Reinforced Composites

Composites which are thermosetting resins reinforced with high performance fibres, such as “Kevlar” aramid are replacing light metals in weight sensitive industrial applications, particularly transportation. In 1982, a total of 600,000 tons of fibre reinforced composites were produced in Europe, roughly half of which was for transport. This figure represents already 17 per cent of the aluminium production, the main construction material for aircraft, fast powerboats and ships.