FRP COMPOSITES

TODAY
INSTITUTE

Official Publication of FRP Institute, India. Vol.8 Issue 01 January 2023

COMPOSITES - THE CATALYST OF GROWTH

Construction of net-zero roads

using basalt fibre composites

Graphene nanotubes reduce weight of

breathing apparatus cylinder weight

Reclaiming continuous carbon fibres

from composites pressure tanks
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 Inside this issue
INDUSTRY DIGEST
06
India will become a hub of drone technology: Union Minister
ST Advanced Composites made the spacecraft rover structure for
P10 UAE's Moon Mission
Indian Coast Guard concludes maiden contract for 10 multicopter
drones
TSF Group sets up production unit in pact with Leggaro Composites
Italy
Recyclable composites help drive net-zero goal
Strohm provides Thermoplastic Composite Pipe flowlines for major
European natural gas and hydrogen hub.
Saertex expands its global production network
P26 Steelhead Composites receives ASME certification for FRP pressure
vessels
Reclaiming continuous carbon fibres from composites pressure tanks
P27 Recycling and reusing windmill blades
Asahi Kasei develops basic technology for recycling continuous carbon
fibre
FEATURE ARTICLE 24
Composites - The Catalyst of Growth

TOOLS & TECHNIQUES 27

Software for design, simulation, and optimization
Electric drive press for composites parts production
P30 APPLICATION TRENDS
29
Super Formula race car built with sustainable composites
Construction of Net-zero roads using basalt fibre composites
Sailing cargo ship with carbon fibre composites mast
Carbon fibre composites flashlights

MATERIAL MATTERS
33
P33
Graphene nanotubes reduce weight of breathing apparatus cylinder

Classified Ads/Business Guide 34

Cover image: Sailing cargo ship with carbon fibre composites mast. Article on page 31

Published by Dr. A. Selvam, Executive Secretary, FRP Institute, No. 6/11, Rama Krishna street, Nehru Nagar, Chromepet, Chennai-
600044. Registered office address: FRP Institute, NP 23/24, Developed Plot, Ekkattuthangal, Chennai 600032.India.
Phone: +91 44 43563572, Mobile: +91 9841426644. Email: drselvam@frpinstitute.org. www.frpinstitute.org, www.icerpshow.com

Publisher does not give warranty to the content or the material appearing in the magazine, its accuracy, time line or fitness to any particular purpose. The publisher disclaims all responsibility for
damage or loss in the use and dissemination of the information. The views expressed by the authors are their own and they do not necessarily reflect those of the organaisation they belong

04 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023

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 INDUSTRY DIGEST
India will become a hub of drone technology: Union Minister
Launch of 1st Drone Skilling & Training Conference and Flag off Drone Yatra
India will become a hub of drone technology and India will
require at least 1 lakh drone pilots by next year, says Union
Information and Broadcasting Minister Shri. Anurag Singh
Thakur. He was addressing the gathering after flagging of the
'Drone Yatra 2.0', in Chennai recently.
Technology is truly transforming the world at a rapid rate and it
has never been more relevant than now as its applications are
solving some of the most pressing problems on the planet, said
the Minister. He said “Prime Minister Modi once remarked that
'India has a billion solutions to a million problems.' As the country
of a billion plus people, India is increasingly leveraging
technology to stay ahead of the curve”.
Detailing the advancements in drone technology in India, he said
that during the Beating Retreat, the entire nation was
mesmerised by the spectacular display of 1000 'Made in India'
drones by Indian start-up 'Botlab Dynamics' led by an IIT alumni.
As a part of the SWAMITVA scheme (Survey of villages and
mapping with improvised technology in village areas), the
survey of the land and houses are being prepared through
drones in the villages, he added. Drones are increasingly being
used to sprinkle pesticides and nano fertilizers in the fields in
rural villages.
He said that recently, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had granted
conditional exemption to the Board of Control for Cricket in India
(B C C I) for the deployment of drones for live aerial
cinematography of the India Cricket Season in 2021.
06 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023
He remarked that as part of the "Kisan Drone Yatra",
inaugurated by PM Shri. Narendra Modi 100 Kisan Drones
were sent to villages across the country to spray pesticides. He
quoted the PM Modi's remark that, “Kisan Drone is now the
beginning of a new age revolution in this direction.”
He appreciated the great effort made by Garuda Aerospace,
India's largest Drone Manufacturing Facility. While visiting the
facility minister witnessed the advanced tools & manufacturing
process of Garuda Kisan Drones which PM Modi had
inaugurated last year. He expressed his happiness regarding
the achievement made by the facility in such a short time.
Engineers in the facility explained the minister in detail, the
workings of the advanced 'Make in India' Drones.
He reiterated the government commitment to promote the use
of technology in the agriculture sector in order to increase farm
production. It is envisaged that these drones will help in
streamlining the use of pesticides in farms, which will further
improve the profitability of our farmers.
In May this year, PM Modi had inaugurated India's biggest
Drone Festival - Bharat Drone Mahotsav 2022, wherein he had
interacted with Kisan drone pilots. Promotion of drone
technology is another medium of advancing our commitment to
good governance and ease of living.
He said today, Drone technology is essential for various fields
from defence to agriculture and health to entertainment. India is
also moving towards creating a strong drone manufacturing
INDUSTRY DIGEST

ecosystem in the country through schemes like Production

Linked Incentive (PLI), he added.

He said that Modi Government strives to boost the demand for

cutting-edge drone technology and services in a three pronged
approach. Effective policy that is the new Drone Rules, 2021;
providing incentive in the form of PLI for Drones and Drone
Components; And creating indigenous demand wherein 12
Ministries of the Central government have been given the task to
take it forward.

Stating that India will require at least 1 lakh pilots in 2023, he said
that each pilot will earn at least Rs 50-80 thousand a month. If
you take the Conservative Average even Rs 50,000 × 1 lakh
youth × 12 months = Rs. 6000 crores a year worth employment
could be created in the Drone sector, he said

Apart from this, Industries and Government agencies which use

Drones will also be impacted. He appreciated that Garuda
Aerospace's plan to make one lakh 'Made in India' drones in the
next two years.

Garuda's Drone Skilling & Training Conference which is to be

conducted in 775 districts across the country hopes to reach 10
lakh Youth. With an aim to train 1 lakh Youth to significantly
impact not just the Drone ecosystem or generate employment
for Youth, but hopes to create a massive impact in Agriculture,
Mining, Government departments & Other industries.

While noting that currently there are over 200 drone start-ups
operating in the country, the minister said that this number will
increase to generate lakhs of new job opportunities for the youth.

Effective policies, incentives to industry and 'ease of doing

business' is providing the much needed impetus to the Drone
Sector which shows its huge potential in India, Minister said.
“Aligned to PM Modi's vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat,' I am
confident that the growing innovation and cutting-edge drone
technology ecosystem will ensure a self-reliant and self-
sustainable New India in the Amrit Kaal”, he added.

Minister operated a drone to mark the inauguration of 1st Drone

Skilling & Training Conference. Minister awarded the certificates
for the students who completed the Drone pilot training.

08 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023

INDUSTRY DIGEST

ST Advanced Composites made the

spacecraft rover structure for
UAE's Moon Mission
United Arab Emirates launched the Moon mission in December
11th 2022. This was the first Moon mission by the Emirates Space
Agency. The overall structure of the Moon rover –Rasheed,
including carbon fibre reinforced plastics and metallic
components, was fabricated by Chennai based SME, ST
Composites. The rover was launched on SpaceX rocket Falcon
on Hakuto-R lander built by Japan's Ispace.

ST Advanced Composites, the eight-year-old company founded

by Mr. Devendra Thirunavukarasu, has been working with Indian
Space Research Organisation and other private companies in
aerospace field. According to reports the ground test model was
tested in various locations around the world, including France
and the United States. The production of the actual flight model
was then given the go-ahead.

Indian Coast Guard concludes

maiden contract for 10
multicopter (VTOL) drones

In a major boost to Marine Surveillance and Interdiction

capabilities, the Indian Coast Guard has concluded maiden
contract for 10 multicopter (VTOL) drones in consonance with
Government of India's policy of embracing Drone Technology.

These drones are capable of being launched from both Ships

whilst underway, as well as Shore Stations and will play a
significant role in the reach if ICG unit during Surveillance &
Security operations. In addition, these drones are going to assist
in Search and Rescue (SAR), both by day as well as night. The
ICG plans to induct 100 additional drones by 2025, to meet the
ever-growing challenges in India's Maritime Zones and Search &
Rescue Region.

10 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023

 INDUSTRY DIGEST
TSF Group sets up unit in pact
with Leggaro Composites Italy
According to reports, TS Santhanam family of the TVS Group
has recently opened a manufacturing unit of Leggaro
Composites for manufacturing of carbon fibre components to
serve the global luxury car market. TSF group had a strategic
partnership with Italy-based MIND S.r., which has been serving
marquee customers across Europe. The company boasts of
complete integration in design and production of composites
components. TSF group's large-scale manufacturing and
automation experience complements MIND's existing
capabilities, according to a statement.
The reports also quote Sriram Viji – Management Member,
Leggaro Composites and Managing Director, Brakes India,
“Establishing Leggaro's manufacturing facility in Chennai is a
milestone, which will allow us to scale up our presence and
provide cost-effective composites solutions across industries,”
The plants in Bologna, Italy, and Chennai, India have a built-up
area of 10,000 square metres with specialisation in delivering
components in composites.
12 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023
Recyclable composites help to
drive net-zero goal
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US scientists designed a
recyclable polymer for carbon-fibre composites to enable
circular manufacturing of parts that boost energy efficiency in
automotive, wind power and aerospace applications.
Carbon-fibre composites, or fibre-reinforced polymers, are
strong, lightweight materials that can help lower fuel
consumption and reduce emissions in critical areas such as
transportation. However, unlike metal competitors, carbon-fibre
composites are not typically recyclable, meaning wider adoption
could present waste challenges.
The team's approach incorporates dynamic covalent bonds that
are reversible, enabling both carbon fiber and polymer recycling.
The new polymer maintained mechanical strength in six
reprocessing cycles, a sharp contrast to previously reported
polymers.
“ORNL's carbon-fibre composites enable fast processing and
can be repaired or reprocessed multiple times, opening
pathways to circular, low-carbon manufacturing,” said ORNL's
Tomonori Saito.
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 INDUSTRY DIGEST

Strohm provides Thermoplastic Composite Pipe flowlines for major

European natural gas and hydrogen hub
Strohm, the leading producer of Thermoplastic Composite
Pipes (TCP), has been awarded a contract from ECOnnect to
provide more than 11km of TCP for the TES Wilhelmshaven
Green Gas Terminal in Germany.

The project, which is being developed by provider of green

hydrogen at scale Tree Energy Solutions (TES), aims to provide
sustainable, clean, non-intermittent and affordable energy in the
form of green hydrogen, green gas, and green power.

In the initial phase, which is due to commence in the second half

of 2023, the terminal will be used to import natural gas, using the
ECOnnect Energy IQuay solution. TCP is an integral part of the
IQuay solution, being used for the transfer of gas between the
Floating Storage and Regassification Unit (FSRU) and the
onshore terminal, a distance of about 2km. repurposed for liquid CO2 transport. Using TES's approach to
clean hydrogen production, CO2 is a designated, circular carrier
Strohm will provide six 8-inch flowlines with a length of
to enable cost-effective transport of green hydrogen in the form
approximately two kilometers each, qualified for transfer of
of synthetic methane. Following capture of the hydrogen upon
natural gas and prepared for CO2.
arrival in the terminal in Germany, the CO2 is returned to the
In the second phase of the project, the company's TCP will be green hydrogen production source using the TCP flowlines.

14 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023

 INDUSTRY DIGEST

Saertex expands its global pultruded planks made of carbon will enter series production
there. Preparations for this have almost been completed.
production network In turn, production capacities for glass fiber fabric are being
expanded at other sites of the family-owned company which
SAERTEX is undertaking a worldwide reorganization of its
operates internationally. The installation of additional multiaxial
capacities for producing technical textiles made of glass and
production machines at the SAERTEX plants in India, South
carbon fibres. Additional capacities for making lightweight
Africa and Turkey has either already been completed or is in full
carbon fiber fabrics are being created at the two German sites
swing. Construction of the new plant in Mexico has already been
within the company's global production network. In parallel with
successfully completed in recent months, meaning that the
this, plant and machinery for producing glass fibre NCFs will be
SAERTEX site in Ciudad Juarez can now assume responsibility
installed at sites in India, South Africa and Turkey in order to
for supplying wind sector customers in Mexico.
adapt the company's delivery performance to a change in
regional demand.

SAERTEX is reorganizing its global network of production sites, Steelhead Composites receives
ASME certification for FRP
which includes 12 plants on 5 continents, for producing
multiaxial non-crimp fabrics made of glass, carbon, aramid and

pressure vessels
natural fibres. This is a building block on the road to expanding
regional supply chains in order to ensure a stable supply of
product to wind power, mobility and industrial markets.

Additional capacity is being added at the company's

headquarters in Saerbeck and at subsidiary TK Industries' site
in Selbitz (both in Germany) for producing multiaxial non-crimp
fabrics made of carbon fibers. Moreover, the new range of

Aryan Composites AYPOLS Wholesaler

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(Formerly Chennai Resins And Chemicals (P) Ltd) Exporter
Group of AYPOLS Polymers (P) Ltd.

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 Low Smoke Fire  Filament Winding High
Retardant Resin for Public­ Performance Resin
Transport  Craft Resin Steelhead Composites, US, an industry leader in the design and
 Gelcoat  Button Resin manufacture of compressed hydrogen storage systems,
 Solid Surface Resin  Automotive Grade Resin announced their certification to American Society of Mechanical
 General Purpose Resin  Electrical Grade Resin Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section X,
 Pultrusion Resin  Boat Grade Resin RP. This certification ensures components manufactured by
FRP Accessories Steelhead meet the highest level of standards in the industry.
Chopped Strand Mat - Chopped Strands
Steelhead is authorized for all three classes of vessel design,
Emulsion Chopped Strand Mat - Powder
Assembled Rovings Woven Roving enabling Steelhead to deliver their novel HydrogenCube™
Direct Roving FRP Accelerator storage systems for grid-scale fuel cells, gas turbines, hydrogen
buffer storage, green ammonia generation, and other stationary
Aryan Composites Private Limited
applications. The standard provides requirements for
HO
233,"Rahul" Building, Ground Floor,Navodaya HBCS, construction of fibre-reinforced plastic pressure vessels (FRPs)
4th Stage,6th Main Road, Industrial Town Rajaji Nagar, in conformance with a manufacturer's design report. It includes
Bangalore--560044
Ph No: 080-23205566, Mob: 9916300306 / 9900085403 production, processing, fabrication, inspection, and testing
Email: aryancomposites@gmail.com sales@aryancomposites.in methods required for the vessels and systems.
www.aryancomposites.in/com
Branches Steelhead Composites HydrogenCubes™ are modular units
Aryan Composites Private Limited Aryan Composites Private Limited consisting of manifolded RP-certified Composite Overwrapped
Door No.386/2, Laxmi Nivas, 48/A, Phase ­2, S.V.C.I.E
Kodi Road, Kundapura Taluk, Balnagar, Pressure Vessels (COPVs) storing between 18 kg and 1.2 tons
Udupi District.­576101. Hydrabad­500037. of hydrogen. The company also holds several additional
Ph No:+91­9686809548 Ph:+91­9900085403,
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16 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023

 INDUSTRY DIGEST

Reclaiming continuous carbon fibres from composites

pressure tanks

Successful trial marks

significant first step in
ambitious hydrogen
innovation programme
to deliver sustainable
composite pressure
vessels.

Engineers at the National Composites Centre, the UK's centre of carrying away broken particles. This pressure swing cycle is
excellence for advanced composite applications, along with then repeated until all the matrix (the material suspended in the
British SME partners B&M Longworth Ltd and Cygnet Texkimp, polymer) has been separated from the fibre, allowing the
have successfully reclaimed continuous carbon fibres from a monomers to also be reclaimed for possible reprocessing.
whole pressure vessel and re-used them to manufacture a new
Crucially, the DEECOM® process leaves the primary
pressure vessel. This is the first time this process has been
component material intact and undamaged, allowing for any
achieved in the UK and represents a significant milestone in the
length to be retained. As a result, Cygnet Texkimp Ltd, a
development of Britain's hydrogen capability.
Cheshire-based, global leader of fibre handling and conversion
As the gas has low energy density it needs to be compressed technology, could use the reclaimed continuous carbon fibre to
and stored at very high pressures, between 350 to 700 bar make a new pressure vessel using filament winding.
(5,076 – 10,152 psi). This makes high-strength, lower-weight
The partnership is now looking to work with manufacturers to
carbon fibre the material of choice, especially for hydrogen
scale and industrialise this process, sharing the knowledge of
pressure vessels in vehicles such as cars or aircraft, where
recent recycling trials. The next step is to undertake fibre
power-to-weight is critical. Demand for carbon-fibre is expected
characterisation analysis of the reclaimed material and
to grow five-fold between 2025 and 2030, exceeding global
recycled vessel, as the team works towards their ultimate goal:
manufacturing capacity. Creating viable, low cost recovery
developing the disruptive technologies that enable sustainable
processes, that retain the inherent strength of continuous
hydrogen storage solutions.
carbon fibres for recycling, is therefore key to the development of
the hydrogen economy. This initial fibre recovery and recycling project, forms part of the
National Composites Centre's Hydrogen programme,
Until recently, recycling processes for composite components
developing and sharing the technical knowledge, cross-sector
such as aircraft wings and wind turbine blades has resulted in
composite expertise and state of the art technology that
short fibres with lower mechanical properties than virgin fibre.
businesses need to achieve their hydrogen ambitions.
Whilst there are applications for this material, it is not suitable for
re-use in high performing products. As part of this programme, National Composite Centre
engineers have worked to refine composite pressure vessel
The Longworth team successfully reclaimed continuous carbon
designs, producing detailed design and analysis to minimise
fibre, from end-of-life composite pressure tanks, using the
waste and trial the tools and manufacturing processes industry
company's revolutionary DEECOM® process. Originally
will use to reclaim and recycle continuous carbon fibres. They
designed to remove waste polymers from filters and production
have also delivered composite design specification for
equipment, the process uses superheated steam, under
cryogenic pressure vessels and are working on a certification
compression, to penetrate microscopic fissures in the
pathway for composite pressure pipes, including those to be
composite's polymer, where it then condenses. On
used offshore.
decompression, it boils and expands, cracking the polymer and

18 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023

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 INDUSTRY DIGEST
Recycling and reusing windmill blades
Continuum ensures all wind turbine blades are 100% recyclable and is set
to deliver industrial scale recycling factories across Europe
Continuum, the new European business, ensures all wind
turbine blades are 100% recyclable and is set to deliver
industrial scale recycling factories across Europe.
Net zero is the phrase on everyone's lips, and as 2030 rapidly
approaches we constantly hear updates about wind energy
generating renewable energy that powers millions of European
homes – but what happens when those turbine blades reach the
end of their lifespan?
Quite simply, currently the general answer is to put them into
landfill or co-process them into cement, but neither is planet
friendly, and the former is certainly not sustainable for much
longer as many countries in Europe look to ban landfill from
2025.
For Continuum, net zero doesn't stop at generating clean energy
from wind. They're taking it a step further, by delivering to the
European market a revolutionary industrial scale end-to-end
service that ensures end of life wind turbine blades never die and
most certainly never go to landfill or get hidden in energy hungry
co-processed solutions.
When the end of their first life finally arrives, Continuum simply,
logically, and efficiently recycle them into revolutionary new, high
performing composite panels for the construction, and related
industries. Their vision? Abandon the current landfilling, and
20 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023
drastically reduce CO2 emitted during currently applied
incineration & co-processing in cement factories by 100 million
tons by 2050, via their state-of-the-art mechanical composite
recycling technology and their industrial scale factories.
Better yet? The technology is proven, patented, and ready to
go. Reinhard Kessing, co-founder and CTO of Continuum
Group ApS has spent 20+ years of research and development
in this field, perfecting the reclamation of raw materials from
wind blades and other composite products and transformation
of these materials into new, high performing panel products.
By working with partners, Continuum's first class, cost-
effective solution covers end-to-end logistics and processes.
This spans from the collection of the end-of-life blades through
to the reclamation of the pure clean raw materials and then the
remanufacturing of all those materials into high value, highly
performing, infinitely recyclable composite panels for the
construction industry or the manufacture of many day-to-day
products such as facades, industrial doors, and kitchen
countertops. The panels are 92% recycled blade material and
greatly outperform competing products.
The result is a fully sustainable, ultra-low carbon footprint
solution for an industry challenge that otherwise leaves
mountains of waste.
 INDUSTRY DIGEST

Asahi Kasei develops basic technology for recycling continuous carbon

fiber

Characteristics of the Project

Asahi Kasei has developed basic technology for recycling continuous
carbon fiber under a project “Circular Economy Program for the
Automotive Carbon Fiber” (the Project), together with National
Institute of Technology, Kitakyushu College, and Tokyo University of
Science, which was supported by the Feasibility Study Program on
Energy and New Environmental Technology, of the New Energy and
Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) from fiscal
2021 to 2022.
The project was adopted in May 2021 by the NEDO Feasibility Study
Program on Energy and New Environmental Technology, which aims
to discover technology seeds needed for medium­ to long­term
solutions in the field of energy and the environment, including
energy conservation, new energy, and CO2 reduction, that are unlike
existing technologies and can be applied in future national projects
contributing to dramatically increased energy efficiency and
achievement of a low­carbon society.
The project aims for practical application of a recycling system where
carbon fiber derived from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or

Electrolyzed sulfuric acid method

22 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023

 INDUSTRY DIGEST
Asahi Kasei develops basic technology for recycling continuous carbon fiber
Recycled continuous carbon fiber and filament winding molding
carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) discarded from
automobiles is reused as CFRP or CFRTP for automobiles. By recycling
carbon fiber discarded from automobiles as continuous carbon fiber,
high­quality and inexpensive CFRTP can be provided, resulting in
vehicle weight reduction and energy saving. This is also expected to
economically benefit and strengthen the competitiveness of Japan’s
leading carbon fiber and automobile industries.
The conventional recycling technology recycles carbon fiber as
chopped carbon fiber1. However, as chopped carbon fiber differs
greatly from original continuous carbon fiber, it was necessary to
CFRTP-UD tape using recycled continuous carbon fiber
and Leona™ polyamide resin
23 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023
develop individual composite technology. In contrast, the Project
enables continuous carbon fiber recycling, allowing existing
composite technology to be used, making it possible to achieve
closed­loop recycling2 of the circular economy.
An “electrolyzed sulfuric acid method” was developed for the
Project. The “electrolyzed sulfuric acid method” is a technology that
uses oxidative active species3 generated by electrolyzing sulfuric acid
to decompose the resin components of CFRP/CFRTP and extract and
recycle carbon fibers. This technology has three features: (1) it can
decompose any kind of resin, (2) strength of the recycled carbon
fiber does not decrease, and (3) carbon fiber can be recycled as
continuous fiber.
Basic technology was developed for recycling continuous carbon
fiber from small commercially available CFRP tanks for scuba diving.
The recycled continuous carbon fiber has no “twisting” or “fluffing”
and can be handled in the same way as new carbon fiber. This enables
a tank­to­tank circular economy through the repeated use of
filament winding4.
Asahi Kasei is also developing CFRTP­UD tape (unidirectional tape, a
unidirectional continuous fiber reinforced material) using the
recycled continuous carbon fiber and Leona™ polyamide resin.
Having higher strength than metal, CFRTP­UD tape is expected to be
applied to automobile frames and bodies, further enabling the
recycling of automobile parts into other automobile parts.
 FEATURE ARTICLE

Composites - The Catalyst of Growth

Shriram Ranade
Managing Director, Link Composites Private Limited. Email: shriram@elink.co.in

T
he global economy is at a crucial tipping point. The
western world is heading into an economic recession and
the cost of living has been steadily rising in developed
nations like the UK. On the other hand, China is experiencing
difficulties with the outbreak of a new variant of COVID-19. The
geopolitical scenario internationally stands divided over the
Russia-Ukraine war.
In these circumstances, as governments work hard to take
measures to keep the economy moving, India's economy stands
out. It is an interesting economy. It has a certain unpredictability
to it that isn't found in other parts of the world.
In my previous article, “Shaping The Next Chapter Of The Indian
Economy With Composites” , I elaborated on how India is
growing in today's world. As an Indian and a veteran
entrepreneur, I continue to dive deeper through historic data and
economic forecasts. This guides my analysis and opinion. In the
second article of the “An Indian Vantage Point” series, I will be
discussing in-depth how the Composites industry could be a Picture: Inflation in Europe - a heatmap
catalyst for further economic growth and innovation in India.
Why is the Indian economy resilient?
If you look at the Eurozone carefully, you can clearly see that the a deep recession and a gloomy 2023.
continent is struggling economically. Inflation, according to the The USA is not very different from Europe. The official
European Central Bank, has touched 9.1% for the EU government sources in America, refuse to use the term
(European Union). Fuel prices have gone up since most “recession” based on technicalities. Unfortunately, the ground
European countries are cutting ties with Russia due to the war. reality is that the economy is suffering. But the good news is that
Add to that, the stagnation in most sectors and what you have is the Federal Reserve is taking strong measures to reverse the

24 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023

 FEATURE ARTICLE
Composites - The Catalyst of Growth
recession and push some positive GDP growth in the upcoming
quarters.
China, the dragon, who implemented the Zero COVID norms, is
in deep trouble. The new COVID variant has wreaked havoc in
the mainland and it is estimated that millions more Chinese
citizens will be affected during 2023. This means the supply
chain and the consumption both will be negatively affected.
On this background, one can analyse the Indian economy.
Leading economists have forecasted a GDP growth rate of
6.9% for 2023. It is one of the few economies that is resilient in a
very negative economic atmosphere. Our economy is
recovering from a pandemic and yet it continues to grow due to
some basic reasons.
1. The consumption economy phenomenon -
The Indian economy for a very long time has been
more of a consumption economy due to its humongous
market size and growing needs. This works in our
favour now, because our production can be consumed
by our local market itself.
2. Early adaptation of digitization - Indians
everywhere have adapted to a digitised and more
connected world. Our banking systems have been
updated, our app market has grown and mostly
everyone is using a smartphone at the very least.
3. “Make in India” push - The Central government's
push for “Make In India” in the pre-pandemic years has
come in handy in the post-pandemic years. The
economy is more self-reliant, more self-assured and
more innovative.
4. Strong foreign policy - The Indian foreign policy in
the past decade has been strong and more outward
looking. So when countries are looking for a “China
plus 1 option” they are most likely to pick India as their
economic ally.
Moving ahead, I want to focus on the role of Composites in India
and the world. Is Composites a disruptor or a game changer for
the manufacturing sector as a whole? I personally believe that it
is a “Catalyst” - a catalyst for a brighter future, a fast growing
economy and more synergy.
Composites - the catalyst industry
25 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023
The composites industry is a catalyst in the Indian economy. Its
presence spans across many industries and it is at the forefront
of many green energy revolution sectors. This makes it a positive
growth driver for the nation as a whole. The composites industry
innovates on a large scale through its materials and applications.
For example in the wind energy sector, composites supply wind
rotor blades among other parts. In the Electric Vehicle industry,
composites are the most preferred material since the aim of EVs
is to lower the body weight of the automobile. Same logic applies
to the conventional automotive, aerospace and marine industry
as well.
I would like to highlight the role played by Composites in the EV
industry. The EV industry consists of two-wheelers, four-
wheelers, buses, electric powered metro coaches and so on. In
each of these EVs composites are used on a large scale. They
are durable, flexible in nature and cost-efficient as well.
The role of composites doesn't end here, it has now expanded
into the defence sector as well. Composites are lightweight,
resistant to corrosion and have the ability to retain their
characteristics even in adverse natural conditions. Hence, you
will find the defence sector making helmets, protective clothing,
landing systems in aircrafts etc from composites.
Furthermore, the construction industry has also adopted
composites as one of their own. The typical practice of REBAR
where the steel rods are reinforced with concrete is slowly being
replaced with GFRP (Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer) for better
results.
The composites industry globally has reached a stage of
refinement when it comes to creating construction materials.
High strength FRP is used in building bridges, roofs, towers,
pipes, tanks etc. for making sound structures that are useful, long
lasting and effective.
India, too is witnessing the rise of usage of composite materials in
construction and infrastructure projects. Architects, civil
engineers and builders have increased their consumption of
composites in the past few years. FRP is a great choice even for
home decor. The market is flooded with a variety of aesthetic
FRP home decor pieces.
The natural course of action as time marches on is to watch
composites replace traditional materials like wood, steel, iron
and aluminium. This means there is less exploitation of non-
 FEATURE ARTICLE
Composites - The Catalyst of Growth
renewable natural resources.
Another important sector where composites are now an integral
part of the make and manufacturing process is the electronics
and telecommunications sector. One can easily identify FRP
materials in devices, appliances and even the teleco-
mmunication infrastructure in the world. The use of FRP
materials in electronics has proven beneficial for both the
makers and the end consumers.
Let's take a look at the impact of Composites on the Indian
industry as a whole.
The impact of composites on the Indian economy
Any industrial sector in the world is considered to be a positive
contributor and growth driver if it qualifies some fundamental
criteria such as -
1. Synergy with other industries
2. Employment generation
3. Export contribution
Composites excels in all these three criteria. It has outstanding
synergy with multiple industries like construction, electronics
and telecommunication, infrastructure development,
automotive, aerospace, marine, defence, EV, sports and many
more. It plays a complimentary role in building up these sectors
like a brother.
When it comes to employment generation, composites have
26 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023
Picture: This is a 100 kilometres long GFRP REBAR flood
mitigation structure in Saudi Arabia's Jizan region. It is
one of the world's biggest GFRP REBAR projects.
been steadily employing a sizable number of skilled workers and
professionals. In India, the success and growth story of
composites is directly related to the amount of employment it
has been generating. While the government of India has not
created any composite specific incentives, entrepreneurs from
our industry are free to capitalise on the general PLIs
(Production Linked Incentives) of the government. I have seen
many leading corporations invest in Composites and take
advantage of such PLIs regularly. Apart from this one can also
chart the involvement of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in
growing our sector. Global corporations no longer hesitate to
invest in India and India's rising composites sector.
Finally, are we contributing to the exports of our nation? Yes.
Although the percentage of exports by Composites is currently
not very high, we are showing growth as the industry stabilises
and matures in India. Indian scientists and engineers should
look at composites as the “industry of opportunities”. They
should build a forward-looking, out-of-the-box thinking,
innovative R&D (Research & Development) team to make more
applications from FRP materials and export them to mature
markets like Europe, Australia and North America.
Concluding thoughts
“Rome wasn't built in a day” goes an old English proverb and that
is so true when it comes to the growth of our Composites
industry! As a business analyst and an industry insider, I have
clearly witnessed the shift in people's attitudes towards
composites. In the past few years their approach towards
composites has swung from looking at us as an alternative or off-
beat solution maker to turning towards us for real, cost-effective,
durable solutions for every sector. This shows us the growing
power of composites in both developed and developing
economies. I truly believe that composites is a “sunrise sector”
which has yet to peak. The more innovative we become, the
faster we will grow!
 TOOLS & TECHNIQUES
Software for design, simulation, and
optimization
Siemens Xcelerator software
has been used to design racing yacht
for America's Cup
According to Siemens Digital Industries Software, the Luna
Rossa Prada Pirelli America's Cup team is using the Siemens
Xcelerator portfolio of software and services to design, simulate
and optimize its racing yacht for the forthcoming America's Cup
challenge (37th America's Cup). The Siemens Xcelerator as a
Service portfolio provides critical tools that allow the team to
design, analyze and evaluate all aspects of the boat's hydraulics
and fluid-dynamic performance. Using Siemens' software, the
hull, foils, rudder and sails can be analyzed as part of the digital
twin, to understand how each surface responds to the changes
in the project parameters, thus speeding up our work.
The hull, foils, rudder and sails are designed and analyzed
virtually using Simcenter™ STAR CCM+™ software to
understand how sails, hull and the complex hydrodynamics of
the hydrofoil respond to the changes in the project parameters.
Simcenter™ Amesim™ software is used to simulate all on-
board hydraulic lines and optimize performance, an essential
aspect given that on-board hydraulic power for the aerial parts of
the boat is generated by four cyclors using pedal power.
The team is also taking advantage of Xcelerator Share, the
cloud-based collaboration capability in Siemens Xcelerator as a
Service, to effectively manage increased design complexity,
improve manufacturing repeatability across the growing number
of parts undergoing thousands of engineering changes per year,
both in and out of racing season. In the highly competitive
America's Cup environment, these advanced shape description
capabilities and high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics
simulations of an extreme class of sailing boats allow the team to
meet their needs on the timetables demanded by global racing
competitions.
27 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023
Siemens Xcelerator as a Service enables a high degree of
automation, so the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team can fully
leverage the power of modern high-performance computing
(HPC) clusters, running thousands of simulations per day to
quickly explore the characteristics of new designs in different
environmental conditions. In addition, Siemens provides a
dedicated support service to assist the team in extracting the
maximum value out of their investment. The agreement also
includes Siemens' NX™ software, which Luna Rossa Prada
Pirelli licensed to start evaluating its potential with a view to its
future introduction.
“The Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team's selection of Siemens
Xcelerator as a Service is another proof point that organizations
at the bleeding edge of innovation are using our solutions to bring
their ideas to life and find new areas for true innovation,” said
Franco Megali, Vice President and CEO Italy, Israel and Greece,
Siemens Digital Industries Software. “Whether that's teams
competing in the world's most extreme sailing races, taking new
vehicles to the edge of space or building a more sustainable
future for us all, pioneers are choosing our solutions.”
As per a press release from the company, Siemens Digital
Industries Software helps organizations of all sizes digitally
transform using software, hardware and services from the
Siemens Xcelerator business platform. Siemens' software and
the comprehensive digital twin enable companies to optimize
their design, engineering and manufacturing processes to turn
today's ideas into the sustainable products of the future. From
chips to entire systems, from product to process, across all
industries.
 TOOLS & TECHNIQUES
Electric drive press for composites parts
BBG to supply electric drive composites press for aircraft interior parts to a
reputed aerospace company.
BBG announced that it will soon deliver electric composites
press for aircraft interior parts to the plant of a reputed US
aerospace company. The order goes back to a project by US
subsidiary BBG North America. BBG is one of the leading
developers and producers of molds, machines and end-to-end
manufacturing systems for the plastics-processing industry.
BBG manufactured composite prototype parts in its technical
center at Oxford/Michigan, for the aircraft manufacturer together
with the customer and convinced with the production
technology "made by BBG". The company ordered a pilot plant
including molds to produce lightweight composites parts.
Long years of experience with composite presses
In news release BBG states that it benefited from its decades of
experience in the development and manufacture of mold carrier
and press systems. Although hydraulic presses are still
widespread today, especially in the field of composites
production, its customer has intentionally chosen its system
equipped with an electric drive. The four main advantages of
electric composite press:
1. The high level of efficiency of the electric drive, which
reduces energy consumption to 35 Wh per production
cycle.
2. The high dynamics that contribute to short cycle times.
3. The electric drive is much easier to maintain than the
hydraulic variant.
4. The particularly quiet operation.
BBG manfacture all machines and systems in Mindelheim and
ship them from there to its international customers. The
28 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023
Mindelheim team also manufacture the composites press
specifically configured for use in aircraft construction. The molds
are manufactured by BBG North America and then shipped
concurrently with the press and commissioned at customer's
facility.
Composites press specification
 The mold mounting plates are 2,200 x 1,500 mm, and
molds can be moved and positioned without any effort
thanks to integrated pneumatic roller bars.
 The angle of traverse of the lower carrier plate is 0 to 27
degrees, and that of the upper plate is 0 to 75 degrees.
This opens the press wide enough for operators to
access the mold comfortably.
 Maximum capacity is 3,500 kilograms for the lower
plate, and 3,000 kilograms for the upper plate.
Intelligent pressure control allows for a press force of 60 US tons
- which corresponds to about 535 kN – and an infinitely variable
adjustment option from 50 kN onwards.
Easy Control 2.0 ensures ease of handling
The composite press is operated via the Easy Control 2.0 user
interface developed by BBG itself. The man-machine interface
simplifies the programming and operation of the press while
increasing productivity and improving process reliability at the
same time.
In this way, reliable results can be achieved in production and the
system is simple and easy to handle. The user interface shows
functions and workflows of the press and the mold. Workflows
can be adapted quickly and easily without any PLC knowledge.
 APPLICATION TRENDS
Super Formula race car built with sustainable
composites
Japan's premiere single seater race series
confirms sustainable fibre composites parts for
the SF23 chassis as part of Next 50 plan
Swiss lightweighting specialists Bcomp and Super Formula have
confirmed their collaboration for the new era of Japan's premiere
single seater race series. Following successful testing of Bcomp's
flax fibre composites throughout the year, Super Formula has
confirmed the innovative bodywork parts will appear on the new
SF23 chassis.
The announcement was made on the 50th anniversary of the
championship, as Super Formula looks ahead to its future and is
undertaking significant steps to target carbon neutrality. With their
Next 50 plan, they have specified measures such as the use of
new tyre compounds with recycled rubber and natural
compounding agents in addition to the use of more sustainable
materials in the race cars' construction.
Carbon fibre bodywork is used extensively throughout the
motorsport industry and is responsible for a substantial carbon
footprint. Many of the carbon fibre parts used in racing end up in
landfill when damaged in a race or no longer needed. Bcomp's
i n n o v a t i v e a m p l i Te x ™ a n d p o w e r R i b s ™ c o m p o s i t e s
technologies are made from flax fibre and offer a promising
solution and have already extensively proven their performance
across the board in motorsports series from F1 to Formula E,
Extreme E, DTM and GT4 on Porsche, Mercedes Benz-AMG and
BMW M GT cars.
With low density and excellent mechanical properties, flax fibres
are a significantly more sustainable option for developing high-
performance composites. The unique combination of ampliTex™
flax fabrics with the patented powerRibs™ reinforcement grid
29 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023
allows this natural fibre composites solution to match the low
weight and high stiffness of carbon fibre bodywork parts in a
drastically more sustainable package. Analysis conducted in past
projects showed that Bcomp's high-performance natural fibre
composites enable a reduction of 90% in material CO2 emissions
when compared to carbon fibre parts as well as an over 80%
reduction of CO2 emissions from cradle-to-gate, considering all
production steps from raw material to the final part.
Introducing ampliTex™ and powerRibs™ flax fibre composites
into the SF23 bodywork also introduces safer crash behaviour
thanks to the absence of dangerously sharp debris and edges.
Additionally, flax fibre-based composites come with a viable end-
of-life solution that eliminates the need to landfill damaged or old
bodywork.
Extensive testing has been conducted in 2022 by Super Formula
drivers to evaluate the new engines, fuels, tyres and, of course,
the Bcomp bodywork. Sidepods and engine covers, entirely made
from ampliTex™ and powerRibs™ performed well in the initial
tests but it seemed more appropriate to create hybrid parts for the
implementation in the SF23. A construction with about 70% flax
and only 30% carbon fibre for local reinforcements proved to be an
ideal combination of each material's benefits while still
significantly reducing the carbon footprint. This innovative
collaboration has been recognised already across the motorsport
community, including most recently being nominated as a finalist
for this year's World Motorsport Symposium Green Tech Award.
 APPLICATION TRENDS
Construction of Net-zero roads using basalt fibre
composites
Success of an industry-first Skanska UK and National Highways low
carbon concrete trial to be extended to permanent roads.
Over the past year Skanska, development and construction
company, alongside the National Composites Centre UK, Tarmac,
Basalt Technologies and National Highways, has carried out a trial
on a low carbon reinforced concrete solution. The results show
that the solution has led to a reduction of more than 50 per cent in
carbon. It has also proven equally as resilient when compared to
conventional reinforced concrete using steel. A report with
findings from the trial, carried out at Skanska's M42 junction 6
project for National Highways, has now been published.
The trial has proved such a success that Skanska is now working
collaboratively with National Highways and High Speed 2 Ltd
(HS2) on the next phase. The plan is to trial the low carbon
combination on a permanent road and capture all the data and
analysis for future publication. The ultimate aim is to roll out the
low carbon solution across the UK's strategic road network.
Skanska is also working with HS2's innovation managers to
progress the learning from the trial and use the innovative
combination of materials in other structural reinforced concrete
elements beyond roads.
Skanska's Highways Director, Glennan Blackmore said: “The
results of the trial are extremely encouraging. By working
together, we have been able to speed up the process of testing
and analysing a new solution for de-carbonising our road network,
with the aim of getting it to market so the whole industry can
benefit.
What was involved in the first trial
Tarmac provided two types of concrete for the trial: a mix
comprising conventional blended cementitious material and a low
carbon alternative mix incorporating an Alkali Activated
Cementitious Material (AACM) in place of the cement. This low
carbon concrete solution was mixed at a conventional concrete
plant located close to the project and installed in exactly the same
30 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023
way as traditional materials. This new sustainable product
delivers a carbon footprint up to 80 per cent lower than a standard
CEM I concrete.
The reinforcement steel replacement was a basalt fibre reinforced
polymer rebar. This is five times lighter and twice as strong as its
steel counterpart and is naturally resistant to corrosion, alkalis and
acids. The main components of Bastech® rebar is basalt fibre
which is manufactured directly from the most common rock on the
earth's surface, basalt, in a single-melt process, and comprises
only a single raw material. It has on average 60 per cent less CO2
emission than steel and is a cost-effective substitute.
The trial involved the construction of four concrete slabs at the
M42 junction 6 highways improvement scheme. The slabs were
laid in December 2021 and were made up of:
Slab A – conventional concrete + steel reinforcement
Slab B – low carbon concrete + steel reinforcement
Slab C – conventional concrete + basalt reinforcement
Slab D – low carbon concrete + basalt reinforcement
The road was heavily used by construction vehicles throughout
the trial period, with in-situ and laboratory tests carried out over a
number of months. Full scale specialist lab tests involved bending
and shear testing of the four types of slabs.
The results have provided knowledge of the curing process, ease
of construction, safety benefits, functional properties and
structural behaviour of the various concrete and reinforcement
combinations. This has given insight into the future use of longer
lasting materials in construction. The National Composites Centre
calculated the carbon throughout the lifecycle of the structural
element and carried out an environmental performance
assessment.
 APPLICATION TRENDS
Sailing cargo ship with carbon fibre composites mast
The SolidSail rig, made up of a 100% composites, high-performance and foldable sail and a mast,
will be the main propulsion system for this 136-meter-long cargo vessel.
Chantiers de l'Atlantique shares the success of the construction of
its first large carbon mast with its partners Lorima, Multiplast, Avel
Robotics, CDK Technologies and SMM. Potential customers
have already expressed their interest in this industrial and
technological feat.
The SolidSail technology, designed and developed by Chantiers
de l'Atlantique, will be installed on the first sailing cargo ship built
31 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023
by the shipowner Neoline.
Three years ago, Chantiers de l'Atlantique brought together
experts from the composite industry and ocean racing to launch
this great industrial adventure, which has made it possible to
highlight French know-how by manufacturing on our territory this
type of carbon mast.
This ambitious industrial project is based on exceptional
characteristics: a mast 66 meters high and 2 meters wide,
assembled in less than six months. This mast, weighing around 20
tonnes, is one of the tallest and strongest masts in the world, able
to accommodate 1,500m2 of SolidSail sails without guying.
Invented by Chantiers de l'Atlantique, SolidSail is a 100%
composite, efficient and foldable sail. It is designed to propel the
Silenseas, the future largest sailing liner in the world, under
development at Chantiers de l'Atlantique, as well as sailing cargo
ships. The Aeoldrive rig, which includes the SolidSail mast and
sail, is fully automated, its balestron can be rotated 360 degrees
and the masts can rotate or tilt 70 degrees to pass under decks.
Chantiers de l'Atlantique is thus positioning itself as the
spearhead of the ships of tomorrow, which will sail partly by the
force of the wind in order to reduce their CO2 emissions into the
atmosphere by up to 40%. Beyond this 40%, other CO2 emissions
will be subtracted thanks to the work carried out on energy
efficiency (from 25 to 40%).
With a view to the industrialization of the manufacture of these
exceptional masts, Chantiers de l'Atlantique is considering with its
partners the rapid construction of a factory in Morbihan depending
on the commercial success of this solution.
 APPLICATION TRENDS
Carbon fibre composites flashlights
The Olight I3T EOS Carbon Fiber flashlight uses a fusion of carbon fibre and aluminium alloy
involving complicated manufacturing processes to create
According to Olight, illumination tools manufacturer, there are no
exclusive carbon fiber flashlights on the market. The tube made of
carbon fibre composite material that becomes the body of the
flashlight has very high electrical impedance and is also
impossible to machine-usable threads into, which makes an
exclusive carbon fibre flashlight body a technological
impossibility. Therefore, most manufacturers of carbon fibre
flashlights usually use a decorative carbon fibre cover over a more
traditional flashlight body material. The company news release
explains what is unique about the construction of Olight's I3T EOS
Carbon Fibre flashlight.
The Olight I3T EOS Carbon Fiber flashlight uses a fusion of
carbon fibre and aluminium alloy involving complicated
manufacturing processes to create. Olight is the first in the
industry to do this.
“The carbon fibre cloth we use is a 3K 2x2 twill weave carbon fiber
cloth, which is then impregnated with resin and bonded onto an
aluminum alloy tube to create the light's body. “3K” carbon fiber
means there are 3000 filaments per fiber. This 3K tow (Tow is the
thread or fiber used to weave carbon fiber fabrics.) fabric provides
32 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023
outstanding structural strength combined with a signature
appearance that is highly desirable for modern composite parts in
the aerospace, automotive, marine, and sporting goods
industries. When compared to plain weave counterparts, the twill
weave offers greater pliability, presents a beautiful herringbone
texture, and delivers a slight edge in strength. The 3K woven cloth,
once infused with epoxy resin, becomes a carbon fiber sheet. The
tubes of carbon fiber that will become the bodies of I3T EOS
Carbon Fiber flashlights are made of three layers of these carbon
fiber sheets bonded over an aluminum alloy tube. To fuse this
carbon fiber and aluminum alloy tube strongly together into a
single piece, a number of steps are involved”.
The surface of the aluminum alloy tube must be sanded to make it
rough enough to allow the first layer of the 3K carbon fibre sheet to
adhere tightly to it. Next, the second and third layers of the 3K
carbon fibre sheet are tightly wrapped around the first. Each time a
layer of 3K carbon fibre sheet is added, the tube must be baked
and cured to ensure the rigidity of the product as well as maintain
the surface texture. This is then followed by two cylindrical
grinding processes to enhance surface evenness and one
centreless grinding process to ensure the tube is dimensionally
correct. Baking is required after each grinding to avoid the impact
of watermarks on the surface from the wet grinding processes.
After four different inspections, an integrated carbon fibre and
aluminum alloy tube are eventually presented to us with beautiful
texture and perfect dimensions, ready to become a finished
flashlight body. Final machining, including creating the groove for
the clip, is also an involved, high-precision process, as carbon
fiber is difficult to machine, and Olight always wants to produce
products of the highest quality. After curing, baking, grinding, and
more than 40 other manufacturing processes, i3T Carbon Fiber
eventually reveals its impeccably refined appearance.
 MATERIALS MATTERS

Graphene nanotube- reduces weight of breathing

apparatus cylinder
Self-contained breathing apparatus with nanocylinders show wide adoption by fire services

Equipped with a lighter cylinder, firefighters benefit from reduced fatigue, increased agility, and a longer duration of air
supply if using a twinning option.

Fire and emergency services work in extreme environments,
where the weight of equipment is critical. Dräger, an international
leader in manufacturing medical and safety technology products,
announced that it has commercialized a firefighting breathing
apparatus with the world's lightest type 4 composites cylinders,
enhanced with graphene nanotubes to minimize weight. Fire
services in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UK, Germany, Indonesia,
Qatar, and many other countries have already recognized the
efficiency of the innovative breathing system.
“Reduced weight and a non-limited life performance are the key
features of the developed compressed air breathing cylinders.
The combination of lightweight sturdy cylinder material, which
was achieved with the use of OCSiAl's graphene nanotubes,
with impact-resistant caps ensures the high durability and solid
robustness of nanocylinders. OCSiAl, headquartered in
Luxembourg is a manufacturer of graphene nanotubes, also
known as single wall carbon nanotubes. They are 75% lighter
than steel cylinders and 30% lighter than aluminum ones,” said
Piotr Saferna, R&D leader of Techplast, an innovative company
which developed the nanocylinders. Techplast focusses on
developing and production of composites cylinders with reduced
weight and higher safety and durability.
In 2021, Dräger received exclusive rights to use these
nanocylinders in its self-contained breathing apparatus. “Thanks
to a shell weight of only 2.8 kg and 6.8 l of air, the Dräger NANO
Type 4 reduces fatigue and increases firefighter agility. Since
2021, we have provided fire service companies in more than
twenty countries worldwide with self-contained breathing
apparatus equipped with nanocylinders fully compliant with
EN12245:2009,” said Mike George, Product Manager for PM
Emergency and Rescue Services, Draeger Safety UK Ltd.
According to Dräger , now airport and industrial fire brigades,
marine firefighters, and mine rescue teams have the opportunity
to increase safety via a longer duration of air consumption and air
supply if using a twinning option.

33 COMPOSITES TODAY VOLUME 08 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2023

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147, Andrahalli Main Road, Nadakerappa Industrial Estate
Viswaneedam, Bangalore- 560091 India Post Box No 9137
Phone: 080 28366874/080 28364110. Fax: 080 28366970
Mobile: 9108449965/9008698646. Email: kbondpolymers@yahoo.com
PUMAX CHEMICALS (P) LTD
Plot No 153, Industrial Estate, Road No 4 Medchal - 501401, Telangana
Ph: 040-27810247Mobile: 9849992916 / 8008892777
E-mail: pumax@pumaxindia.com
VASAVIBALA RESINS (P) LTD
No 44, (Old No 151),Eldams Road,Teynampet, Chennai - 600 018,
Phone: +91 - 44 - 2435 8986 /2435 2394 / 24335105 Fax:+91- 44- 24363396
Email: vbr@vsnl.com Web: www.vasavibala.com
SHEET MOULDING COMPOUND AND DOUGH MOULDING COMPOUND
LOTUS INFRAA
104 Samyak Building, Sagar Plaza Industrial Estate
Sativali Road,Vasai East, Thane - 401208
Phone: 9833742272/9594411112
Email: lotusinfraa@yahoo.com Website: www.lotusinfraa.in
FRP PIGMENTS
FAÇADE DESIGNER SURFACE MAT, NARAYANI INDUSTRIES
230A, A. J. C. Bose Road, 28, Chitrakoot Building, Kolkata - 700020
Ph: + 91 33 2287 2421 / 4060 2421, Mobile: + 91 96745 27283
Email: narayani.office@gmail.com
FRP RAW MATERIALS
DHANALAKSHMI AGENCIES
15(Old No 8) New Street, Off. Model School Road, Thousand Lights , Chennai 600006
Ph: +91 44 28290306, Fax:+91 44 28290306, Mobile 9840455411/984032322
Email: dhanalakshmifibre@gmail.com Web: seekandsource.com/dhanalakshmiagencies
FRP MATERIALS COMPANY
A-22, 1st Floor, Virwani Industrial Estate,Off. W. E. Highway, Goregaon
( East), Mumbai - 400063.
Ph.-022-29277166/67, 29270694.
Email:- frpmaterials@gmail.com Website:- www.frpmaterials.com
VENKATESH ENTERPRISES
HO & Warehouse: Gat no. 151/3, At post Kuruli, Chimbli Phata, Taluka Khed, District
Pune 410501. Branhces: Shop No.3, Sahil Complex, Mirkarwada, Ratnagiri 415612.
VENKATESH COMPOSITES, C-211, M.T.Sagar Industrial Estate, First Gate, Gokul
Road, Hubli, Karnataka 580030. Mob: 9326145611.
Email. nitin@venkateshenterprises.in Website. www.venkateshenterprises.in
FRP RAW MATERIALS (CSM)
URJA PRODUCTS PVT. LTD,
Inside Pirana gate, before village Ode,Outer ring road, Ahmedabad 382 427
E mail: csm@urjafabrics.com ,Website: www.urjafabrics.com

COLOURTECH PRODUCTS PVT. LTD EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS

Plot No 81D, Phase 1, Road No 8, KIADB Jigani Industrial Area,
Jigani, Anekal Taluk, Bangalore 562106 FILAMENT WINDING MACHINE
Ph: +91 8027809288 / +91 08110414803
M: +91 9243444556 /+91 99459444556 / +91 9901077855 CNC TECHNICS (P) LTD
Email: sales@colourtechpigments.com Web: www.colourtechpigments.com 3A, Type-1, Kukatpally Industrial Estate, Hyderabad – 500072
Ph: +91 40 23078000, 23079414 Fax: +91 40 23075498
CHAMAK PAINT INUDSTRIES
Email: cnc@cnctechnics.com Website: www.cnctechnics.com
54, Bileshwarpura,Ahmedabad-Mehsana Highway, Post-Chhatral,Dist-Gandhinagar,
Gujarat-382729 ( India)
Mo: +91 9099298000 / 9825803875 PULTRUSION MACHINARY
Email-Info@chamakpaint.com |Web-www.chamakpaint.net
ASHIRVAD INDUSTRIES
Plot No. 1907, Phase II, G.I.D.C Industrial Estate, Chhatral 382 729,
RELEASE AGENTS
Dist: Gandhinagar, Gujarat
CHEM TREND CHEMICALS CO. PVT LTD, Phone: + 91-2764-234017, Fax: + 91-2764-232498, Mobile : +91 9825286770
3rd Floor, Silver Jubilee Block, 3rd Cross, Mission Road, Bangalore - 560027, Email: info@ashirvadind.com, kmgajjar@gmail.com,
Karnataka Web: www.pultrusionmachine.co.in, www.ashirvadind.com
Phone: +91 80 66901200,
Email: marketing.india@chemtrend.com, Website: www.chemtrend.com FABRICATORS/MANUFACTURERS
MAXWAX MULTIPRODUCTS LLP COMPOSITES FABRICATORS
312-313, Paradise Complex, Sayajigunj, Vadodara-390005
Phone: +91 7575003770,
Email: sales@maxwax.in Website:-www.maxwax.in CREATIVE CARBON PVT LTD
208 Gagandeep Tower, Opp. Bank Of India, Paldi, Ahmedabad-380006 Gujarat
FINE ORGANIC INDUSTRIES LIMITED Phone: +91 79-26585065 / 9099076658
Fine House, Anandji Street, Off M.G. Road, Ghatkopar East, Director Mr. Rajan Shah- Mob.No. +91 9825012148
Mumbai – 400077, Maharashtra
Phone: 022 2102 5000 Mob: 9820915280 Email: creativecarbon@gmail.com Web: www.phenolicsheet.in
Email: vinay_narkar@fineorganics.com Web: www.fineorganics.com
CARBON FIBER COMPOSITE PRODUCTS
E GLASS WOVEN ROVING FABRICS MANUFACTURERS
CARBON LIGHT
JD TECHFAB PVT LTD A-8/7, Sector-22. Meerut Road Industrial Area, Ghaziabad-201003, U.P. India
PLOT F-170, Bindayaka Industrial Estate, Road no. 9 , Sirsi Road , Bindayaka
Jaipur – 302 012 ( Rajasthan ) Contact (s): Rini Bansal, E-mail: sales@carbon-light.com; rini@carbon-light.com
Phone : 098312 14333 / 094140 52188 Mob and Tel No: 9821257840 and +91-120-2788571,2788572
Email : prakash@jdtechfab.com Website : www.jdtechfab.in Website: www.carbon-light.com
 COMPOSITES
TODAY www.compositestoday.in
Advertisement Rates
Introduction
'Composites Today', the digital (PDF) monthly magazine is the official publication of FRP Institute, India, devoted to composites
science, technology, and business. The publication started in 2001was in print format till December 2021.The publication provides
latest information on materials, processing technologies, tools, machinery, research, and developments as well as industrial/
business activities in the field.
Circulation
The magazine, with 5000+ copies monthly circulation, is mainly distributed in India to subscribers, members of FRP Institute and
to delegates and participants of various conferences, seminars and exhibitions and selected end user industry professionals.
Readers
The readers of the magazine are professionals in composites field, fabricators/manufacturers of composites components, end user
industries, consulting organizations, such as owners, executives, managers, engineers, designers, consultants, scientists, teachers,
students etc.
Web Edition
With effect from July 2020 we have further introduced a Web Edition, which is widely read on our website : www.frpinstitute.org
Readership and awareness of the Composites Industry will thus increase considerably.
Cost effective Media
As a specialty publication with specific target audience and regional focus Composites Today is a cost-effective platform to
communicate business message, to create awareness about products and services, educate the customers. Apart from conventional
advertisements editorial coverage and as well as tailor made communication format to suit the requirement of the knowledge based
industry are also will be considered.
Advertisement Tariff

Discounted Discounted
S No Details Period Amount in Amount in
INR USD
1 Full Page One Year 84000 2520
2 Full Page Six Months 42000 1260
3 Full Page Three Months 21000 630
4 Full Page One Month 7000 210
5 Half Page One Year 48000 1480
6 Half Page Six Months 24000 720
7 Half Page Three Months 12000 360
8 Half Page One Month 4000 120
9 Quarter Page One Year 30000 900
10 Quarter Page Six Months 15000 450
11 Quarter Page Three Months 7500 225
12 Quarter Page One Month 2500 75
Classifieds
13
Business Guide One Year 5250 157.5

Notes: Mechanical Details (ad size) in mm

Rates mentioned are exclusive of tax. 5%GST is applicable for Overall size: 280 H x 215 W
rates in INR. Full Page: 250 H x 185 W
Premium for Positions: Inside front/back cover/1st page - 25%, Half Page : 120 H x 185 W/250H x 90W
Back Cover 50% extra,Guaranteed page – 20% extra. Quarter page: 120 H x90W/60H x185W
Publication date 7th of every month
Classified -Business Guide-Company Address & Contact Details
Cutoff date for booking/ material: 15th /25th of every month for
Material
publication in the forthcoming issue.
Artwork in Digital file JPG/PDF for web application
For more information Contact:
Mr Gordon Rodricks: Email: gordonrodricks@icerpshow.com; Mob +919920631361
Dr. A. Selvam: Email: drselvam@frpinstitute.org, or info@compositestoday.in Phone: +91 44 43563572 Mobile: +91 9841426644
For Invoices: Mr. S.Parbakaran: +91-8189907111, Email :frpinstitute@gmail.com,

Payment: RTGS/NEFT details for money transfer: Name of the Account: FRP Institute, Account No: 10565622775, IFS Code:
SBIN0004327, Name of the Bank and Branch: State Bank of India, SME Branch,1/65-A, GST Road, Guindy, Chennai-600032,
India. (Account Type: Current Account.