Aviation, aerospace, energy and automobile sectors are the key markets, where high performance fiber composites will find ample opportunities.
Jim Kaufmann, Senior Engineer with Woonsocket, Rhode Island based TEAM, Inc. speaking to a standing room only crowd in the recent Techtextil North America 2013 Conference presented an optimistic view for fiber based high performance composite industry.Aviation, aerospace, energy and automobile sectors are the key markets, where high performance fiber composites will find ample opportunities.
Jim Kaufmann, Senior Engineer with #
He outlined some of the challenges that are faced by the high performance fiber composite industry such as: 1) high manufacturing costs compared to competing materials; 2) high energy costs for heating and curing; 3) high raw material costs and 4) environmental concern.
According to Mr. Kaufmann, fiber based high performance composite industry is competing against “plain old steel”. In his view, lack of good composite materials database has deterred market penetration of the high performance fiber composites to a greater extent.
The high performance composite industry is driven by quantifiable specifications and defined criteria. And, therefore generally good database is important.
Number one market lies in the aviation and aerospace industry and the usage of composites in the automotive sector is growing. Although sports industry is maturing, niche opportunities exist in sports, said Kaufmann.
According to The Freedonia Group, the high performance composites market in the United States is expected to grow by 15% annually.
Seshadri Ramkumar
News
Articles
Interviews
Webinars
Events
Advertise with us
About Us
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
