Hello everyone,
This post comes at a time when many would be planning their summer getaway and/or traveling. Judging by the soaring mercury that cut short spring in several parts of North America and Europe, thereby ushering in an early summer, weeks in advance; resorts & beaches would be all set to beckon many holidayers with open arms.
After the holiday-mood opener, readers may castigate me for the damp squib that follows. The most recent announcement by the Bank For International Settlements (BIS) has warned that low interest rates across the globe are a threat to world financial stability [BBC Business News]. It warned that low cost of borrowing had resulted in a credit and property price boom that was fueling inflation, more so in emerging economies. In a CNN News publication, BIS spoke of the need for global economic growth to slow in order to curb inflationary pressure around the world and urging nations to act urgently to close budget deficits.
The global economy requires to dorn a new avatar… it would be awhile even for Merlin’s magic wand to restore the 2007 economic glory. Is not hope a soothing balm that is savored by one and all, for obvious reasons?
BUZZWORDS: RENEWABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT…& STEEL?
Renewable energy continues to be the buzzword of many nations bolstered by GWEC‘s prediction that renewable technologies could supply the world with more energy than it would ever need and, that too, at a highly competitive cost. A column in The Montreal Gazette cited stats from the U.S. Energy Information Authority [EIA] on the cost in $/MWH of different energy sources: conventional coal power ($100.40), natural gas ($83.10), nuclear ($119.00), onshore wind power ($149.30), offshore wind power ($191.30). EIA further states that the ability to produce electricity on demand is 85 % for coal, 87% for natural gas, 90% for nuclear and 34-39 % for wind power. The focus on wind power however remains and, from a composites viewpoint, it implies thousand of tons of glass fiber, carbon fiber and thermosetting resins!
As per Trade Arabia News, the International Energy Agency (IEA) believes that global demand for natural gas is poised to rise by 13.6% between 2010 and 2016, with the bulk of growth coming from rising power generation. Little wonder that the U.S. is pushing for shale rock drilling to tap the vast gas reserves, while Qatar remains the undisputed leader in LNG.
A recent Bloomberg Businessweek column on demand for armored cars made for interesting reading. It mentioned that the demand for armor-plated cars is a rage in Venezuela – dubbed as the new murder capital of South America and displacing Columbia in the process. Apparently, the global demand for armored vehicles & ballistic protection is on the rise for different reasons… the bottomline is however protection to human lives and the answer is, inevitably composites [be it aramid, glass, polyethylene fiber based].
COMPOSITES, ALUMINUM : SKY-HIGH COMPETITION
Just as we were continuing to rave about the extensive use of composites in the next generation Airbus and Boeing airplanes, comes the news of leading aluminum producer Alcoa announcing the development of a new aluminum alloy and claiming possibilities of planes being 10% lighter than composite – intensive airplanes [Autopia].
When it comes to lightweight materials, we are probably on the cusp of witnessing games of one upmanship in the future. It definitely goes to show that composites cannot rest on its laurels for prolonged periods. Are carbon fiber and resin producers taking note?
More competition from competing materials… this time from steel. If you think that steel is eternally heavy, think again! A Detroit engineer claims to have recently developed a heat treatment that makes steel 7% stronger than any steel on record – and, that too, in less than 10 seconds. The new steel has tested stronger and more shock – absorbing than most common titanium alloys [R&D]. The new steel may hold the key to make cars and military vehicles stronger, lighter and more fuel-efficient!!
Phew ! – are we about to witness a Materials Revolution in the coming years? It may not be an outlandish thought, prima facie.
OUT GOES ONE, IN COMES ANOTHER
Brace for more startling news on the composites front. Styrene has been listed as a “reasonably anticipated” carcinogen in the latest (June 2011) “Report on Carcinogens” following observations in the National Toxicology Program . We are all aware of LSE resins that have been in use for decades by the composites industry. The increasing popularity of bio-based resins should serve as a fillip to the composites industry …especially due to the fact that the bio- based resins are finding increasing commercial applications in automotive, building/construction and other sectors.
The composites industry has always been ahead of competition through its relentless pursuit of technological innovation backed by a strong track record. When one door closes, another opens – a familiar cliche worth remembering at this juncture.
HOT OFF THE PRESS!
Last week, China announced the successful test run of its new high-speed bullet train topping 350kms/hour as part of its nationwide high-speed network. It outpaced Japan’s newest bullet train March debut of 300kms/hour. This bodes well for both composites and aluminum that would be extensively used in these high-speed trains.
I am reminded of the James Bond movie with a slight twist to the title “Live and let Live” (not Die). Who says that competing materials cannot complement each other successfully? After all, it is the innovative ingenuity of the designers that come into play when using such combinations of diverse materials of construction. When it comes to lightweight, the stakes are definitely higher.
For carbon fiber producers and processors, there was some news to cheer about. MotoGP bikes could soon be made with a carbon fiber chassis (much to the chagrin of Japanese bike makers) wherein the engine is considered as a stressed member with a carbon swingarm attached to it, as reported by Bikesport News.
Whether it is bikes, cars or bullet trains… speed thrills. The icing on the cake is the exciting synergistic combination of lightweight materials that makes such high speeds attainable, yet safe.
PRECIOUS LIQUIDS: OIL AND COFFEE
While oil prices and stockmarkets have sent us in a tizzy in recent weeks, how many know that 46% of a barrel of oil is refined into gasoline, another 40% into jet and fuel oil while a paltry 2% becomes petrochemicals (polyethylene, benzene etc) with the rest going to other uses.
After a century of coffee economy, Brazil (as an elite member of BRICS) is benefiting from the right policies, regaining international credibility and more recognition. It survived the financial crisis better than most. It will soon host the both the Olympic Games and the Soccer World Cup within two years of each other.
Now that’s ambition & recognition and great news for composites usage in the stadia and infrastructure for the mega events.
Till the next post,
Cheers,
S. Sundaram
Email: SS@essjaycomposites.com
Twitter: @essjaycomposite
Website: www.essjaycomposites.com
Sundaram
ESSJAY Composites 
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