Hello everyone,
I commenced writing this post on May 21 branded as Judgement Day that predicted the end of the world. The reason being I was curious to see whether it would happen; in which case, this post would have remained unread. A CNBC News columnist stated that writers came down heavily on the prediction “with the fervour of Disney lawyers quashing a Mickey Mouse painting at a daycare center”. A fair sprinkling of people world over, however seem to attach greater importance to Apocalypse 2012… more precisely December 21, as it is tied to a real astronomical event – the earth and sun will be roughly lined up with the center of the Milky Way galaxy.
I am sure there are numerous agnostics who would scoff at such prophecies. Why stir the pot?
AEROSPACE AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Composites professionals in the aerospace sector would have been overjoyed to read a Bloomberg News report that Airbus aims to begin assembling the first A350 by end 2011 in France. Imagine flying in an airplane that has 50% composites by weight and also offers 20% operational savings over traditional aluminum models. Wing components, fuselage, access panels,ducting and overhead lockers are some of the parts that form the slew of composite products which would be featured in the aircraft. No doubt, Boeing‘s technology for the Dreamliner was revolutionary and paved the way for extensive use of composites in aircraft structures.
For frequent flyers and airlines alike, the stage is set for more comfortable and luxurious flying, if one were to go by the total makeover of cabin ambience imminent in the new generation airplanes.
At the recently concluded ACMA‘s Construction, Corrosion & Infrastructure Conference [CCI], one of the hot topics was infrastructure rehabilitation through use of composites. Interesting facts emerged such as composites requiring less than 90 days to rehabilitate a one-mile long bridge and that too at 15-20 % less cost. Further 90 % of concrete repair use carbon fiber composite [CFRP] with aramid and glass fiber being lesser options. Glass fiber composites’ [GFRP] susceptibility to creep failure is a major drawback. North America’s preference to use fabrics instead of laminates for rehabilitation stems from the logical advantage of the former being more flexible and therefore easier to manoeuver round columns and beams.
RENEWABLE SOLUTIONS
When it comes to renewable energy, the discussions are endless as also the multifarious options in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and reduction of carbon footprint. Earlier this month, the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change which met in Abu Dhabi made an ambitious forecast that 77% of the global energy sources in 2050 would be from renewables [wind power, solar power, biomass, geothermal, ocean energy & others], resulting in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and aided by cheaper technology for renewable energies.
Compare that with 13% in 2008 ! If that’s not progress with relentless pursuit, what is ?
A central Indiana city bus system is turning to wind power in hopes of cutting its electrical costs and reducing its environmental footprint, by installing three turbines each capable of generating up to 100KW of rated power and saving the bus system up to $40K in electricity costs and generating up to $250K in revenue from selling tax credits. Audi, in fact plans to use wind power as a source of clean energy for its upcoming electric and natural gas vehicles.
In situations that require seeking solutions against all odds or with definite intentions, the mind brooks no limits.
PIPES, PRICES and MORE
Polypropylene prices are at an all-time high in North America and are susceptible to supply disruptions for the next few years. For the third time this year, there has been a price increase totaling 37 cents/lb since January 1, arising mainly from shortage of propylene feedstock. This could negatively impact the D-LFT/LFRT and short fiber reinforced thermoplastics market with softening of demand, especially when the automotive sector is showing signs of revival.
The market for coated pipes is set to keep growing as applications in energy and water supply continue to increase. The highest demand for coatings is from Asia (23 %) followed by Europe at 19% and NAFTA/CIS States at 17%. Concrete at 42 % and external anti-corrosion at 38% are the highest value sectors. There is need for a newly developing market for pipelines [Pipe &Profile] in carbon capture and storage. The International Energy Agency predicts the need for 43,000 kms by 2030 for 1.44GT of carbon dioxide capture per annum.
One can already see a beeline of thermoplastic and composite pipe producers hopeful of tapping this emerging application.
The Eurozone’s economic growth accelerated in Q1 with the economy of 17 countries that use the euro growing at 0.8%. Germany alone reported 1.5 % growth, with the U.K. reporting 0.5%. While the dollar had one of its strongest weeks last week, pushing the euro to its lowest since last March, the strength is seen by many as short-lived. A correlation is also being built between the yuan and euro which, at times, have moved in tandem in recent years per a CNBC article. Many economists are factoring a 5% appreciation of the yuan this year (or over the next few years) which could cause the dollar to slide anywhere between 20-30% on indices based on baskets of currencies.
A stronger yuan could land a knock-out punch on trade competitors and partners in Asia and large emerging markets. Game on?
”PAIN AT THE PUMP”
For Americans, the “pain at the pump ” continues with oil prices well above the $ 100 mark and gas prices soaring to almost $4/gallon. It is however good news for composites in a convoluted way. An April poll shows general consensus that the U.S. Government should require car companies to boost fuel economy. Increases that could double the current 30mpg are being considered by the Environmental Protection & the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, amongst other bodies.
Composite raw material producers (glass fiber, carbon fiber, thermoplastic & thermosetting resins) and processors could possibly be laughing all the way to the bank in the coming 18 months on more extensive use in automotive applications? A distinct possibility, it appears!
AND NOW…BEER!
Beer has always been considered a man’s drink. In a recent Gallup poll via CNBC on U.S. drinking habits, only 27% of women named beer as their preferred drink. Wine was the top choice at 48%. As for men, beer was the top drink (54%). Considering the fact that only 6% women listed beer as their top drink in 2009 , the recent stats is a sea change! Danish-base brewer Carlsberg is looking to speed up the trend by offering a gender-neutral beer with a balanced taste…..a real alternate to white wine and champagne. The beer is set to be released in Denmark later this year and the rest of Europe and part of Asia in 2012.
Americans would have to wait for this beer – it is not scheduled to come to the U.S. anytime soon! A revolution in liquor taste & guzzling – why not?
Till the next post,
Cheers,
S. Sundaram
Email: SS@essjaycomposites.com
Twitter: @essjaycomposite
Website : www.essjaycomposites.com
Sundaram
ESSJAY Composites 
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