#Composites

2019-07-04

SGL Carbon supports student group from the Technical University of Munich

Student Team of Technical University of Munich presented the new Hyperloop Pod made from Carbon mid of June. (c) 2019 SGL Carbon

With the support of SGL Carbon, students at the Technical University of Munich have developed an optimized Hyperloop prototype and presented their innovation mid of June in Munich. This especially lightweight and stable capsule (called pod) represents their contribution to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s Hyperloop competition on July 21, 2019, in Los Angeles. Here, student teams from all over the world will compete for the fastest, best pod system. Like a sort of pneumatic tube, the pods shoot through a near vacuum tube, shaping the way for new future forms of mobility.

At a glance:

A new Hyperloop capsule – made in Germany – was presented to the public at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Garching mid of June
The prototype was developed and built by students at TUM to enter into this year’s Space X hyperloop pod competition on July 21 in Los Angeles
Video on the role of carbon in the Hyperloop

Ever since the Hyperloop competition began in 2017, TUM students have received expert support and carbon fiber materials from SGL Carbon – this year as a gold sponsor. For the third time in a row, the team from TUM took first place. In 2018, the special capsule from Munich flew through the 1,200 meters test tube at a velocity of 467 km/h, leaving the competition in the dust.

This year was once again all about maximum speed. “The pod has to be especially light, but at the same time extremely stable to withstand the loads of the high speeds in the tube,” explains Paloma García Guillen, Structure Team Lead in the TUM team. All properties that are typical features of carbon fiber. “Thanks to the support from SGL Carbon, we were able to test out different material variants.” Ultimately, the team opted for a pre-impregnated woven carbon fiber material, a so-called prepreg.

Based on design and material optimizations, the carbon component of the current pod weights around ten percent less than the previous model (5.6 kilograms compared to 6.1 kilograms). In addition, the mounts for the shell are now built completely out of carbon, instead of the previous plastic solution, cutting the weight in half from 1.5 kilograms to just 700 grams.

“It’s impressive to see what the young team of 51 students from 20 countries achieved in such a short amount of time,” says Dr. Christoph Ebel, Head of the Lightweight and Application Center at SGL Carbon. “From the idea, to prototype development, to the finished part, the team only needed a few months,” he explains. “Behind the Hyperloop pod design are numerous innovative ideas based on modern lightweight construction, challenging to realize technologically. We are excited to have the students on our side as partners and wish the team the best of luck for their competition.”

Besides sponsoring the hyperloop team, SGL Carbon has also supported the carbon composites endowment chair (LCC) at TU Munich for eight years, which is focused on a holistic approach to and development of fiber-reinforced composites and their application.

SGL Carbon decides to restructure its Carbon Fibers business unit

The Board of Management of SGL Carbon SE today decided, with the approval of the Supervisory Board, to restructure the loss-making Carbon Fibers business unit. SGL Carbon will significantly reduce the business activities of Carbon Fibers and focus on a profitable core. Individual solutions are being developed for all Carbon Fibers sites, including the closure of unprofitable sites.

SGL Carbon evaluates strategic options for the carbon fibers and appoints Dr. Denis Hinz as new head of the business unit

SGL Carbon SE is currently evaluating various strategic options for the Business Unit Carbon Fibers (CF). These include a possible partial or complete divestment of the Business Unit. In a first step, potential interested parties shall be approached promptly with the general data of the Business Unit to determine their interest in an acquisition. If there is sufficient interest, a structured transaction process will be carried out in a second step.

MEL Composites delivers advanced hull infusion for Técnico Solar Boat’s hydrogen-powered São Gabriel 01

MEL Composites has reinforced its partnership with Técnico Solar Boat through the successful hull infusion of the São Gabriel 01, an 8m long, 2.4m wide, hydrogen-powered hydrofoiling vessel. Designed to compete at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge in July 2026, the São Gabriel 01 is the team’s most technically demanding project to date and showcases the future of sustainable marine engineering by combining advanced composite manufacturing with clean energy systems.

“Action helps us change what we do!”

DAY 0 takes place deliberately before PERFORMANCE DAYS begins. It is conceived as a space for reflection, dialogue and active engagement — a moment to pause before the fair, rethink established systems and address sustainability not as a trend, but as a fundamental transformation challenge. Under the guiding metaphor “Turn the Tap Off”, DAY 0 focuses on root causes rather than symptoms, systemic change rather than isolated solutions, and collective responsibility rather than individual silos.

Pets in fashion: functional and sustainable textiles find new market at Intertextile Apparel

China’s pet economy is booming, especially amongst younger generations, and pet apparel – from designer outfits to functional garments – was a RMB 3.5 billion (over USD 500 million) market in 2024, growing more than 20% annually¹. To help exhibitors harness this trend, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2026 will launch the Pet Boutique, presenting a range of innovative, sustainable materials that prioritise both functionality and comfort for pets.

VAUDE eliminates PFAS from all products

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are now detectable worldwide – in drinking water, soil and the human body. These so-called “forever chemicals” are considered hazardous to health and potentially carcinogenic, as they do not break down and remain in the environment permanently. Despite these risks, PFAS are still used in a wide range of products. More than 15 years ago, VAUDE made a strategic decision to gradually eliminate PFAS from all product categories.

Lenzing AG to become majority owner of TreeToTextile AB and accelerates industrialization of new fibers

The Lenzing Group is taking another strategic milestone by acquiring a controlling majority in the Swedish innovation company TreeToTextile AB. This step strengthens Lenzing’s position as a leading provider of sustainable, wood‑based specialty fibers and expands its innovation pipeline with a highly scalable, patent‑protected technology platform. The transaction is executed through the issuance of new shares.