[ad_1]
If there’s been one fixed in my 35-plus years within the polymer trade, it’s change. Composite supplies, applied sciences and manufacturing processes are frequently evolving. That was abundantly evident on the present ground and in instructional classes at CAMX 2022 in Anaheim, Calif., in October.
The joy at CAMX underscored my perception that our trade is gaining momentum after the COVID-19 pandemic. There are some lingering impacts, however we’ve made one other big step ahead. The ACMA Board of Administrators revisited and revised the affiliation’s strategic plan final 12 months, and it’s put us on the trail ahead. We’re participating trade and political leaders to assist be sure that composites develop into the sustainable materials of alternative. (The Legislative & Regulatory column on web page 28 discusses two lately handed payments, the CHIPS and the Science Act, which create alternatives for composites.)
Sustainability is a focus of ACMA’s new strategic plan. Underneath the plan, ACMA’s Local weather Impression Challenge (CIP) will present member corporations with training and sources to achieve a sustainability pushed market. This dedication was on show at CAMX, which featured classes on the trade outlook for sustainability, the idea of internet zero and far more. Starting in 2023, Composites Manufacturing journal will embrace a month-to-month column dedicated to sustainability – and the way ACMA can assist you cut back local weather impacts and market composite merchandise as a sustainable answer – written by John Schweitzer, senior advisor to the president at ACMA.
One instance of a sustainable composite answer is highlighted on this concern’s annual protection of college R&D (web page 17). Researchers on the College of Tennessee Knoxville have developed composite panel envelope retrofits to make properties extra vitality environment friendly. It’s one among 4 analysis initiatives coated within the article.
Whereas these forward-thinking initiatives could not have an effect on your enterprise immediately, it’s essential to remain knowledgeable about trade developments. Earlier this fall, I attended Ceramics Expo 2022 in Cleveland and realized in regards to the newest improvements in superior ceramics and glass. One which caught my consideration was ceramic prepregs. I didn’t know they existed! Since then, I’ve been considering what would occur in the event you combined ceramic supplies and carbon fiber to create a hybrid composite.
[ad_2]
