Research and Development in Carbon Fibers and Advanced High-Performance Composites Supply Chain in Europe: A Roadmap for Challenges and the Industrial Uptake

Abstract

Structural materials, typically based on metal, have been gradually substituted by high-performance composites based on carbon fibers, embedded in a polymer matrix, due to their potential to provide lighter, stronger, and more durable solutions. In the last decades, the composites industry has witnessed a sustained growth, especially due to diffusion of these materials in key markets, such as the construction, wind energy, aeronautics, and automobile sectors. Carbon fibers are, by far, the most widely used fiber in high-performance applications. This important technology has huge potential for the future and it is expected to have a significant impact in the manufacturing industry within Europe and, therefore, coordination and strategic roadmapping actions are required. To lead a further drive to develop the potential of composites into new sectors, it is important to establish strategic roadmapping actions, including the development of business and cost models, supply chains implementation, and development, suitability for high volume markets and addressing technology management. Europe already has a vibrant and competitive composites industry that is supported by several research centers, but for its positioning in a forefront position in this technology, further challenges are still required to be addressed.

Study of the Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber Composites with Synthetic Rubber Using Used Cooking Oil as a Softener

“…Tear strength of 59.2 kN/m is higher than B, C, and D formulas but lower than E formula. The specific gravity value before aging of 1.173 g/cm 3 , and after aging of 1.171 g/cm 3 , is higher than B, and C formulas, but lower than D, and E formulas. The abrasion resistance before the aging of 202.2 mm 3 is higher than B, C, and D formulas but lower than E formula.…”

“…Differences in the mechanical properties of materials in a mixture can complement each other to form a mixture that is better than the original material. Polymer matrix composites in the last decade have been widely used for various engineering goods applications in order to improve the mechanical properties of the products produced [1][2][3][4].…”

End-of-Life Recycling Options of (Nano)Enhanced CFRP Composite Prototypes Waste—A Life Cycle Perspective

“…Composites science and technology are developing rapidly, providing new material solutions, addressing the requirement for high performance [ 1 ]. Composites have the ability to be tailored for specific end uses; they offer superior properties such as high strength to weight ratios, high flexural and impact strengths, corrosion and heat resistance, durability, dimensional stability, design flexibility, and aesthetics [ 2 ].…”

Fabrication and Characterization of Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer–FeSi Composites with Enhanced Magnetic Properties

“…In recent years, carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) composites have continued to emerge in industrial and commercial applications in areas such as aerospace, aircraft, automobiles, transportation, construction, etc. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ] Nowadays, as the interest in those composites continue to grow and they are generally not magnetic materials, it is believed that the application of those composites can be extended if they are magnetically conductive [ 8 , 9 ]. Carbon fibers, owing to their high specific strength, high specific stiffness, good fatigue strength and low density, are commonly used as reinforcing materials in polymer [ 10 ] and metal matrix composites [ 11 ].…”