Closed Molding Composites Market Leading Players, On-going Demand and Forecast by 2027

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Closed Molding Composites Market: Introduction

• Closed molding is a type of technology, which allows the manufacturing of better polymer composite parts in less time, with less wastage, and reduced emissions
• Closed molding methods have replaced open molding methods, as the former inherit environmental and quality issues. Compared to open molding, closed molding processes enable manufacturers to develop parts faster and with consistency. The finished parts have better surface cosmetics, thus reducing the need for post work.
• Manufacturing processes associated with closed molding composites, such as resin transfer molding (RTM) and vacuum infusion process (VIP) are eco-friendly and help in reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds, including styrene vapors, into the atmosphere
• Closed molding offers a variety of benefits — from reducing styrene emissions and cost to improving quality and increasing production volume. However, open molding remains the norm within the composites industry.
• Recent advancements in closed molding composite methods have led to their use in different end-use applications, such as marine, aerospace, automotive, construction, and transportation

Key Drivers of Closed Molding Composites Market

• Composites are light in weight compared to most woods and metals. Some modern airplanes are built with more composites than metals, including the new Boeing 787, Dreamliner. Carbon fiber composites have a higher strength-to-weight ratio than conventional materials. This increase in demand for composites in the aeronautics sector is driving the global closed molding composites market.
• The automotive sector has witnessed high demand for panels and other materials for automotive vehicles due to increased urbanization throughout the globe. This had driven the use of composites material in the industry.
• Demand for renewable energy is increasing. Hence, the wind energy sector is driving the global closed molding composites market. Moreover, there is a growing demand for lightweight long blades for wind turbine, thus creating opportunities for carbon fiber composites.
• Composites are good insulators, as they do not easily conduct heat or cold. They are used in the construction industry in doors, panels, and windows where extra protection is needed from extreme weather conditions.
• Advanced composite materials have a decade long history in military and government aerospace industries. Composite materials are used in military aviation in mechanical, thermal, chemical, and ballistic applications. Fiber reinforced plastic composites are used in these applications specifically.

Major Developments

• Growing popularity of composite liftgates has led to the development of a new primerless structural adhesive by Ashland LLC. It is mainly formulated for low-modulus/high-elongation properties and is said to be ideal in handling coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) mismatches in hybrid-material systems; for instance, bonded liftgate panels. The adhesive was specifically formulated for low-surface-energy olefin substrates such as long-fiber polypropylene structural/inner panels.
• The U.S. Department of Energy announced that the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI), a US$ 259 Mn public-private partnership. The Institute will focus on building advanced composites that less expensive and less energy-intensive, while also manufacturing composites that are easier to recycle.