JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #59 - August/September 2010 - 9

COMPANIES
Glass fibre

A global competition for breakthrough composite applications
Composites App Challenge solicits ideas to tackle some of the world’s biggest issues in infrastructure, transportation and renewable energy.

wens Corning launched a global competition to find new applications for composite materials. Announced at the JEC Composites Show in Paris, the Composite App Challenge is focused on drawing entrants in four categories to help resolve some of society’s pressing issues.

Four categories
Infrastructure Durability: Long-lasting infrastructure is critical to clean drinking water and preventing bridges, streets and buildings from crumbling and having to be replaced. Composites are corrosion resistant and can help build and re-build a more durable, more sustainable future and ensure a positive quality of life. Fuel Efficiency: Cars, trucks, trains, planes and ships sip less fuel when

they’re lighter. Composites are able to help reduce weight and improve energy efficiency. Renewable Energy: Large scale wind energy is not practical without composite materials – and they are key to many other emerging technologies such as wave energy and ocean thermal systems. Protection from Harm: Around the world, soldiers’ lives are at risk. Composite materials provide a lightweight shield in the line of fire – either for personal or vehicle protection. Applications today have only just scratched the surface of what these versatile materials can do to save lives. “Since the commercialization of glass fibers more than 70 years ago, Owens Corning has led the world in developing applications for composite materials,” said Ashish and today make up nearly 35 percent of composites demand – an amazing change from a very small percentage only 10 years ago. J.C.M. : You have just launched a large program to foster ideas and applications. In your opinion, which sectors have the greatest growth potential for composites? C.D. : Certainly, the four categories for entries in the challenge have tremendous potential as they address some of society’s pressing issues. The need for more durable, longer-lasting infrastructure; lighter weight, more fuel efficient transportation; additional sources of renewable energy; and lighter weight protection from harm for our troops; are critical needs and represent endless opportunities for our industry. We’re

Diwanji, vice president of innovation for the Owens Corning Composite Solutions Business. “The world has never been more in need of the corrosion-resistant, energyefficient, protective properties composites deliver. With this competition we are looking for the next big application to help change the world in the way only composites materials can, and help drive the growth of the industry.”

Key details of the challenge
US$250,000 in awards – a $200,000 commercial development award for a composite application that can be introduced by the end of 2012, and a total of $50,000 for four composite application ideas that effectively address marketplace needs, appear to be technically feasible and have a perceived market opportunity. One $20,000 award certainly seeing excitement about each of these categories for the challenge, and have seen entries from around the world for all of them. There is still time to enter - the site is www.occompositeappchallenge.com The deadline for entries is August 15. J.C.M.: Do you count more on market penetration rates or on the growth of existing markets for your development? C.D. : Both. Initiatives like the Composite App Challenge can help do either. Other actions, like our recent joint development agreement with Lockheed Martin, are absolutely focused on broadening the markets we serve. The JDA supports the commercialization of carbon-enhanced reinforcements which will be scalable to meet the demands of large-volume applications, and provide mechanical

AN INTERVIEW WITH CHUCK DANA GROUP PRESIDENT COMPOSITE SOLUTIONS BUSINESS OWENS CORNING

JEC Composites Magazine: At this point in time, what is your feeling on developments in the global composite market? CHUCK DANA: The market is still recovering and facing challenges from the economic downturn but global demand is much stronger than it was last year and is expected to recover to 2008 levels in the 2011-2012 timeframe, helped by strong performance in Asia, particularly China. The BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) continue their transformation

No59 August - September 2010 / jec composites magazine

http://www.occompositeappchallenge.com

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #59 - August/September 2010

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