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.
Highlights
The potential of carbon fibers with regard to their thermomechanical properties is far from being exhausted in today’s industry, since the highly complex mechanisms of structure formation in fiber production and the process parameter–structure–property relationships have so far only been investigated in the academic field [1]
Challenges -Still high production costs including raw material cost especially carbon fibers, the current inadequacy for long automotive run lengths and limits in recycling techniques -Composites in cars have a low penetration rate because they are not significantly used in structural parts and their usage is limited to static load-resistant parts -Composites lack robust design and performance data and guidance, and more difficult to move through the design cycle compared to metal -Innovation-driven, highly dynamic, rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape in this area is difficult to codify, model, and simulate since the key players such as material and machinery developers and suppliers focus on their own business
Development and characterization of multifunctional composite materials for structural energy storage applications is required, while high integration or compatibility into existing systems as well as with associated manufacturing processes are highly recommended
Summary
Research and Development in Carbon Fibers and Advanced High-Performance Composites Supply Chain in Europe: A Roadmap for Challenges and the Industrial Uptake. Koumoulos 1,2, Aikaterini-Flora Trompeta 1 , Raquel-Miriam Santos 3, Marta Martins 3, Cláudio Monterio dos Santos 3, Vanessa Iglesias 3, Robert Böhm 4, Guan Gong 5, Agustin Chiminelli 6, Ignaas Verpoest 7, Paul Kiekens 8 and Costas A.
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