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Study links carbon fiber microstructure to Li insertion mechanism in structural batteries

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Carbon fibers have already beeen demonstrated as high-capacity Li-ion battery anodes, opening the way for their use as structural electrodes—i.e., The researchers studied the microstructure of different types of commercially available carbon fibers. —Fredi et al.

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PNNL leads team to accelerate development of affordable carbon fiber composites

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Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, along with experts from industry and academia, have developed predictive engineering tools for designing new, economical, and lightweight automotive composites. This approach should speed the development of more economical carbon fiber materials.

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Magna to produce carbon fiber composite body panels

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Magna Exteriors, an operating unit of Magna International, has been awarded new business to supply painted automotive body panels made from carbon fiber composite material for two 2016 model-year vehicles. This effort followed the successful collaboration between Magna and Zoltek to develop CFS-Z carbon fiber sheet molding compound.

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Ford displays prototype Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic hood

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At the Composites Europe event in Dusseldorf, Ford Motor Company displayed a prototype carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) hood. The prototype hood weighs more than 50% less than a standard steel version. Reducing the amount of finishing work required to acceptable standards. Meeting requirements for painting.

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Ford’s first mass-produced carbon fiber wheels

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To source the new lightweight track-capable carbon fiber wheels that are standard on the new Shelby GT350R Mustang, Ford partnered with Australia-based Carbon Revolution. Carbon Revolution first began delivering composite wheels in 2004 for Formula SAE campaigns.

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Continental Structural Plastics and Mitsubishi Rayon exploring joint venture for carbon fiber automotive structural components

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Continental Structural Plastics (CSP) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Mitsubishi Rayon (MRC), regarding the development and manufacturing of innovative carbon fiber structural components for the automotive industry in North America. Also key was reducing the cycle time associated with the use of carbon fiber.

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Ford and Dow partner to research use of advanced carbon fiber composities in high-volume vehicles

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Ford Motor Company is partnering with Dow Automotive Systems, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company, to research the use of advanced carbon fiber composites in high-volume vehicles. Carbon fiber composites have been used in aerospace and racing cars for decades due to their unique combination of high strength and low mass.