- Email: [email protected]
PEEK powders reduce wear and tear
Researchers at Queen’s University in Belfast have developed carbon fiber simulation tools.
system which uses virtual testing to predict how carbon fiber composites will re-
act when impacted, when crushed, or when put under extreme loading – allow-
TECHNOLOGY
ing for improved crashworthiness design and reducing impact to passengers,’ said Professor Falzon. ‘Using mathematics and computer software, our Advanced Composites Research Group at Queen’s has developed a system which is as close to reality as possible and can pick up problems that may not always be visible, such as internal wing damage on a plane which may occur during operation. By understanding the failure mechanisms of composite materials such as carbon fiber, we are able to better exploit their unique properties and create very lightweight transportation structures. This will minimise environmental impact whilst ensuring utmost safety to passengers.’ Queen’s University in Belfast; www.qub.ac.uk
PEEK powders reduce wear and tear Chemicals and composites company Evonik has developed a range of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) powders which it says can reduce part wear and tear. The Vestakeep powders are brand are suitable for applications that are subject to extreme mechanical, thermal and chemical requirements. The coating material is able to withstand permanent operating temperatures of up to 2508C and can resist abrasion and chemicals. The friction between sliding surfaces is significantly reduced, which in turn increases efficiency and economy of
The PEEK powders are comprised of particles with average particle sizes ranging from 5 to 110 mm.
operations. The Vestakeep coatings also allow for employing more cost-efficient substrate materials for components used in applications with sliding friction. The PEEK powders are comprised of particles with average particle sizes ranging from 5 to 110 mm. They can be applied by flame and electrostatic spraying methods, or as aqueous dispersions. With electrostatic application, layer thicknesses can range from 20 to 300 mm, and dispersions are suitable for thinner layers. Evonik; www.evonik.com
JV to develop polyketone composites PEEK manufacturer Victrex and composite lay-up specialist Tri-Mack Plastics Manufacturing Corporation have established a joint venture called TxV Aero Composites, to improve the commercial adoption of polyketone (PAEK) composite in aerospace. The aim of the joint venture is to offer a range of PAEK composites, from custom laminates to pre-formed composite inserts for hybrid molding processes, as well as finished composite parts and complete over-molded hybrid composite components and assemblies. These products can reportedly deliver weight savings of up to 60% over conventional metallic solutions, and offer continuous manufacturing
David Hummel, chief executive of Victrex.
processes and cycle times measured in minutes versus hours for thermoset alternatives. The investment includes the establishment of a new US-based manufacturing facility. ‘This is a hugely exciting opportunity to accelerate innovative and differentiated solutions for our customers in the aerospace industry,’ said David Hummel, chief executive of Victrex. ‘With an estimated 35,000 new aircraft to be launched in the next 20 years, the aerospace industry is embracing thermoplastic composites as a cost-effective solution to support this growth,’ said Will Kain, president of Tri-Mack. TxV Aero Composites; www.txvaero.com 141
TECHNOLOGY
Reinforced Plastics Volume 61, Number 3 May/June 2017
system which uses virtual testing to predict how carbon fiber composites will re-
act when impacted, when crushed, or when put under extreme loading – allow-
TECHNOLOGY
ing for improved crashworthiness design and reducing impact to passengers,’ said Professor Falzon. ‘Using mathematics and computer software, our Advanced Composites Research Group at Queen’s has developed a system which is as close to reality as possible and can pick up problems that may not always be visible, such as internal wing damage on a plane which may occur during operation. By understanding the failure mechanisms of composite materials such as carbon fiber, we are able to better exploit their unique properties and create very lightweight transportation structures. This will minimise environmental impact whilst ensuring utmost safety to passengers.’ Queen’s University in Belfast; www.qub.ac.uk
PEEK powders reduce wear and tear Chemicals and composites company Evonik has developed a range of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) powders which it says can reduce part wear and tear. The Vestakeep powders are brand are suitable for applications that are subject to extreme mechanical, thermal and chemical requirements. The coating material is able to withstand permanent operating temperatures of up to 2508C and can resist abrasion and chemicals. The friction between sliding surfaces is significantly reduced, which in turn increases efficiency and economy of
The PEEK powders are comprised of particles with average particle sizes ranging from 5 to 110 mm.
operations. The Vestakeep coatings also allow for employing more cost-efficient substrate materials for components used in applications with sliding friction. The PEEK powders are comprised of particles with average particle sizes ranging from 5 to 110 mm. They can be applied by flame and electrostatic spraying methods, or as aqueous dispersions. With electrostatic application, layer thicknesses can range from 20 to 300 mm, and dispersions are suitable for thinner layers. Evonik; www.evonik.com
JV to develop polyketone composites PEEK manufacturer Victrex and composite lay-up specialist Tri-Mack Plastics Manufacturing Corporation have established a joint venture called TxV Aero Composites, to improve the commercial adoption of polyketone (PAEK) composite in aerospace. The aim of the joint venture is to offer a range of PAEK composites, from custom laminates to pre-formed composite inserts for hybrid molding processes, as well as finished composite parts and complete over-molded hybrid composite components and assemblies. These products can reportedly deliver weight savings of up to 60% over conventional metallic solutions, and offer continuous manufacturing
David Hummel, chief executive of Victrex.
processes and cycle times measured in minutes versus hours for thermoset alternatives. The investment includes the establishment of a new US-based manufacturing facility. ‘This is a hugely exciting opportunity to accelerate innovative and differentiated solutions for our customers in the aerospace industry,’ said David Hummel, chief executive of Victrex. ‘With an estimated 35,000 new aircraft to be launched in the next 20 years, the aerospace industry is embracing thermoplastic composites as a cost-effective solution to support this growth,’ said Will Kain, president of Tri-Mack. TxV Aero Composites; www.txvaero.com 141
TECHNOLOGY
Reinforced Plastics Volume 61, Number 3 May/June 2017