March 2023 Composites Blog
March 15, 2023
New Biocomposite Could Replace Traditional Polymers in Manufacturing
An alliance between the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Novacart Group will bring a new biocomposite material to the plastics Industry. This material has the capacity to replace traditional polymers in various manufacturing applications and processes. The new biocomposite is compatible with current plastic product manufacturing methods such as blow molding, extrusion, 3D printing, and injection molding. So there is no need to change any of the machinery or processes when incorporating this new material. The end product is likely to be almost identical to one that is manufactured using plastic; however, the difference here is that the biocomposite is designed to be compostable and biodegradable. Only small amounts of the material are currently being produced, but mass production is expected to start by the end of the year, starting at a target 900 tones per year. Learn more here.
March 31, 2023
Japan and the U.K. look to Accelerate the Industrialization of Fusion Energy Using Composites
Japan and the U.K. look to Accelerate the Industrialization of Fusion Energy Using Composites
In the midst of potential energy scarcity, Japan and the U.K. are collaborating on various projects in an effort advance the energy transition from fossil fuels to fusion energy. Their first goal will be to develop a silicon carbide composite system to be used as a structural material inside a fusion machine. The two institutions collaborating on the project are Japan's Kyoto Fusioneering (KF) and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). The researchers believe that using SiC/SiC in the fusion machine's breeder blanket will optimize the efficiency and industrial viability of fusion power stations. The main goal is to build a composite system that is resistant against neutron damage and high temperatures. An important obstacle in this endeavor is developing appropriate post-irradiation examination methods that can give insights into the microstructural changes of SiC/SiC samples when exposed to radiation. Read More here.
