#Composites

2021-01-07

Toray develops FPSO and FSO repair and reinforcement technique with MODEC

Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it has developed a carbon fiber reinforced plastic-based repair technique with MODEC, Inc. The technology is for floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) and floating storage and offloading (FSO) systems that MODEC designs and builds and for which it provides operation and maintenance services. Toray has jointly developed a repair technology using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics and has obtained approval from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) as a standard repair method for thickened parts due to corrosion.

Since maintenance of FPSO / FSO is carried out while continuing oil and gas production at sea and only repairs with steel materials are permitted. It has been desperately desired to require a new construction method that makes easy to bring in materials and equipment which does not involve fire work.

Toray has a patent for a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VaRTM) repair technique that can be applied to a narrow work site, and Toray has been considering applying the technology to repair of FPSO / FSO in the field of floating marine oil and gas and production equipment including FPSO. And now Toray has been working with MODEC, the world's leading company and the only specialized company in Japan.

The two companies jointly developed a repair technique that uses a dedicated carbon fiber fabric with high strength and high elastic modulus which makes it easier to carry in materials and equipment compared to the conventional repair method using steel materials, and requires a small number of people and a short construction period. In addition, since it does not involve fire work, it can be expected that the impact of repair work on oil and gas production will be minimized.

In the medium-term business program "Project AP-G 2022", Toray will focus on a further improvement on Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics business and strengthening its design and proposal capabilities for material systems, and will operate in growth markets. Toray will keep leveraging the power of materials to change the world by strengthening collaboration among Group companies while catering swiftly to market needs.

Toray develops recycling technology that retains carbon fiber strength and surface quality

Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it has developed a recycling technology that can decompose diverse carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) made from thermosetting resins while retaining the strength and surface quality of those fibers. The company drew on this technology to create a nonwoven fabric employing recycled carbon fibers.

HEAD launches more sustainable(1) BOOM RAW racquet on Earth Day by using Toray’s bio-circular carbon fibers

HEAD continues to innovate with the launch of the BOOM RAW tennis racquet, an encouraging development in the search for a more sustainable future for racquet sports. All of the carbon fibers are bio-circular carbon fibers in the limited-edition and highly innovative BOOM RAW racquet, which offers the same explosive power - along with the same fun, feel and easy playability - as the regular, in-line BOOM racquet. The bio-circular carbon fibers are manufactured by Toray and its subsidiary Toray Carbon Fibers Europe.

Toray develops durable reverse osmosis membrane

Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it has developed a highly durable reverse osmosis (RO) membrane (see glossary note 1). This innovative offering guarantees the long-term provision of high-quality water. It also maintains the superior removal performance of Toray’s existing membranes vital for reusing industrial wastewater and treating sewage.

Engineering depth and diversity for composites

Airbond is the latest member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) to receive recognition for contributions to the composites industry. The engineering firm based in Pontypool, South Wales, has just received the Make UK Energy and Sustainability Award for its Lattice 3D Printing project.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Rieter responds to higher raw material prices

Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.