Materials

Sunny days ahead for plastic solar modules Solar modules in vehicles are still very much niche products. One reason is glass-based module manufacturing limits the use of photovoltaic cells in size and weight, according to Proof Design and Innovation Management. The German company presented a plastic-based solution, the Composite Solar Module, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Read full story

Huss takes a new angle on DPF design Huss has developed an innovative LPS-SiC diesel particulate filter specifically for heavy-duty on- and off-highway applications. Read full story

Phosphorescence a novel property of composite electroless nickel coatings One category of coatings is based on electroless nickel (EN) plating. EN is a chemical process with many inherent features well suited to automotive applications, including hardness, corrosion resistance, and conformity to complex geometries. It is possible to add super-fine particles into the EN to form composite EN coatings. These particles can provide hardness, wear-resistance, low-friction, heat-transfer, and even phosphorescent properties. Read full story

Executive Viewpoints: Megatrends fueling the future of composites In the grand scheme of things, 2020 isn’t that far away. I see three megatrends influencing the use of composites in off-highway mobility. Read full story