Composites Weekly

This week, I welcome Amaël Cohades, Ph.D., CEO of CompPair Technologies on the show to discuss how they are bringing healable and sustainable composite material solutions to extend the lifetime of composite parts, contributing to a circular economy in the industry.

CompPair Technologies Ltd. is the result of 12 years of thorough research in self-healing composites in the Laboratory for Processing of Advanced Composites in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Amaël is joined by a highly complementary team, with a strong network in the composites industry and a wealth of experienced advisors. Their pre-impregnated textiles allow composite parts to fully recover their initial properties in minutes while suppressing the usual repair waste.

Overall, CompPair has the potential to reduce composite resources needs by half. We'll be discussing this technology and the applications,  as well as the research that has gone into its development. 

On this episode, Dr. Chris Arnusch joins me to discuss some of his research work in the fight against COVID-19. With the worldwide focus on coronavirus prevention and transmission, a new type of air-filter that self-sterilizes and decontaminates is being developed at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel based on water filtration technology.

This new nanotechnology is based on laser-induced graphene (LIG) water filters that eliminate viruses and bacteria in water. This new concept, engineered for air-filtration could be used in air filters in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. It could also be integrated into face masks for a self-sterilizing effect. Most masks like the N95 can become contamination risks during usage if not properly handled. 

LIG is a microporous graphene foam that can be generated on many types of materials and is already resistant to bacteria and actively kills microbes and viruses using a low-level electric current from a power source.

Dr Chris Arnusch and his group of researchers envision the two-fold protective system applied to air-filtration offering a new solution in our fight against COVID-19. 

On this episode, I am pleased to have Andrew Pokelwaldt join me. Andrew is the Director of Certification for the American Composites Manufacturers Association. 

Andrew has 28 years of experience in leadership, training, and operations. In his current role at ACMA he develops, delivers and directs the composites technical fabrication training and certifications industry-wide. 

His composites experience includes manufacturing management, training, process, and personnel training roles in various composite industry areas over the past 10 years. Andrew worked as a dual career military reservist for 24 years including service in Operation Iraqi Freedom leading foreign military training and operations.

On today’s show, we’ll be discussing some safety practices in your plant as it relates to composites and cast polymer manufacturing.  We’ll talk about daily implementation and safety improvements that will improve your bottom line, reduce waste, and benefit your workers. 

Andrew will also be talking about the ACMA’s Certified Composites Technician (CCT) program. It supports professional development and facilitates uniform training and technical skills for composite manufacturers.

This week, I welcome Matt Villarreal (CEO) of Infinite Composites Technologies on to discuss a new technology they've developed - the first ever, spherical all-composite carbon-fiber pressure vessel for storing cryogenic propellants for launch vehicles and spacecraft such as a lunar lander. 

By providing the lowest mass and most cost-effective option to store fuel, ICT’s CryoSphere would affect the in-space capabilities of future missions, reduce the cost of launch vehicles to transport cargo to space, and increase the amount of payload to planetary surfaces.

This week I welcome David Nolletti on the show to discuss how this current pandemic will impact the aerospace and defense industries.

David Nolletti is the director at Conway MacKenzie, and is a manufacturing expert, particularly in aerospace and defense. Dave has substantial experience in aerospace, defense, distribution, consumer products, aerospace maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO), and general industrial verticals. His broad manufacturing experience includes precision machining, grinding, forging, casting, complex assembly, and kitting.

Today I have Greg Mark, CEO of Markforged joining me to share how their company is filling gaps in the medical supply shortage, and how 3D printing is becoming an effective option for fast production during times of crisis. 3D printing is emerging as a critical tool for preventing and flattening the curve of the coronavirus spread, arming healthcare providers with the tools they need to do their jobs.