| Focusing Globally, Acting Locally |
 |
What are Advanced Materials?
Semiconductors, fiber-reinforced polymers, Micro-electro-mechanical systems, ceramics, nano-sized particles, and other highly engineered materials can be called advanced materials. These materials share several common traits: a) they are all highly engineered, b) each was created for a specific purpose, c) their manufacture is high value-adding. Fiber-Reinforced PolymersThe focus of the NC Advanced Materials Cluster Initiative is on fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) otherwise known as reinforced plastics. FRP are stronger than traditional plastics because they are a composite material composed of strong fibers such as glass fiber and equally durable plastics. FRP are also lighter and less bulky than materials of similar strength, such as steel. The combination of these properties give FRP significant performance advantages over other more traditional materials.FRP are composed of three basic components: resin, reinforcement, and additives. Each component is chosen based on the end-use requirements. For example, phenolic resins are often used for their fire retardancy properties, while carbon fiber reinforcements are used when weight must be at an absolute minimum. Products made from FRP include range from bathtubs and decking boards in the construction industry to railcar components and trailers for 18-wheelers in the transportation industry, and to highway bridge decks and power poles in civil infrastructure applications. Despite the already large variety of applications for composite materials there is ample room for innovation in the marketplace as FRP are highly engineered and can be tailored to the needs of a specific use. Visit the American Composite Manufacturers Association web site
|
