JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #95 - Special JEC Europe - March 2015 - 51

Sustainability

Bio-sourced, first-curing structural
composite for aircraft applications
EcoTechnilin and TFC have developed the
bio-sourced FibriRock composite for use in
the SmartCart lightweight galley cart, that
will be launched during the second quarter
of 2015. FibriRock is comprised of flax/basalt skins bonded onto a regular Nomex core
by a sugar-based bioresin. Thanks to the use
of this material, the Smartcart is the first sub12-kg galley cart to be rated for a 50-kg load
tested to the new 21J specification (which includes a 9-g pull test). The flax/basalt matrix
is produced by EcoTechnilin in Normandy,
France, and the prepreg panels are processed
and assembled by Applied Component
Technology in Wales, UK. The sustainable,
organic material (flax and bioresin) makes up
over 55% of the composite; of the remaining
weight, over 30% is basalt, which is greener
and more temperature resistant than glass.
The SmartCart combines low weight with
industry-leading security technology and will
enable airlines to save weight and costs while

using a sustainable, bio-sourced technology. The FibriRock system yields a rigid,
lightweight and fast-curing composite while
using green, sustainable materials. The flax
and the bioresin act as a structural adhesive
system between the basalt and the Nomex
core. The composite was optimized to reduce
the weight of these combustible organic
materials (flax and bioresin) so that the total
composite can meet the mechanical performance requirements while excelling in the
stringent fire, smoke, toxicity and heat release
tests required by the aeronautical industry.
At 15 kW min/m2 (2-minute total) and 18
kW/m2 (peak), the heat release figures for
the 5.5-mm composite FibriRock panels are
well within the target values (65 and 65).
The aircraft and rail industries are under huge
pressure to use sustainable materials. They
are also looking for fast-curing composites. FibriRock cures 15 to 20 times faster
than existing materials. While lightweight

Generic carbon fibre motorcycle wheel
While motorcycle wheels are traditionally
created for a specific motorcycle, the Blackstone Tek (BST) generic wheels allows for
one wheel to fit many different motorcycles.
This interchangeability is achieved using a
brake adaptor and sprocket carrier which
can be changed depending on the motorcycle. In addition to the generic nature of
the wheel, many of the aluminium parts
previously used in the assembly of carbon
fibre wheels were replaced with carbon
fibre. This reduces the amount of aluminium
in the wheel assembly by 32%, allowing
for a lighter and optimized structure. In
addition to these key improvements,
many manufacturing improvements were
achieved, including the development of an
«out-of-autoclave» curing process for the
pre-impregnated material used to create the
wheel. This process includes the oven curing
of the wheel using a purpose-built, internal
and external pressure device which can be

Winner: EcoTechnilin (UK)
Partner: TransFurans Chemicals
(Belgium)

composites play a crucial role in reducing
the environmental impact of aviation by
reducing fuel burn and emissions, it was not
thought possible that these composites could
comprise over 55% of organic, renewable,
truly-sustainable components.

Sports & Leisure

removed and reused on subsequent wheels.
Carbon fibre motorcycle wheels offer benefits such as lower weight, lower rotational
inertia, and high stiffness. These benefits
allow for the motorcycle to achieve greater
fuel efficiency, greater acceleration, better
braking distances, as well as better cornering.
The nature of the components included
in the wheel assembly also reduces the
wheel's susceptibility to corrosion. These
effects all contribute to the overall improved
performance and safety of the motorcycle.
In addition to these technical benefits, the
aesthetics of the wheel is an undeniable
benefit. BST wheels are currently marketed
throughout the world, with approximately
1500 units sold yearly. With the inclusion of
the generic wheel into the available range,
the sales are expected to increase due to the
ability of distributors to stock a single wheel
which can fit a large range of motorcycles,
allowing them to stock wheels without a

Winner: Blackstone Tek (South Africa)

direct demand. In addition, end users will
also be able to retain the wheels following
the selling/upgrading of the motorcycle,
making the wheels a justified investment.
Generic rear wheel sales are forecast at
1000 wheels a year. The "out-of-autoclave"
curing process is expected to drive down the
cost of the wheel by reducing production
costs. This is due to the minimization of
consumable bagging materials, as well as a
reduced production time. In addition, due to
the ability to control the curing process, the
scrap rate will drop substantially.

No95 March 2015 /

jec composites magazine 51

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #95 - Special JEC Europe - March 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #95 - Special JEC Europe - March 2015