Please note that archived articles and press releases can be accessed via the links at the foot of this page.

Notes to Editors

19th February 2010

HTM143 Selected For New Space and Satellite Applications

Advanced Composites Group Ltd. (ACG), part of the Composites Division of Umeco plc, has continued the development of HTM®143, a ground breaking cyanate ester system which has been specified on a number of large satellite projects

With a comprehensive data base to support it, HTM143, a low moisture pick-up resin matrix, which has a 0.55% weight gain on neat resin, exhibits one of the lowest moisture pick-up rates of all cyanate ester systems currently on the market. Measured on typical high modulus carbon laminate, the outgassing characteristics of HTM143 effortlessly meet the limits required by NASA: Total Mass Loss (TML) of 0.112%, Recovered Mass Loss (RML) of 0.023% and Collected Volatile Condensable Material (CVCM) of 0.002 % [ECSS-Q-ST-70-02C].

First launched in June 2009, HTM143, which is a non-ITAR listed resin system, can generate a very high glass transition temperature (Tg) after post-cure and is used to manufacture high accuracy, dimensionally stable space structures.

During recent tests, MTM®44-1, one of ACG’s new generation of Out-of-Autoclave (OoA) processing high performance, toughened epoxy resin matrices, also met the rigorous requirements set for space applications.

MTM44-1, which can generate a glass transition temperature (Tg) of a 180°C (356°F) after a suitable post-cure, offers a Total Mass Loss (TML) of 0.307%, Recovered Mass Loss (RML) of 0.056% and Collected Volatile Condensable Material (CVCM) of 0.002 % [ECSS-Q-ST-70-02C].

Both resin systems have an out life of 21 days and are available for use with a wide range of unidirectional, biaxial and woven carbon fibre materials.

Image: Copyright iStockphotos.com.

For further information, please contact:

Advanced Composites Group
Xavier Gambert - Aerospace Market Sector Manager E-mail: xgambert@acg.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1773 766200

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16th February 2010

ACG’s Prepregs Investigated as a Storage Battery for Future Cars

Advanced Composites Group Ltd (ACG), part of the Composites Division of Umeco plc, is engaged in a €3.4 million project with scientists to develop a new composite material which could revolutionise car design and manufacturing.

Announced at the beginning of February 2010 by the Department of Aeronautics at Imperial College London, the project is aimed at developing cars which will be powered by their own bodywork. Researchers from Imperial College London and their European partners, including Volvo Car Corporation and ACG, are developing a prototype material which will be lightweight and strong enough to be used for car body parts and also discharge sufficient electrical energy to power a car. With assistance from ACG, they are also planning to investigate the most effective method for manufacturing the composite material at an industrial level.

Ultimately, they expect that this material could be used in hybrid petrol/electric vehicles to make them lighter, more compact and more energy efficient, enabling drivers to travel for longer distances before needing to recharge their cars.

For the first stage of the project, the scientists are planning to further develop ACG’s composite materials so that they can store more energy. The team will improve the material’s mechanical properties by growing carbon nanotubes on the surface of the carbon fibres. This should increase the surface area of the material, and also improve its capacity to store more energy.

The project co-ordinator, Dr Emile Greenhalgh, from the Department of Aeronautics at Imperial College London, says: “We are really excited about the potential of this new technology. We think the car of the future could be drawing power from its roof, its bonnet or even the door, thanks to our new composite material. Even the Sat Nav could be powered by its own casing. The future applications for this material don’t stop there – you might have a mobile phone that is as thin as a credit card because it no longer needs a bulky battery, or a laptop that can draw energy from its casing so it can run for a longer time without recharging. We’re at the first stage of this project and there is a long way to go, but we think our composite material shows real promise.”

The 3-year European Union funded project includes researchers from the Departments of Chemistry, Aeronautics and Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology at Imperial College London. In addition to ACG, European academic and industrial partners include Swerea SICOMP, INASCO Hella, Chalmers, Nanocyl, Volvo Car Corporation, Bundesanstalt Fur Materialforschung undprufung, ETC Battery and Fuel Cells Sweden.

For further information, please contact:

Advanced Composites Group
Quentin Fontana – R&D Project Leader
E mail: qfontana @ acg.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1773 766200

About Imperial College London

Consistently rated amongst the world's best universities, Imperial College London is a science-based institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research that attracts 14,000 students and 6,000 staff of the highest international quality.

Innovative research at the College explores the interface between science, medicine, engineering and business, delivering practical solutions that improve quality of life and the environment - underpinned by a dynamic enterprise culture.

Since its foundation in 1907, Imperial's contributions to society have included the discovery of penicillin, the development of holography and the foundations of fibre optics. This commitment to the application of research for the benefit of all continues today, with current focuses including interdisciplinary collaborations to improve health in the UK and globally, tackle climate change and develop clean and sustainable sources of energy.

Web site: www.imperial.ac.uk

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5th February 2010

ACG Launches New Bismaleimide (BMI) Tooling and Component Matrix Systems

Advanced Composites Group Ltd. (ACG), a member of the Composites Division of Umeco plc, announces the launch of two new additions to it range of Bismaleimide (BMI) matrix systems. The new matrix systems, which offer superior handling, performance and high temperature capability, are aimed at the structural tooling and component markets.

HTM® 556, developed specifically for structural applications where high service temperatures are required, offers continuous service temperatures of 200°C (392°F). HTM556 also offers improved toughness and resistance to micro-cracking which has long been a short falling of Bismalimide resins.

HTM®515-1 is a Bismalimide matrix system optimised for tooling applications. HTM515-1 offers similar improvements in handling and can tolerate thermal cycling to 250°C (480°F).

HTM515-1 also exhibits improved toughness and resistance to micro cracking leading to improved vacuum integrity and extended tool life.

For further information, please contact:

Advanced Composites Group
Dr. John Nixon – Technical Marketing Manager
E-mail: jnixon@acg.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1773 766200

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14th December 2009

ACG Speeds to Long Term Supply Agreement with US F1 Team

Advanced Composites Group Inc. (ACG), part of the Composites Division of Umeco plc, is proud to announce the signing of a long term supply agreement with US F1 Team, the only US-based team to take the grid for the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship.

With strong backing and a solid team to enable it to meet the challenges of building a new car in an extremely short timeline, US F1 Team is focused on challenging the world’s best drivers and teams.

Ken Anderson, US F1 Team President, CEO and Team Principal, said: "US F1 Team is pleased to announce ACG as a technical partner in the design and construction of our 2010 Formula One car. The team faces a tremendous challenge to design and produce the first American-based Formula One car in more than 40 years, and ACG's composites expertise will be critical for us to meet our goals and expectations in 2010 and beyond."

ACG’s heritage in Formula One goes back many years; the Group’s philosophy of providing outstanding product development, application-specific, customised products and technical support at all stages of development and manufacture has placed it at the forefront of the motorsport industry.

Adrian Potts, President of ACG Inc, said: “There is an exciting time of change in Formula One racing and this has created the opportunity for new teams to enter the grid. US F1 Team is the sole American entry, and we are proud to support them from our Tulsa facility. I’m confident that the new team has signed up with the very best support and service in the industry, and we will demonstrate that their confidence in us is well placed.”

Jon Mabbitt, Managing Director of Umeco Composites Structural Materials, said: “It’s reassuring to know, in these turbulent times for Formula One, that ACG remains a strong technology leader in the field and that the motorsport industry can still provide exciting, new business opportunities such as US F1 Team. We wish the team every success in their endeavor.”

For further information please contact:

Advanced Composites Group Inc
Dr Adrian Potts – President
Tel: (+1) 918-252-3922

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19th November 2009

ACG Announces Official Supplier Agreement for the Multi One Design Program

One of the biggest and most exciting race boat building projects in history becomes a reality with the advent of the Multi One Design 70’ Trimaran, the rebirth of the popular and extreme Orma 60’ class.

ACG, part of the Composites Division of Umeco plc, is pleased to announce that it has been selected as Official Prepreg Supplier to the Multi One Design 70 project. ACG will supply its VTM®260 and MTM®57 Series prepregs for the build of a series of up to twelve trimarans that have been designed by VPLP (Naval Architects Marc van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot Prevost), world leaders in Multihull realisation. The MOD 70 fleet will participate in a race series that will culminate in a full round-the-world challenge, and will promote a message of ‘Eco-Responsibility’.

Multi One Design SA, a new company based in Lausanne, Switzerland, will manage the project from inception to completion. With a team comprising CEO Marco Simeoni, Executive Director Franck David and experienced multihull sailor Stève Ravussin as Technical Director, the company has the collective expertise to make this dream project become reality.

The racing program for the Multi One Design fleet will operate on a three year cycle. Main events will include short-handed transatlantic races and an annual European Tour to be hosted by six to eight European cities. Each race cycle will climax with The Oceans World Tour.

A team of top European boat yards and spar makers will build up to 12 of the MOD 70’s using ACG’s customised prepreg materials.

Henry Nicholson-Cole, ACG’s Marine Market Sector manager, commented: “ACG is very pleased to have been selected as Official Prepreg Supplier to the Multi One Design 70 project and looks forward to many years collaborating with Multi One Design on this exciting project.”

Photograph © Multi One Design

For further information please contact:

Advanced Composites Group
Henry Nicholson-Cole – Marine Market Sector Manager. E-mail: hnicholson-cole@acg.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1773 766200

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19th November 2009

‘The best-looking one-hulled Raceboat of 2009’ – Seahorse Magazine rate the Green Marine IRC60 ‘Jethou’ built exclusively with ACG Prepregs.

Prepreg materials manufactured by ACG, part of the Composites Division of Umeco plc, were used by Green Marine Products Ltd to build a new IRC60 yacht that has been hailed by Seahorse Magazine (October 2009) as the “Best-looking one-hulled raceboat of 2009 . . . perfect in every detail with gleaming clear-coat carbon everywhere you look, she is the definitive example of boatbuilding as art – in IRC at least!”

The new IRC60 yacht is the latest addition to the portfolio of Green Marine, a Lymington - UK based boat builder with a longstanding reputation for premium quality boats.

The Judel/Vrolijk designed IRC60 racing yacht is a truly stunning example of performance balanced with eye-catching beauty; it is a masterpiece of composite workmanship.

ACG were involved in the project from the onset and worked closely with Green Marine’s project managers Simon Smith and Marcus Attridge to ensure the fulfill the brief from the owner, Sir Peter Ogden, for an ultra-lightweight racing boat finished to a high quality clear carbon weave finish throughout the whole boat (inside and out).

Collaborating with the structural engineers, SDK Structures, ACG’s customised prepreg formats facilitated further optimisation of the boat’s structure, while ACG’s automotive specification ‘special visual quality’ (SVQ) grade carbon fabrics helped realise the owner’s aesthetic vision.

Green Marine’s skilled and experienced build team constructed the hull from female mould tools that were faired and refined to a flawless finish, which was then translated to the boat. The team’s skill and experience again shone through as material was carefully selected and weave patterns mirrored to create perfect visual symmetry.

ACG’s VTM®260 Series of prepregs, which was specified for the construction of the hull, deck and internal structures of Jethou, has an unparalleled track record in the America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race. This prepreg system, which offers a broad range of processing options from 65 to 120°C (150 to 250°F), has become the system of choice in the marine industry. On this project, its ‘step ahead’ curing characteristics ensured that the ‘black diamond’ structure would have the stability to withstand potential surface temperatures in excess of 100°C (212°F) without risk of distortion.

The versatility of the VTM260 also allowed for a low temperature cycle during the critical stage of curing the inner skins, thereby reducing the risk of air pressurisation in the honeycomb cells, which can lead to delamination.

Jethou is campaigning on the IRC Circuit and is competing in her second regatta since her launch at the Maxi Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo in September.

Photograph © Lloyd Images

For further information please contact:

Advanced Composites Group
Henry Nicholson-Cole – Marine Market Sector Manager. E-mail: hnicholson-cole@acg.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1773 766200

16th November 2009

ACG Announces the Launch of a New Composite Tooling Block

ACG, part of the Composites Division of Umeco plc, announces the launch of CB1100, a high-grade ceramic tooling block material offering a unique combination of high temperature resistance and exceptionally low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Fully compatible with ACG’s LTM® epoxy and HTM® Bismaleimide (BMI) prepregs, CB1100 can produce thermally stable composite tooling capable of withstanding the high pressures and elevated temperatures associated with autoclave cure cycles.

ACG’s CB1100 ceramic tooling block can be used as a high temperature capable master model. Machining times for CB1100 are short and, because of its very low thermal expansion, CB1100 is also particularly suited to the production of high accuracy, short run and prototype tooling, where it offers great savings in time and cost.

BMI tooling produced with a CB1100 core can be produced direct from the block without the need for a high temperature capable intermediate. CB1100 blocks can be fabricated and machined to form a tool core, totally eliminating the need for a master model, thereby further reducing lead times and costs. The composite tool skin, laminated directly to the core, uses ACG’s patent pending interfacing technology. Due to the high thermal stability of the ceramic core, the tool skin can be cured in a single operation without the need for an initial low temperature cure and then followed by a subsequent free-standing, high temperature post-cure. The carbon tool skin is fully supported by the ceramic core so there is no need for a backing structure. Collectively, this leads to further reductions in both time and material costs. The tool face is CNC-machined to create the final surface profile, thus overcoming accuracy issues created by intrinsic laminate shrinkage, resulting in an exceptionally accurate and stable tool.

CB1100 does not absorb water so it does not require drying or subsequent venting of the tool, and it is incombustible.

Images © copyright: 2009 ACG Ltd.

For further information please contact:

Advanced Composites Group
Clive Bennett - Tooling Technology Manager. E-mail: cbennett@acg.co.uk
Xavier Gambert - Aerospace Sector Manager. E-mail: xgambert@acg.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1773 766200

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16th November 2009

ACG Attends Space and Satellite Materials Conference (SAMPE- India)

ACG will be demonstrating its expertise in structural prepreg and tooling developments for space launch vehicle and satellite applications at the SAMPE (India) Conference in Trivandrum, India on the 4th and 5th of December 2009.

Hosted by VSSC (Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre), Bernard Twist, ACG’s Export Sales Manager, and Mr. Amit Saraiya of Chemapol, ACG’s Indian Space Sector Representative, will present the Group’s range of structural prepreg and tooling products. In particular, ACG will be promoting HTM®143, a high temperature moulding and low moisture pick-up cyanate ester resin matrix system suitable for space and satellite applications.

Launched in June 2009, HTM143 exhibits one of the lowest moisture pick-up rates of all comparable systems currently on the market. With a long out life of 21 days and a high Tg capability of 250°C (482°F), achieved after a suitable post-cure, HTM143 can be used to manufacture space structures exhibiting high dimensional stability. With low in-service moisture pick-up, i.e. a 0.55% weight gain on neat resin, and exceptionally low outgassing (Total Mass Loss (TML) % of 0.112, Recovered Mass Loss (RML) % of 0.023 and Collected Volatile Condensable Material (CVCM) % of 0.002 [ECSS-Q-ST-70-02C]), HTM143, which is non-ITAR listed, has already been selected for use on several satellite programs. ACG’s HTM143 is available for use with a wide range of unidirectional, biaxial and woven carbon fibre materials.

ACG will also feature MTM®44-1, an industry-leading, Out-of-Autoclave (OoA) technology for aerospace structures which reached two significant milestones in late 2008. MTM44-1, a 130 to 180°C (266 to 355°F) cure, high performance, toughened epoxy matrix, attained Airbus qualification for structural applications and successfully completed testing on the first sub-scale wing box demonstrator for ‘ALCAS’ (Advanced Low Cost Aircraft Structures), a research programme aimed at validating designs and technologies for lower cost aircraft structures.

MTM44-1 has been optimised for low pressure vacuum-bag processing to provide low internal void content, with the resulting composite performances being comparable to those of standard autoclave cured systems. OoA moulding offers benefits such as reduced capital equipment outlay and savings on certain associated processing costs. This technology may also facilitate the manufacture of larger and more integrated structures that would otherwise be excluded by their size and the prohibitive significant investment required for in-autoclave processing.

Having gained Airbus qualification for tape and fabric prepreg formats, MTM44-1 is being actively promoted for applications on a range of Airbus aircraft. Airbus and ACG have underpinned the qualification of MTM44-1 by signing a framework contract that will provide commercial and technical stability to Airbus sub-contractors adopting this new technology over the coming years. The successful testing of MTM44-1 on the wing box demonstrator further demonstrated the capability of this next generation OoA material. This was achieved as part of an Airbus and Dassault Aviation led, 101m€ EU-funded programme aimed at validating the designs and technologies for lower cost aircraft structures.

ACG designed and manufactured the lower cover of a structural wing box demonstrator, which was then used by four other partners (Alenia, Dassault Aviation, SAAB and Stork Fokker AESP) to complete the structure using different materials, designs and manufacturing options. The initial demonstrator failed at 10% over the specified design ultimate load, thereby proving the effectiveness of the materials, designs and technologies involved. At the time of writing, the remaining structures are being evaluated to validate and compare the embodied technologies. When compared with other OoA structural systems, ACG’s MTM44-1 exhibits the highest mechanical performances and can compete with a wide range of high toughness, autoclave curable epoxy systems.

ACG first introduced OoA materials and technology for aerospace structural applications in the early 1990’s and has radically developed its product portfolio for this and many other demanding applications since that time. Numerous civil and military programs currently use ACG’s OoA materials to manufacture structures by manual lay-up and state-of-the-art automated systems, including Automated Tape Lay-Up (ATL) and Automated Fibre Placement (AFP).

To complete the line up of next generation OoA processing structural systems currently in use or under qualification for a variety of civil and military applications, ACG offers MTM®45-1 and MTM®46, both of which have the largest available Public ‘B’ and ‘A’ basis databases generated via FAA accepted methodology at both lamina and laminate level.

ACG also manufactures a wide range of aircraft interior prepreg materials qualified to Airbus specifications. The Group’s prepreg range includes epoxy, phenolic, and bismaleimide (BMI) resin systems supplied in a number of different formats and fibre reinforcements, such as carbon, E, R and S-Glass.

For aircraft interior applications, the Group’s materials exhibit excellent fire performance characteristics that enable components meet mandatory regulations such as the Federal Aviation Authority’s FAR25.853 and Airbus ABD0031 directives.

From its prepreg manufacturing facilities in the UK and the USA, the Group services all markets by delivering bespoke products to short lead times, a service which is supported by a global network of dedicated sales and support agencies.

Visitors are encouraged to review ACG’s aerospace pedigree by visiting the Group’s web site.

Images sourced at iStockphotos.com

For further information, please contact:

Advanced Composites Group
Bernard Twist - Export Sales Manager. E-mail: btwist@acg.co.uk
Xavier Gambert - Aerospace Market Sector Manager E-mail: xgambert@acg.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1773 766200

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11th November 2009

Changes in ACG’s Representation in India

Following a thorough review of its arrangements for overseas representation and product distribution, ACG has taken the decision to terminate its agreement with S R International and with immediate effect to appoint the Bangalore-based company Mark-Tech to represent its full range of prepreg and associated materials throughout the Indian market, with the exception of the Indian space industry.

Mark-Tech has represented ACG’s range of phenolic resin impregnated materials in India for several years and this announcement extends Mark-Tech’s activities to now include all products manufactured at ACG’s two prepreg manufacturing facilities in the United Kingdom.

ACG would ask all of its Indian customers to note the details of this announcement and in future to address all enquiries and/or requests for information or support to:

Suresh Bhat, Managing Director
Mark-Tech
#21/2, Dr. DVG Road,
Bangalore - 560004

Tel: +91 (0)80 26 67 58 87
Fax: +91 (0)80 26 61 03 46
E-mail: suresh@mark-tech.com
www.mark-tech.com

ACG wishes Suresh Bhat and Mark-Tech every success for the future.

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Archived Press Releases

Additional general and market specific press releases are located in their respective archive locations. Please follow one of the following links to view this material.

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