Hexcel and Arkema announce the opening of a joint research and development laboratory in Les Avenières (Isère) in April 2019. This announcement follows that of March 2018 in which the two companies announced the formation of a strategic alliance for the development of thermoplastic composites for the aerospace sector, combining Hexcel's expertise in carbon fibers and Arkema's in PEKK.
The creation of this laboratory aims to develop unidirectional carbon-thermoplastic prepregs for the manufacture of primary structural parts for future generations of aircraft. These solutions will provide competitive technologies to meet the need for lighter weight and faster production rates in the aerospace and defense sectors.
Thanks to the close collaboration between Hexcel and Arkema, the first industrial pilot line will soon join this new laboratory, with the aim of supplying materials during the 3rd quarter of 2010.e quarter 2019.
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