italy has married advanced polymer technology with an ancient Japanese art form to develop a new type of highly portable solar panel. Inspired by origami, startup firm Levante Srl is using recycled carbon fiber to create a lightweight folding panel.

Most toothbrushes are made of 100% plastic, contributing to environmental concerns. However, the real challenge lies in finding sustainable alternatives for the bristles.

The quest for innovative and sustainable materials continues, and a groundbreaking solution emerges—Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (PE) infused with a dynamic inclusion complex of β-cyclodextrin and d-limonene (CD-lim). This novel composite not only showcases promising mechanical properties but also introduces a powerful antimicrobial feature.