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26 Mar 2008  -  France

Sustainable development and composites in French Region of Aquitaine

As well as being Europe’s leading region in space and strategic propulsion, Aquitaine has also become a European reference in the field of high-performance composite materials. Its engine manufacturing activities are also a major asset. 

Aquitaine boasts skills in several other cutting-edge sectors, such as water sports equipment, energy and the environment, construction and public works, which are often organised in the form of competitiveness clusters. 

The Aquitaine composites sector benefits from a diversified industrial organisation, internationally renowned research and technology resources and a responsive training system that adapts quickly to stay in tune with market needs and technological shifts.

Sustainable development and composites
On the theme of sustainable development, Aquitaine is present at the JEC Composites Show to present the remarkable performances achieved by companies working in research combining composite materials and renewable energy sources.

Performances…
The presence of the great names in the aeronautics, space and defence industry (Dassault Aviation, EADS Astrium Space Transportation, SNECMA Propulsion Solide Safran Group, SNPE Matériaux Energétiques), has led to the emergence of a fabric of SMEs specialising in composite materials and taking part in many technology transfers.

Aquitaine can also claim top-level performances in the field of pultrusion with Epsilon Composites, the European leader in carbon-based industrial profiles. The only carbon fibre production unit in France - Soficar – and the country’s only aluminium honeycomb manufacturer - Alcore Brigantine – are also part of Aquitaine’s composites assets.

Composites for energy…
As an emerging competitiveness cluster targeting energy diversification, the aim of Avenia is to organise and unite stakeholders in Aquitaine around the theme of “Energy: today and tomorrow”. Its global approach to the energy issue provides a complement to initiatives that already exist in the other clusters, to create a united approach to the theme of energy in France. Present on the Aquitaine stand, Composites Aquitaine is particularly closely involved in this mission.

Excellence in composites: six examples
To support innovation in its competitiveness clusters, the Region has set up an innovation agency: Innovalis Aquitaine. It is at the instigation of the agency that Aquitaine is presenting a representative selection of the companies to which it owes its position as a leader in the field of composite materials. 

At JEC Composites Show 2008, Aquitaine will be represented not only on the individual stands of the firms mentioned above, but also by AEC Polymer, Alcore Brigantine, Epsilon Composite, Lectra System, Soficar, …. and by six of the most innovative companies in Aquitaine grouped together on the “Composites Aquitaine” stand (N° R 63):

Composites Aquitaine
The purpose of EADS Composites Aquitaine (50.5% owned by EADS Sogerma) is to study, develop and implement high-performance composite materials. Renowned among the leading aeronautics companies, EADS Composites Aquitaine designs and manufactures class 1 and 2 structural parts and highly technical aeronautical equipment such as Airbus A320 landing gear doors, wing fillets (Falcon, Airbus), leading edges and fairings, etc. Interior fittings for aircraft and helicopters are also within the scope of EADS Composites Aquitaine.

Ciron
Polymir®, the polymers and composites division of Ciron SA, develops resins, gel coats, polyester glues and putty. It also has a new, patented process for electrostatic gel coat application on conductive organic moulds; Stratex EC conductive polyester resin for electrostatic dumps; Stratigel EC electrostatic spray-on gel coat; Stratex DPO polyester resin for direct contact with polystyrene, a reference for that application. Ciron SA and Pascal Rosier Moulage® have designed and selected an extensive range of moulding and modelling products for professionals and amateurs. Polymir® also distributes a whole range of dedicated products and accessories for composites activities, and notably the Vacform® reusable covers for vacuum infusion.

Plastinov SNE
Based in the Lot-et-Garonne, the company is specialised in composite material parts: wind turbine blades, engine hoods, tanks, industrial parts, motorway emergency call terminals, post boxes, leisure equipment etc.

Polyprocess 
Polyprocess is a partner of manufacturers in the composites industry. Thanks to the quality of its products and service, it has become established in the countries of North Africa and Eastern Europe, and is currently targeting Asia.
Always with a focus on the environment, the company’s gel coat with low styrene content is one of the leading products in its range (gel coats, glues, putty and casting resin, finishing products for modelling). Then there are its barrier coats (ester vinyl) enhancing the physical, chemical and aesthetic qualities of laminates (ship construction, sanitary equipment, tool design, RTM process, etc…). Thanks to ongoing product development efforts, Polyprocess will be launching halogen-free, low-styrene gel coats and resins that meet smoke and fire-resistance requirements. 

PPS (Pôle Polymère Sud)
For over 15 years, PPS has been supporting companies, and in particular SMEs, in their projects involving plastics, composites and elastomers. From the idea through to the finished product, PPS proposes a comprehensive offering including product design, choice of materials and technologies, making prototypes, analysing material properties, studying in-service behaviour and looking for partners to handle industrialisation. These activities are supported by a dynamic network comprising over 180 member companies.

C.C.C.
For more than 17 years, C.C.C. has offered companies an opportunity to innovate and create in their production activities through a comprehensive approach to new materials, and notably to composites and technical polymers. Prior to the JEC Composites show 2008, C.C.C. achieved a world first: rehabilitation of a 380m long, 1.2m diameter pipe in a single piece and in seawater, for the La Teste water treatment plant, using a high-tech mix (Strador range). Another innovation by C.C.C. in 2007: pin supports to fight musculoskeletal disorders, with the support of the DRTE Aquitaine.

Composites call for projects
Because composites are constantly evolving and represent an opportunity rather than a threat for the industrial fabric of Aquitaine (especially in aeronautics), Aquitaine Regional Council has issued a “Composites Call for Projects”. It will support the development of new composites products (raw materials, components, sub-assemblies) and innovative processes making use of composites, by giving financial and technical assistance if necessary for companies and researchers.
The winners of this Composites Call for Projects will be announced and given their awards at the JEC Composites Show, on 2 April at 11.30am on stand R63.

Source : Innovalis Aquitaine