Toray Advanced Composites (TAC) has acquired the assets, technology, and intellectual property of Gordon Plastics in Englewood, Colorado, expanding its continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite materials portfolio. The 47,000-square-foot production facility will operate as a satellite R&D and production facility for TAC, with the experienced Gordon Plastics site management and production personnel joining the company. The acquisition enhances TAC’s capability to process higher melting temperature polymer systems and supports the company’s focus on emerging demand in sporting goods, oil and gas, and industrial markets.

The Englewood facility is now producing continuous fiber-reinforced composite tapes made with various matrices, including PEI, PPS, PES, PESU, PA6, and PA11, reinforced with glass and carbon fibers. TAC’s sales and technical teams are ready to support customers with product information, including material samples, pricing, and technical data. The acquisition is a significant expansion of TAC’s position in the development and supply of continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite materials, further solidifying the company’s commitment to industrializing thermoplastic composites.

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The composite material industry is witnessing significant growth, driven by the need for stronger, lighter, and more versatile materials. The report highlights the top 10 trends in the industry, including high-performance resins and adhesives, carbon fiber-based materials, and advanced polymer composites. Additionally, the report discusses the importance of sustainability, with trends such as circular materials economy and recyclable composites. The innovation map outlines the top 10 trends and 20 promising startups that are driving technological advancements in the industry. The report also provides insights on the impact of these trends and the companies driving them.

The report highlights various innovations, including robotic fiber placement, resin transfer molding, and novel material formulations. It also discusses the role of artificial intelligence in manufacturing, with investment expected to grow by 57% by 2026. The report concludes that the composite material industry is expected to continue to evolve, driven by the need for sustainable, high-performance materials that can be used across diverse industries. The report provides actionable insights for businesses looking to gain a competitive advantage in the industry.

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The study explores the structural and electrochemical properties of Bi2MoO6, MXene, and their composite, Bi2MoO6/MXene. The XRD analysis reveals that Bi2MoO6 has an orthorhombic crystal structure, while MXene has a layered structure. The TEM images show that Bi2MoO6 particles are embedded on the surface of MXene nanosheets, forming a heterojunction. The EDX spectra confirm the presence of Bi, Mo, O, and Ti elements in the composite.

The BET analysis shows that the surface area and pore volume of Bi2MoO6/MXene are higher than those of Bi2MoO6 and MXene, indicating its higher porosity. The XPS spectra reveal the presence of C-C, C-O, and C-F bonds in MXene, and Bi3+ and Mo6+ ions in Bi2MoO6.

The electrochemical properties of the samples were investigated using CV and GCD analysis. The CV curves show pseudocapacitive behavior, and the specific capacitance values are highest for Bi2MoO6/MXene. The GCD curves also show pseudocapacitive behavior, and the specific capacitance values decrease with increasing current density.

The Ragone plot shows that Bi2MoO6/MXene has a high energy density and power density. The capacity retention of Bi2MoO6/MXene is 64.47% after 1000 cycles. The EIS analysis shows that Bi2MoO6/MXene has a low charge-transfer resistance and electrolyte resistance.

Overall, the study demonstrates that the addition of MXene to Bi2MoO6 enhances its electrochemical properties, making it a promising material for supercapacitor applications.

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Freudenberg Performance Materials (Freudenberg) is showcasing its high-performance textile and nonwoven solutions at JEC World, a leading international composites show in Paris, France. At booth P82.5 in Hall 6 from March 4-6, 2025, experts will welcome visitors to discuss solutions for optimizing resin infusion and foam injection molding processes. They will focus on EnkaSolutions flow media and spacers, which feature 3D polymeric filament structures that improve quality and efficiency. These solutions are used in vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) and resin transfer molding (RTM) processes, resulting in superior bond and mechanical properties, reduced wrinkle risk, and reliable resin distribution. Additionally, Freudenberg will present nonwoven surfacing veils for corrosion-resistant FRP components, abrasion resistance, and UV protection. The company’s experts will highlight their technical capabilities in combining glass, PAN, and PET fibers or filaments using wetlaid, drylaid, and spunbond processes. Manufacturers can benefit from Freudenberg’s solutions to produce high-quality and efficient products.

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The outdoor advertising industry is undergoing a shift towards sustainability, with brands and clients seeking eco-friendly alternatives to traditional PVC flex materials. Sivabalan Thangavelu, director at Miraai Advanced Composites Pvt Ltd, highlights the opportunities and challenges in this space. The demand for fabric-based materials is rising due to their sustainability, light weight, and aesthetic appeal. However, the transition is hindered by the dominance of PVC flex in the market and the lack of awareness about alternative materials.

Sivabalan emphasizes the need for regulatory support, citing the importance of government intervention and circular supply chain systems to encourage sustainability. Without such systems, sustainability efforts will remain unsuccessful. He outlines a roadmap for sustainable OOH advertising, including developing eco-friendly materials, promoting environmentally friendly inks, and establishing closed-loop recycling systems.

Sivabalan also stresses the importance of education and collaboration to overcome resistance and make sustainable practices more accessible and cost-effective. The industry must work together to achieve sustainability goals, investing in green technologies and fostering a circular economy.

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The need for materials that can withstand high temperatures has led to the development of metal-matrix composites (MMCs) and ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs). MMCs offer strength and ductility, but are heavy and complex to process. CMCs, on the other hand, have superior heat resistance and low abrasive and corrosive properties, but are brittle and require sintering, a process that renders a combination of materials into a coherent mass by heating to high temperatures. CMCs are used in aircraft engines, allowing for higher operating temperatures and reduced fuel consumption. Another type of composite, carbon-carbon composites, consists of semicrystalline carbon fibers embedded in a matrix of amorphous carbon and are used in nose cones of reentry vehicles.

Research is also focused on developing materials with specific properties for use in space, such as materials with near-zero coefficient of thermal expansion and high-toughness materials. Additionally, “smart” materials are being developed, which have built-in sensors and actuators that can react to their external environment by bringing on a desired response. These materials could be used to suppress vibration and improve safety in aircraft interiors.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing Radiation Absorbent Materials (RAM) to meet the stealth requirements of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a 5th generation fighter jet. The AMCA is expected to have enhanced stealth capabilities due to the use of composite materials, including RAM, and shaping techniques. The DRDO has already used composite technology in the Tejas fighter aircraft, which has improved its sturdiness and allowed for longer missile ranges. The organisation is also exploring new composite options, such as ceramic matrix composites, carbon fibre silicon carbide, and silicon carbide materials, for use in hypersonic missiles and aero engines. The DRDO has established centres of excellence at 15 locations to collaborate with academia and industry to develop solutions in this field. Additionally, the organisation is working on bulletproof jackets and armour protection using ultra-high molecular weight polyethene fibres, with the goal of developing domestic fibre production capabilities.

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The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) has appointed Andrew Pokelwaldt as its new Director of Education and Workforce. Pokelwaldt will lead the organization’s education and workforce team, overseeing the development of programs and initiatives to revitalize America’s manufacturing workforce. With extensive experience in manufacturing, composites, and workforce training, Pokelwaldt previously served as Director of Workforce Training and Credentialing at the American Composites Manufacturing Association and as Training and Development Manager at Brunswick Recreational Boat Group. He also oversaw workforce programs at Newell Brands. Pokelwaldt holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and is a former dual-career retired military veteran. IACMI is dedicated to securing US global leadership in advanced manufacturing by connecting people, ideas, and technology. The organization partners with industry, academic institutions, and government organizations to enhance US manufacturing competitiveness, with a focus on technology, commercialization, and workforce development. As part of his new role, Pokelwaldt will work to strengthen the advanced manufacturing workforce by equipping individuals with the skills needed to succeed, broadening access to career pathways, and sparking interest in advanced manufacturing careers.

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IACMI (Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation) is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of revitalizing American manufacturing and strengthening the nation’s defense industrial base. Established by the Department of Energy (DOE) in 2015, IACMI has been a key player in the US reindustrialization effort, aiming to make the country a global leader in manufacturing innovation and workforce development. Through public-private collaborations, technical innovation, workforce development, and leveraging resources, IACMI has had a significant impact on the US economy, with four key ways:

* Public-private collaborations: 170+ members and 4,500 professionals from industry, academia, and federal labs collaborating to tackle industry challenges.
* Technical innovation: 90+ members conducting 60+ industry-led R&D projects, commercializing dozens of products, and advancing technology readiness level.
* Workforce development: Providing internships, training, and certification programs, resulting in 100% job placement, STEM outreach engagements, and trained professionals across 50 states.
* Leveraging resources: $400+ million in scale-up facilities and equipment, resulting in an additional $220 million for companies, universities, and workforce initiatives.

IACMI has also developed state-of-the-art scale-up facilities, including the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the IACMI Scale-Up Research Facility in Detroit, Michigan. These facilities have enabled transformational R&D, with projects in energy, transportation, aerospace, and infrastructure. IACMI has become an “ecosystem of innovation,” with an effective formula that works: technical innovation + workforce development = economic growth. As the first DOE institute to receive renewed funding, IACMI is committed to building on its successes and will expand its programs over the next few years.

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ATC Manufacturing is a company based in Idaho that specializes in thermoplastic composites for the aerospace and defense industries. Founded in 2004, the company has been a pioneer in the use of thermoplastic composites for aerospace parts and structures. ATC’s two core processes, continuous compression molding (CCM) and stamp forming, enable rapid production of complex composite parts at a fraction of the labor costs associated with traditional thermoset layup and with reduced material waste. The company has long-term agreements with Boeing and works directly with the company and its Tier suppliers. ATC’s focus is on high-rate, cost-saving applications where thermoplastics can shine, such as producing parts at automotive rates. The company is also investing in research to improve the performance characteristics of thermoplastic composites and is collaborating with industry groups to stay ahead of the latest material and process developments.

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The Department of Mechanical Engineering at NIT Jamshedpur is hosting a one-week training program on “Advanced Composite Materials for Next-Gen Technologies” from January 20 to 24, 2025. The program, attended by over 130 participants from across India, is being conducted in a hybrid mode. The sessions feature experts from premier institutes and government research organizations, including IITs, NITs, CSIR, and DRDO. The program kicked off with an inaugural ceremony and has since featured talks on various aspects of advanced composites, including metal-matrix composites for transportation systems, food waste-filled polymer-matrix composites, and innovations in processing and product development of metal-matrix composites. The program aims to engage participants, faculty, and students in discussions on cutting-edge composite materials for next-generation technologies.

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The global advanced polymer composites market is expected to grow from USD 12,478.5 million in 2025 to USD 22,137.2 million by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%. The growth is driven by increasing demand in aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy sectors. The aerospace industry is the largest consumer, contributing significantly to overall revenue. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing regional market, driven by industrialization and government investments in renewable energy.

The electric vehicle (EV) market significantly influences the demand for advanced polymer composites (APCs) in several ways:

1. Need for lightweight materials: EVs require lightweight materials to maximize battery efficiency and range. APCs, known for their high strength-to-weight ratio, are ideal for reducing the overall weight of vehicles.
2. Applications in critical components: APCs are used in key parts of EVs, including battery housings, body panels, and frames.
3. Growing demand for EVs: The rising global adoption of EVs, particularly in regions like Asia and Europe, is driving the demand for APCs.
4. Technological advancements: Continuous advancements in composite technology enhance the properties and applications of APCs.
5. Regulatory compliance: Governments’ implementation of stricter emissions regulations and promotion of sustainable transportation solutions is driving the adoption of APCs.

The market is segmented based on components, including resins (epoxy, polyester, thermoplastics), fibers (carbon, glass, aramid), and fillers. Carbon fiber composites dominate due to their superior strength-to-weight ratio, with significant applications in aerospace and wind energy.

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The Mechanical Engineering Department of NIT Jamshedpur has launched a week-long training program on advanced composite materials, featuring experts from premier institutions such as IITs, CSIR, and DRDO. The hybrid program, running from January 20-24, covers emerging composite technologies and their applications in transportation, defense, and aerospace. The event was inaugurated by IIT Hyderabad Director Prof. Murty, who highlighted the potential of metal-matrix composites to revolutionize transportation. Other experts shared their research on topics such as food waste polymer composites, processing innovations, and aerospace innovations. The program also covers automotive efficiency improvements and defense applications, with a focus on weight reduction benefits and sustainable material options. The sessions will continue through January 24, attracting participants from academia and industry.

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ARRIS Composites, a manufacturer of advanced composite materials, has partnered with Henry Repeating Arms, a leading firearms manufacturer, to develop next-generation composite solutions for firearm components. The partnership aims to leverage ARRIS’ cutting-edge technology to create lightweight and high-strength components that outperform traditional metal parts. The first product is expected to launch in Q2 2025.

The partnership combines ARRIS’ expertise in material science and manufacturing with Henry Repeating Arms’ dedication to innovation and quality. The goal is to provide customers with enhanced performance and lighter-weight firearms and accessories.

ARRIS’ technology uses patented software, materials, and high-volume production methods to create continuous, multi-scale, and cross-scale fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite structures. This enables the development of novel, high-performance materials for various industries, including footwear, bicycles, and automotive.

The partnership aims to push the boundaries of what’s possible with innovative materials, ensuring the continued delivery of best-in-class firearms made in America.

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The Mechanical Engineering Department of NIT Jamshedpur is hosting a week-long training program on “Advanced Composite Materials” with over 130 participants. The program features sessions by experts from IITs, NITs, CSIR, and DRDO, focusing on composite materials and their applications. The inaugural session emphasized the use of metal-matrix composites in automotive components to conserve fuel, while later sessions explored innovations in processing and product development of metal-matrix composites, and advanced composites for defense and aerospace applications. The program also discussed the potential applications of metal-matrix composites and their role in energy conservation, innovation, and sustainability. Participants have praised the program’s focus on advanced research and its practical implications across various industries. The event aims to enhance knowledge about composite materials and their applications, providing a comprehensive learning experience for participants.

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Mississippi State University (MSU) is set to receive a combined $9.5 million in funding from the state to continue playing a key role in Mississippi’s economic development. The funding will enable MSU to construct and equip facilities dedicated to cutting-edge research, supporting the state’s economic growth and job creation. The investment is part of a larger $110 million package by Governor Tate Reeves to fund economic development, infrastructure, and workforce development initiatives. The funding will be used to build and equip facilities, including the Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center, a new MSU Research Technology Building, and the Northern Gulf Aquatic Food Research Center. Additionally, the Advanced Composites Institute will receive funding to support blended-wing technology in the aerospace industry. MSU President Mark E. Keenum highlighted the university’s role in driving economic growth and improving job opportunities for Mississippians. The funding is expected to help continue the state’s economic momentum and create more high-paying job opportunities across the state.

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CES Advanced Composites has recently received TS EN ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation from the Turkish Accreditation Agency (TURKAK) for its Ballistic Test Lab. This achievement demonstrates the lab’s competence and capability in providing reliable and consistent testing services. The lab conducts a wide range of tests, including ballistic and secondary tests, to ensure that materials and components meet and exceed military standards. The accreditation covers various levels of testing, including NIJ 0101.06 and 0101.04, STANAG 4569 Threats Level 1-6, VPAM personal armor ballistic tests, and VPAM BRV standards for special vehicles. This accomplishment is a significant achievement, and CES Advanced Composites congratulates all those involved in the accreditation process. The lab’s accreditation by TURKAK, the national accreditation body for Turkey, confirms its commitment to providing high-quality testing services.

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ADDMAN Group and Continuous Composites have partnered to integrate Continuous Composites’ CF3D technology into ADDMAN’s suite of additive manufacturing capabilities. This integration enables ADDMAN to offer both Carbon-Carbon composite and refractory alloy printing services, making it the only service bureau to offer this capability. The CF3D machine uses a continuous dry fiber impregnated with a rapid-curing thermosetting resin to print large-scale composite parts. The technology allows for precise, high-temperature printing of complex designs with structural and functional fibers tailored for demanding applications. The partnership serves to address customer feedback, which has emphasized the need for both Carbon-Carbon composites and refractory metals like Niobium C103 to support advanced applications. The integration of CF3D technology also allows ADDMAN to provide optimized solutions for performance and weight, delivering mission-critical components that meet the stringent requirements of hypersonic systems. The companies will host a webinar on December 3 to showcase this technology and its potential to shape the future of manufacturing in aerospace and defense.

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The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, having played a significant role in revitalizing American manufacturing and strengthening the nation’s defense industrial base. Established in 2015 with Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Defense (DoD) support, IACMI has focused on advancing composites manufacturing and workforce development. Through public-private collaborations, technical innovation, and workforce development, IACMI has achieved numerous successes, including:

* Convening over 170 members and 4,500 professionals
* Conducting over 60 industry-led R&D projects, resulting in commercialized products and job creation
* Training over 18,000 people in STEM outreach engagements and 12,400 in CNC machining, composites, and metallurgy
* Providing open access to over $400 million in scale-up facilities in 8 states

IACMI’s CEO, Chad Duty, attributed the institute’s success to public-private partnerships, stating, “IACMI has harnessed the power of public-private partnerships to improve products, processes, and people’s lives through composites innovation and workforce solutions.” The institute continues to expand its programs, leveraging its facilities and equipment to advance its purpose, attract startups and small enterprises, and create opportunities with large enterprises, national labs, and universities.

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Toray Advanced Composites, a company based in California, has acquired the assets, technology, and intellectual property of Gordon Plastics in Colorado. The acquisition will expand Toray’s portfolio of continuous fibre reinforced thermoplastic composite materials and enhance its ability to process higher melting temperature polymer systems. The Gordon Plastics plant will operate as a satellite R&D and production facility for Toray, and its management and production team have joined the company. The acquisition is expected to support emerging demand in sporting goods, oil and gas, and industrial markets. The plant produces continuous fibre reinforced composite tapes made with various matrices and reinforced with glass and carbon fibres. Toray’s sales and technical teams will support customers with information on material samples, product availability, pricing, and technical data. The company’s website will provide additional information on its product portfolio, capacity, and new developments.

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Park Aerospace Corp. (PKE) has announced that Chairman and CEO Brian E. Shore will deliver a presentation at the 27th Annual Needham Growth Conference on January 16, 2025, at 2:15 p.m. EST. The presentation will be conducted virtually and will be accessible via a live audio webcast. Investors can access the presentation materials starting at 8:30 a.m. EST on the same day through Park’s website. The webcast replay will be available for 90 days. Park Aerospace develops and manufactures advanced composite materials, including film adhesives (Aeroadhere®) and lightning strike protection materials (Electroglide®). The company’s products are used in various aerospace applications, such as jet engines, military aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Park also offers custom composite parts fabrication and focuses on taking on challenging projects that others may avoid.

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The global advanced composites market is expected to grow from USD 44.28 billion in 2024 to USD 121.28 billion by 2034, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.60%. The market is driven by increasing demand for lightweight and fuel-efficient materials in the aerospace and automotive industries. The carbon fiber composites segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.8% from 2024 to 2034, driven by its increasing use in wind energy applications and aerospace components.

The market is also driven by the growing demand for sustainable renewable energy, particularly in Europe, where wind energy installations are increasing. The automotive sector is expected to reach a CAGR of 8.7% from 2024 to 2034, driven by the need for fuel-efficient vehicles. The market is also expected to be driven by the growing demand for ceramic matrix composites in developing countries.

The market is expected to face challenges such as limited usage due to reparability and recyclability, but the growing demand for intricate and compact designs and renewable energy is expected to drive market growth. Key players in the market include Toray Industries, Koninklijke Ten Cate NV, Teijin Limited, and Hexcel Corporation.

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The development of materials for aerospace structures focuses on increasing fuel efficiency by improving engine efficiency and reducing structural weight. This is achieved through the advancement of metal alloys and composite materials. The development of superalloys, which are high-strength alloys resistant to high temperatures and mechanical stress, has improved engine performance. Advanced processing techniques, such as hot isostatic pressing and rapid solidification, have allowed for the creation of strong, homogeneous materials with tailored properties. Composite materials, which consist of fibers embedded in a matrix, offer superior characteristics compared to individual constituents. Composite materials are widely used in aerospace applications due to their ability to provide weight savings, which result in improved performance or reduced life-cycle costs. The three categories of composite materials are polymer, metal, and ceramic matrices, each with its own operating temperature range. While composite materials mimic natural structures found in plants and animals, modern composites require rapid, repeatable processing methods to fabricate large quantities of parts. Overall, the development of advanced materials is crucial for improving fuel efficiency and advancing aerospace engineering.

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The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) is celebrating its 10-year anniversary as a leader in advanced composites and workforce solutions. Established by the Department of Energy in 2015, IACMI has played a pivotal role in revitalizing American manufacturing and strengthening the nation’s defense industrial base. Over the past decade, IACMI has achieved significant impact through public-private collaborations, technical innovation, workforce development, and leveraging resources. The organization has convened over 170 members and 4,500 professionals, conducted 60+ industry-led R&D projects, and trained over 18,000 STEM students. IACMI has also provided open access to over $400M in scale-up facilities across 8 states, leading to an additional $220M+ in investments. The organization’s CEO, Chad Duty, attributes its success to the power of public-private partnerships and the support of industry and government partners. IACMI is committed to building on its successes and expanding its programs to attract startups and small enterprises, while creating opportunities with large enterprises, national labs, and universities.

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Xeriant, Inc. has appointed Dr. Victor Castaño, a world-renowned materials scientist, to its Advisory Board. Dr. Castaño has expertise in materials science, nanotechnology, and thermal coatings, and will provide guidance on the development of Xeriant’s construction and aerospace products, including thermal barrier coatings and fire retardants, and the application of functional nanomaterials. His experience will help establish Xeriant’s NEXBOARD, a sustainable, high-performance construction material, as a leader in the market. NEXBOARD is an eco-friendly panel made from recycled waste and advanced composites, designed to replace traditional building materials. Dr. Castaño has over 30 patents, 850 published papers, and is a member of 50 international journals. He is a full professor and director at the Centro de Fisica Aplicada y Tecnologia Avanzada (CFATA) of the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM). He is also a Visiting Scholar at Purdue University and has worked at IBM’s Thomas J. Watson Research Center.

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