| 1 |

Materials Performance TechnologiesLucy Cranitch, pictured, was doingan inspection of a fibreglass duct,wearing a full acid suit and artificialbreathing apparatus to go into aduct that led to a drying tower(steel) which contained 96%sulfuric acid.

Fibreglass can be used in someharsh chemical environments. Oneexample of this is in sulfuric acidservice. Fibreglass can be used insulfuric acid up to concentrationsof approximately 75%.This worksout nicely since whilst carbon steelcorrodes in lower concentrationsof sulfuric acid, in higher

concentrations it is resistant and thus used for concentratedsulfuric acid storage tanks.

In concentrated form (>76%), sulfuric acid displays reducingproperties which makes it more aggressive towards fibreglass.Furthermore, the sulphur trioxide associated with concentratedsulfuric acid has a very high affinity for water, and can chemicallydehydrate polyesters or vinyl esters to yield a charred surface.

The duct in the investigation above contained approximately10% sulphur dioxide gas at 40°C. In addition to the duct, theplant in question had many components made from fibreglass insulfuric acid service.This included radial flow scrubbers, gascooling towers, electrostatic mist precipitators, cooling watertower fans, ducts and kilometres of pipework. Many of thesecomponents were manufactured by Ron Gee Enterprises.

The conditions at this plant were sulphur dioxide gas, sulphurtrioxide gas and sulfuric acid at various concentrations andtemperatures.The resins used were Bisphenol A vinyl esterresins (standard vinyl ester resins); Brominated Bisphenol A vinylester resins which offer fire retardence with the addition ofantimony compounds; and Epoxy Novolac vinyl ester resins(premium vinyl esters) which offer resistance to higheroperating temperatures.

The fibreglass duct in this plant had experienced splash back ofconcentrated (96%) sulfuric acid from the drying tower.Thisresulted in corrosion of the fibreglass in the areas where the

acid had contacted. Repair was required and this was performedby Ron Gee Enterprises. Damaged areas were ground back tosound material and chopped strand matt laid up using Hetron980 resin. Nexus surface veil was used in the final layers.

Typical laminate construction for service in sulphur dioxide gasand weak sulfuric acid is:

� 2N2M3(MWMWM)C* to give a thickness of approximately 20 mm

� N = Nexus

� M = 450 gm/sq.m chopped strand matt

� W = 800/300 biased woven roving (800 in hoop direction)

� C* = C glass veil with a fire retardant resin

This example highlights the exemplary performance of fibreglassin an application where many other materials corrode. It alsoshows that fibreglass can be repaired when process conditionslead to damage.

With correct material selection and control of operatingconditions fibreglass can give extremely long service life even inharsh environments. Reichold quote service of Atlac 382 insulfuric acid for over 40 years without problems.

Lucy Cranitch, BSC (Hons), PhD (Polymer Chemistry)

Promoting and Connecting the Composites IndustryNewsletter of the Composites Institute of Australia Inc. Visit: www.compinst.asn.au

Issue 3, 2003

Inside This Issue� The Delights Condition Assessment 1� The Australian Advanced Composites Market an Elite-Niche 2� Environmental Planning for the Composites Industry 3� 20,000 Brisbane Residents to Walk on Water 4� Duratec Vinylester Fairing Primer Used for 100’ Power Launch 4� Composite Engineer’s Viewpoint – Designing with Composite 5

Materials Part 2: Materials Selection and Processes 6� Call for Papers, Presenters, Sponsors – Set Your Course III 6� Australian Composite Structures Society 8� Chisholm Institute Dandenong offers Workplace

Campus Training Courses 2004 8� First Female ‘Composites Technician’ in Australia Graduates 10� Australian Composites Introduce New Prepreg Technology

‘VBUVC’Vacuum Bag UV Curing 10� Stop Press News Breakers 3, 10� CIA Welcomes New Members 10� New CD’s Released 12� What's On 12

The Delights of Condition Assessment

The Moon Suit

Composites Australia Newsletter – Issue 3, 2003 | 2 |

Applications in aerospace, recreational and high-tech marineform the basis of the Australian Advanced Composites (AC)industry. Not withstanding some early developments ininfrastructure, which may develop a new sector?

A recent survey of the members of the Composites Institute ofAustralia (CIA) identified approximately one fifth of its membersused or had the capabilities to process advanced compositematerials. Many of these were small companies supplying nichemarkets or larger companies that were project driven (i.e. theyprocess advanced composites when circumstances demand).

CIA Survey SummaryOf 278 CIA member companies, 177 completed the survey asfar as possible. Of those, 65 do not manufacture – 112manufactures surveyed.

This seems to reflect that many of the Australian compositemanufactures are adaptable in their abilities to process variousmaterials and don't just specialised in singular techniques.Withthe bulk of the industry using polyester resins, open mouldingand spray up, it is interesting that bagging and autoclavecapabilities are significant bearing in mind that no largeaerospace companies were in the survey sample.

When asked what were the trends in AC's in Australia, twomajor material suppliers believed that change was occurring inhow these materials were processed, not changes in thematerials themselves. One example given was a movementtowards infusion system rather than using pre-preged materials.It was felt that some leading-edge yacht manufactures weretrying to avoid interlayer adhesion problems that were thoughtto be behind some recent failures. Another supplier felt therewas a movement from open molding to pre-preg products. ZPreg and SPRINT were also given as examples of changes inprocessing technology. Sydney's leading yacht manufacturerMcConaghy's agreed that changes in processing along withchanges in design tools were driving the high performance yachtmarket. Once described as standing under the shower tearingup $100 bills today's ocean racers are still doing that, but areriding hulls virtually designed and built in an environment ofchange, increasing sophistication and cost. In the past three yearseach major project at McConaghy's has involved changes inmaterials, processing and design; they are currently using SPSystems SPRINT material to produce another high-end oceanracing yacht. Having built 4 out of the first 5 boats to finish in

this year’s Fastnet race, they have shown that things are far fromconstant at the elite end of yacht design.

90ft long, 135ft high all carbon fibreAlfa Romeo, built by McConaghy Boats– Moan Vale, Sydney Australia is aworld-beating leader being followedby their current project and otherslike the new 98ft Wild Thing out ofHart Marine Mornington, MelbourneAustralia.These boats are definitelylarge elite uses of advancedcomposite materials.

The premier motor sport class in Australia,V8 super cars hasbeen on the fringe of AC composite utilisation for a number ofyears with teams like Holden Racing and Ford producing thefascias, wings, IP's and trim to lighten these super modifiedsedans. But full on adoption has been limited by class regulations.Never-the-less over the past 5 years we have seen increasingutilisation of advanced composites at all levels of motor sportwith a number of small companies setting up to producecomponents for the race track and street car mod's.

Companies such as LSM in Toowoomba run a number ofautoclaves and although they supply other markets it's safe tosay they are based primarily in motor sport. As conventionalcomposites begin to gain ground in mainstream automotiveapplications the design studios and advanced engineeringdepartments are also adopting advanced composite materialsfor prototyping and prove out applications.

Composites are becoming a viable alternative in nicheapplications. GM Holden is about to release their new all-wheelderive sports utility with a composite roof. As the Australianautomotive industry reaches the critical mass that allows it toutilise different materials we see increased usage of composites.The Australian car industry has a long way to go to catch up toU.S. and European usage, some predict they will jump thethermosets and go straight to the new generation of thermoreinforced plastics.The major Australian car companies tend towait for technology and materials to be proven elsewhere andthen cherry pick to suite their needs. Some small amounts ofadvanced composites are used in custom sports cars but in themain these vehicles tend to run conventional high quality FRPlaminates and there is no dedicated large high performancevehicle manufacturer in Australia.

V8 super cars run ACfronts, rears, fascias,interiors and wings andare the glamour class inAustralian motor sport.Composite Institutemember Holden Racingare processing in-houseautoclave capabilities andlooking to expand their composite division to supply their sistercompany Holden Special Vehicles with AC enhancement andperformance improving components.

The largest Boeing operation outside the United States providesa corner stone to the Australian aerospace industry.TheirHawker de Havilland Company is a multi-site operationemploying approximately 1450 people at the Fishermans Bendsite in Melbourne and Bankstown site in Sydney. Corecapabilities cover R&D, design, test, fabrication, repair andassembly of components. Significant components such as control

The Australian Advanced CompositesMarket an Elite-Niche

Composites used in Holden Adventra roof

Visit: www.compinst.asn.au| 3 |

surfaces and major structural assemblies are produced for mostof the world's large commercial and military aircraft. ‘Hawkers’has major contracts with the world's leading aircraftmanufactures such as Airbus, Boeing Commercial Airplane,Boeing Integrated Defence Systems, Lockheed Martin,Bombardier and BAE SYSTEMS.

Most of Hawker de Havilland's Research and Developmentexpenditure goes towards developing techniques and processesto design, cure and assemble composite aerostructures.Thisprovides an idea of the growing importance composites play inaerospace manufacturing.The development of efficient newmanufacturing technologies for aerospace applications is themajor thrust of Hawker de Havilland and their Australianresearch partners. In addition to dedicated internal researchprograms, research is also conducted in collaboration with theCooperative Research Centre for Advanced CompositeStructures (CRC-ACS) where Hawker de Havilland is theprincipal aerospace industry participant, the CooperativeResearch Centre for Intelligent Manufacturing SystemsTechnologies (CRC-IMST) and a number of AustralianUniversities.

‘Hawkers’ core capability is in advanced composites.They havecomprehensive in-house capabilities for composite and metal-to-metal bonding within a world class facility. One autoclaveused for curing composite structures is the largest in thesouthern hemisphere -– allowing the Company to cure largecomposite structures.

Approximate summary of Composite products tobe used at Hawker de Havilland in 2004Carbon Fabric and Tape Pre-pregs 2.3 million square feet

Adhesive Films and Foams 560,000 square feet

Fibre Glass Pre-pregs 520,000 square feet(List does not include any Potting Compounds, Adhesive/Foam Sealants forProduction or Repairs, nor any Adhesive Primers)Information prepared by Hawker de Havilland

The aerospace industry in Australia is often regarded as a standalone entity and it is. But importantly it requires and drives highstandards that can flow to the rest of the industry. It may also inpart account for the significant number of CIA manufacturersthat have an understanding of AC materials and processing. Aswith the other applications discussed it is elite use.

An outsider might think that these specialised elite applicationscould be prone to falling over. However they have inherentadvantages which give them the ability to ‘keep on standing’. Asdid Steve Bradbury in his gold medal win in the1000 metres fasttrack speed skating at the Atlanta Olympics February 2002.When he won gold, he was wearing his own boots made by hisunique niche company the Revolutionary Boot Company (RBC).With his partner Clint Jensen, they have become part of theAustralian AC industry.

The Revolutionary BootCompany can tailor the shape ofthe boot to match the skater’sfoot contours exactly, that enablesa superb fit which in turnprovides direct power transfer

from the skater to the skate (i.e. speed). By altering the lay-up,the boots stiffness can be altered to suit the individual skater.The mounting points for skate attachments are plastic injectedmoulded discs which are co-cured in the laminate. RBC –another successful niche elite application – but what are they

doing as the world’s top ice-skate manufacturer in sunnyQueensland?

One common thread has been apparent throughout all theapplications mentioned, it is the need for speed. It is often linkedwith success as well as enabling success.The Australian advancedcomposite industry is a very successful niche in the Australiancomposites industry.The general industry is estimated to begrowing at over 5% p.a. – the advanced end may be more orless, we don't have the figures.

Graeme Smith, Executive DirectorComposites Institute of Australia

Released with this issue of the Composites Institute of Australianewsletter is the Model Environmental Management Plan for theComposites Industry. It is a product of a partnership between theNSW Chapter of the CIA and the NSW Department ofEnvironment and Conservation (formerly the EPA) CleanerIndustries Unit. Under a grant from the DEC IndustrialPartnership Program the Model EMP has been developed aswalk-through document to aid composites fabricators to developsite-specific environmental management plans for their sites.

The philosophy behind the Model EMP is to go beyondcompliance with regulatory requirements and adopt industry bestpractice that will reduce costs and lessen environmental impacts.

The previous booklet, Environmental Information for the CompositesIndustry in the Solutions to Pollution Series, was aimed at assistingfabricators and regulators with compliance issues. It is stillavailable from the NSW DEC on their website atwww.epa.nsw.gov.au/small_business/composites.htm along withsimilar booklets for other industries.

The Model EMP has been published in booklet form and on aCD.The CD contains the Model EMP document in PDF format,worksheets and Case Studies.The worksheets are in Wordformat and can be used interactively.The case studies illustratethe use of the worksheets and demonstrate cost savings that canbe made.The CD should start up automatically, however, if itdoes not, the document files can be accessed through WindowsExplorer. At a later date the Model EMP will be accessible on theCIA website.

The booklet and CD are being distributed to the NSWmembers of the CIA.The NSW Department of TAFE has alsodeveloped a resource module for the EMP to be included in theRubber and Plastics Technicians Certificate.

Environmental Planning for theComposites Industry

Georgia Institute Of Technology, USA wins the 2003 FormulaSAE-A (Society of automotive Engineers) CompetitionIn a competition where 21 international student teams designand build formula SEA cars the overall first place has gone toGeorgia Institute, closely followed by Chalmers University fromSweden in second place and The University of Queensland inthird place. 15 teams from Australia and 6 international teamscompeted in the event held at Tailem Bend in December.Full results are available from the Formula SAE-A Home Page,www.sae-a.com.au

Stop Press News Breakers

| 4 |Composites Australia Newsletter – Issue 3, 2003

An innovative fibre composites truss structure and a range ofother fibre composite technologies will enable an estimated20,000 Brisbane residents per day to literally walk on water.

The new showcase floating walkway of Brisbane's RiverWalkproject near New Farm will allow the people of Brisbane tostroll or cycle along one of the most scenic reaches of the river.Executive Director of the University of Southern Queensland'sFibre Composites Design and Development (FCDD) Centre ofExcellence, Professor Gerard Van Erp, said the construction ofthe RiverWalk has pushed the boundaries of structuraltechnology.The 850 metre walkway on the river at New Farm isthe centrepiece of the 30km-long RiverWalk project.

"When engineerslooked to provideaccess from thewaterfront onto thefloating walkway ofthe RiverWalk projectat New Farm, theextremely high

dynamic loads and harsh environment made traditional designsolutions a prohibitive option," Professor Van Erp said.

"We needed to provide an extremely durable and high capacitysolution to a difficult engineering problem.The 18 metre-longfibre composite truss stabilises the downstream end of thefloating walkway and will allow safe access on and off the mainwalkway during peak usage of the RiverWalk. It provides anextremely durable and high capacity solution to a difficultengineering problem."

He said the truss was partially submerged in salt water andsubject to severe dynamic loading so the design posed significantproblems for traditional construction materials. Estimates on analternative stainless steel solution were nearly three times theprice of the new composites truss.

"Because of its light weight, the truss also offers significantbenefits in terms of construction time with assembly of thestructure taking only two hours at FCDD on the USQ campusin Toowoomba.

"This project represents a major step forward in engineeringtechnology. It is the first fibre composite truss in the world that iscapable of carrying these high loads in such a severeenvironment.The spin-off effects will be significant and are likelyto change the way structures in, or near salt water, will be builtin the future. Due to the high durability of composites there willbe a major reduction in maintenance costs which will result inconsiderable savings for the community for many years tocome," Professor Van Erp said.

In addition to the truss, FCDD has also provided a range ofother new structural fibre composite technologies for thefloating walkway.These have all been based on FCDD's noveldesign solutions which use composite materials to addressspecific shortcomings of traditional structural materials.

"The RiverWalk will cater for jogging, cycling, walking andrecreation and will join the people of Brisbane and the rivertogether," Professor Van Erp said.

20,000 Brisbane Residents to Walk on Water

Formulated for all applications above and below waterline,topside, decks and complete superstructures on polyester,vinylester or epoxy constructed boats, the Duratec VinylesterMarine Fairing System includes a vinylester hand trowelableputty, sprayable vinylester Fairing Primer and sprayable vinylesterPrimer.

The Duratec Vinylester Marine System offers excellent resistanceagainst osmosis and blister damage.The unique chemistry hasproven its performance on more than 2,000 boats and yachts,worldwide.

Formulated with hollowglass microspheres, theDuratec VinylesterPrimers can be sprayapplied, wet-on-wetwithout sagging, curesrapidly and will be readyto sand in 2 to 4 hoursdepending on thicknessand temperature.Thisquick turn-around meanstime and labour saving, especially on a project like the 100'Classic Motor Yacht recently faired at Azzura Yachts on the GoldCoast.The Duratec Vinylester Fairing System offers an extremelyhigh HDT making it the perfect system for dark coloured boats.

ATL'sPOWERBOARDFairing Machine wasused extensively onthe project to furtherreduce the timerequired to fair largeprojects like Azzura's100' Classic MotorYacht.

The full range of Duratec vinylester based fairing products playsan integral role in today's marine fairing industry, adding quality,saving time while building in added protection for custom built,or production moulded, projects.

For more information on the Duratec Vinylester Marine FairingSystem, or any of the Duratec Plug/Pattern, Mould Repair orMould Re-Surfacing products, visit www.atlcomposites.com.

Duratec Vinylester Fairing Primer Usedfor 100’ Power Launch

Formulated for all applications above and below waterline, on polyester,vinylester or epoxy constructed boats

The light blue colour of the VE Fairing primer is an accurate surface guide while fairing

Visit: www.compinst.asn.au| 5 |

Composites Australia Newsletter – Issue 3, 2003 | 6 |

Designing with Composite MaterialsPart 2: Materials Selection and ProcessThe selection of materials to be used in the composite, i.e. thefibre and the resin system, and the manufacturing process toform the structure are most critical in the development of thefinal composite engineering and physical material properties.Thefibres generally hold the key to the majority of the properties.There is a wide range of fibres to select from, but generally, theend result comes down to cost, weight and performance.Table 1 shows the general stress/strain relationship betweenseveral common fibre types.The fibres also come in a numberof forms, i.e. continuous unidirectional, woven cloth or shortfibre mat. Each form represents a different level of achievableproperties.The most efficient fibre form (weight vs.performance) is the continuous unidirectional, then followed bywoven cloth and last the short fibre mat.The effect of fibreform is illustrated through the achievable fibre volume ratio andrelative performance, see below.

The resin system is used to bind, protect and assist the fibres

with load transfer. Based on a simple micromechanics rule ofmixtures approach the two major properties (axial strength andstiffness) of the composite structure are proportional to thefibre properties and the fibre volume ratio.The typical aim is tohave both a high fibre stiffness and fibre volume ratio forstructural efficiency. During the process of composite structurefabrication, the fibre volume ratio is dictated by the removal ofexcess resin. As the fibre volume ratio changes there is aproportional change in the mechanical and physical propertiesof the composite structure.Thus, to achieve a specificengineering deflection (stiffness dominated) or load bearingcapacity (structural strength) for example, a reduced relativestiffness due to fibre form, or a reduced strength because of alow fibre volume ratio will require a thicker section to be made.Noting that the higher performance fibres are generally lighterthan the matrix, then combined with an overall larger cross-section dimensions you have a heavier structure.This is alsodirectly related to a higher cost in terms of materials and labour.Cost estimate will be covered in a future article.

The following table clearly shows this effect with stiffnessefficiency.

Stiffness Efficiency Index = Stiffness Index xVfVf (Uniaxial)

Stiffness Maximum Stiffness Index Vf Efficiency Index

Axial 1.00 0.70 1.00

Biaxial 0.50 0.60 0.42

Random (Planar) 0.30 0.35 0.15

Random (3D) 0.12 0.30 0.05

The selection of the manufacturing process, and there areseveral to choose from, will be dependent of equipmentavailability, cost, time, materials selection, product quantity, forexample. However, whatever process is selected, thedevelopment of composite material properties will be based onply or fibre orientation and the fibre volume ratio.

Your choice of fibre type, fibre form, resin system andmanufacturing process will determine the composite materialproperties… as the Knight protecting the Holy Grail said toIndiana Jones, in the movie, The Last Crusade, "choose wisely".

In the next article, we will see how you can determine thenumber of plies required in various orientations to meet thestructural properties of the structure. I also welcome questions,comments and your point of view. Feel free to contact me viar.heslehurst@adfa.edu.au. I may publish your questions andcomments, and my response in future newsletter.

Rik Heslehurst PhD, MEng, BEng(Aero), CPEng

Composite Engineer’s Viewpoint

Australia's Industry Association (CIA) & Composites Australia presents

Set Your Course III – The Third Mark20 – 21 May 2004Chancellor Resort, Gold Coast, Queensland

Adjacent to and concurrent with Sanctuary Cove InternationalBoat Show

Papers: Submit abstracts prior to March 1 2004,Full papers are required for submission by 5 April 2004

Enquiries and Submissions to:

Composites Institute of Australia

PO Box 878, Mt. Eliza,Vic 3930 Australia

Email: ciainfo@compinst.asn.au

Call for Papers, Presentations andSponsors

Visit: www.compinst.asn.au| 7 |

| 8 |Composites Australia Newsletter – Issue 3, 2003

Workplace Training: Certificates I, II & III inProcess Manufacturing – Composites

Dandenong Campus: Basic Competencies

� OH & S � Mould Preparation

� Hand Lay Up � Finishing/Assembly

� Demoulding � Repair

Advanced Competencies

� Interpret Technical Drawings � Plugs/Patterns.

� Mould Construction. � Jigs & Fixtures.

We are currently processing enquiries and applications andenrolments will commence on 4 February 2004, 6.00 pm,Chisholm Institute, Building F, 121 Stud Road, Dandenong.

Enquiries: Les Cooper: Program Co-ordinator – Automotive& Engineering or Don Elliott: Teacher – Composites.

For further information please do not hesitate to contact uson (03) 9212 5234

Chisholm Institute Dandenong offersWorkplace Campus Training Courses 2004

The use of composite structures has become an increasinglyimportant factor in engineering design. Australia has a rapidlydeveloping composite industry which is supported bycommercial, government and university research departments aswell as international collaborations.To enable discussion of ideasand foster developments in the application of compositematerials in engineering structures within Australia, theAustralian Composite Structures Society (ACSS), a TechnicalSociety of Engineers Australia, was established in 1992 with theaim to provide a forum for such activities.

The Objectives of the ACSS:�To act as a learned society, embracing all aspects of

engineering theory and practice, relevant to the structuralapplication of composite materials in Australia

�To promote the wider structural application of compositematerials in the interest of Australian economic development

�To inform its members of local and overseas activities ofscientific and engineering significance in the field of compositestructures

�To provide opportunities for intellectual and fraternalexchange for Society members with a common interest in thedevelopment of composite structures and associatedtechnologies

�To liaise with other scientific and engineering bodies withsimilar aims, and in particular to represent Australia oninternational organisations, such as the InternationalCommittee on Composite Materials

� Application for membership may be made by contacting theMembership Secretary at crc-acs@crc-acs.com.au.

Australian Composite Structures Society

Visit: www.compinst.asn.au| 9 |

| 10 |Composites Australia Newsletter – Issue 3, 2003

Australia's first female'Composites Technician'Jodie Duffy hasgraduated from thePlastics and RubberTechnical EducationCentre (PARTEC)

Jodie works forWhitsunday Fibreglass

at Airlie Beach, North Queensland.Whitsunday Fibreglassmanufactures ocean racing outrigger canoes exporting them tothe United States. Jodie has completed all of her training atPARTEC Composites Training Centre,Townsville and spent herfinal week at PARTEC Institute, in November.

The composites sector was previously known as fibreglassing,but now includes the use of advanced materials, such as Kevlarand carbon fibre.The trade of 'Composites Technician' wasapproved by the Commissioner of Training in February 2000,with the first wave of graduates entering the workforce this year.

First female ‘Composites Technician’ inAustralia Graduates

This technology has been developed to meet the demands ofthe modern composite manufacturer. It enables the low costmanufacturing of small and large composite structure withoutthe requirement for heavy moulds, refrigeration or ovens.

These prepregs ‘Cure at the speed of light’ so to enable rapidturnover of your moulds.

Some of the great benefits of Auspreg UV are:

� Up to 60% reduction in styrene

� No heating required for curing

� 12 months shelf life at room temperature

� Controlled fibre volume fraction Vf� Rapid curing – as low as 3 minutes for single layer with Barcol

readings up to 70� Extremely low shrinkage – <0.2%

� No post curing required

� Can be used for layup of very thick parts in one step

�Very little mess – eliminates resin handling in house

� Turnover of moulds can be increased up to 10-foldAUSPREG UV™ are available in both Polyester and Vinylesterresin types with a variety of fibre substrates such as Choppedstrand mat, Biaxial,Triaxial, Quadriaxial, Uni-directional andcombinations of these.

This new technology is based on vacuum bagging techniques,with open moulds.There is no need for ovens or post curing.

Australian Composites Introduce aNew Prepreg Technology ‘VBUVC’Vacuum Bag UV Curing

Composites Institute Elects New President and Boardof Directors – New Board Faces Funding CrisisAt the CIA Board Meeting and AGM held on Friday 12thDecember the following Board of Directors was elected:

New PresidentSharon Werka representing Kangan Batman TAFE, was re-electedfor a second 2 year term and elected President

Elected for 2 year termsNew Board Members:

Floreana Coman, Australian Composites

Simon Taylor,The Valspar (Australia) Corporation

Re-elected Board Members:

Nicholas Cossich, ATL

Michael Distasi, FGI

Alan McGowan, Colan

David Perkins, PPG George Fethers

Board members with 1 year to serveGrant Pearce, Pacific Composites

Brian Hughes, CME

Norm Watt, Buchanan Advanced Composite

Ian Crouch, CRC – ACS

Gerard Van Erp – USQ

Geoff Houghton, Huntsman

Chris Wood, FTP

Andy Dakers, Craft Fibreglass

Tim Wright

Ron Gee

Retired From BoardSimon Grosser, SP Systems

This Board now holds the future of the CIA in its hands.Thequestion of how to fund and grow the organisation is at a pointthat will determine what form and what type of associationexists in 2004 and onwards.The CIA has been operating withthe assistance of a Technology Diffusion (TDP) grant initially viathe University of South Australia, and now through FlindersUniversity for the past 3 years.

This grant has been a great benefit to our organisation and givenus the opportunity to introduce a number of new initiatives e.g.the new format of Composites Australia, website developmentand the employment of a marketing professional.

However the grant is now drawing to a close and the CIA boardneeds to address how the Institute can be funded in the future.We can build on the gains made with the TDP money or goback to relying on our membership funds and seminar revenue.

Stop Press News Breakers

� QMI Solutions � Aviation Australia

� Paul Wilson (Student) � Talon Technology Pty. Ltd.

� Kayaks Plus (New Management)

� Polymer Daystar (Welcome Back)

CIA WelcomesNew Members

Composites Australia Newsletter – Issue 3, 2003 | 12 |

Composites Institute of Australia Inc.15 Antonella Court, Dandenong,VIC 3175Mail: PO Box 878 Mt. Eliza VIC 3930

Tel: (03) 9768 2450 Fax: (03) 9768 2451Free Toll: 1300 654 254Email: ciainfo@compinst.asn.auVisit: www.compinst.asn.au

New CD's releasedNow Available on CD Composites Materials Part A&B formallyavailable as video tapes the Composites Institute has nowreleased PC compatible CD's. Many companies don't have avideo player in the office but most do have a PC so we havereleased Composite Materials A&B in a format that you cannow use for on-sight training. Also available in the same formatsare the rest of the series: Plastic Forming Part A&B. See listbelow. All products listed are currently in stock but stocks arelimited. Order now!

Book ListAustralian Videos – $100 each. CD's – $125 each.

1. Composite Materials Part A&B (also available on CD/Video)

2. Composites Health & Safety (Video only/CD available soon)

CD's (only Power point presentations from Australianconferences & seminars)� Set Your Course No I & II (2CD Set $75 or $50 each)a. Set Your Course II

1. Airtech Infusion 4. UV Cure Prepregs2. Liquid Composites 5. Lowering Styrene Emissions3. Z-Preg

b. Set Your Course I1. Infusion – Scott Lewit2. DuFlex – Light Wgt. Composite Panels3. Infusion – Diab

�Way Ahead Scott Beckwith $50: Composite Technology &Market Update

� Resolutions – Brent Strong $50: Resin Chemistry &Creative Thinking

Computer Video CD's $125 each.1. Forming of Plastics part A&B

2. Metal Casting: Die Casting

3. Metal Casting: Sand Moulds

4. Machining: Removing Material

5. Machining: Cutting Material

U.S.Videos In Stock (VHS) $125 ea.1. Building Quality Fibreglass Tooling

2. Gelcoating for quality Composites

3. Laminating for Quality Composites

(Stocks are limited)

All prices in $AUD – effective 18/11/03

To Order Contact:Composites Institute of Australia

Toll Free with In Australia: 1300 654 254

Tel: +61 (03) 9768 2450 Fax: +61 (03) 97682451

Email: ciainfo@compinst.asn.au

All Correspondence: PO Box 878 Mt. Eliza Vic. 3930 Australia

What's On� Wind 2004 – 3rd Annual Australian Wind Energy

Conference, 26–27 February 2004 Stamford Plaza Adelaide,Visit: www.ibcoz.au/wind2004Tel: (+61 2) 9080 4307 Fax: (+61 2) 9290 3844.

� Reinforced Plastics 2004 – International Balaton Conferencewith accompanying exhibition to be held in Balatonvilagos,Hungary May 25–27 2004. Association of the Manufacturersof Reinforced Plastics Materials, Mrs. Catherina Maros, Postaladdress: H-1519 Budapest, P.O. Box 426, Hungary,Tel: (+36 1)382 1540 Fax: (+36 23) 445 524Email: maroska@muki.hu

� ICERP 2004 International Conference and Exhibition onReinforced Plastics, 12–14 February 2004 Chennia TradeCentre, Chennia, South India, Organised by FRP Institute,Chennia, Co-sponsored by JEC S.A.,Visit: www.frpinstitute.org Email: frpinst@xlweb.com Tel: (+91 44) 2644 2093 Fax: (+91 44) 2232 7249

� 7th World Pultrusion Conference – Composite ProfilesSpeed and Performance, 25–26 March 2004, Amsterdam, theNetherlands, EPTA (European Pultrusion TechnologyAssociation). PO Box 18 NL-3830 AA Leusden, NetherlandsTel: (+31) 33 4343 500 Fax: (+31) 33 4343 501 Email: info@pultruders.com Visit: www.pultruders.com

� ICAS 2004 24th – Congress of the International Council ofthe Aeronautical Sciences, Pacifico Yokohama ConventionCentre,Yokohama, Japan, August 29–September 2004Visit: www.icas.org

� JEC Composites Show, 30 March–1 April 2004, Paris Expo,Porte de Versailles, 19 Boulevard de Courcelles F-75008 Paris,France Tel: (+33 1) 5836 1501 Fax: (+33 1) 5836 1515Email: info@jeccomposites.com Visit: www.jeccomposites.com

�The Fourth Asian- Australasian Conference on compositesMaterials (ACCM-4), Composite Technologies for 2020,6–9 July, Sydney, Australia Visit: www.camt.usyd.edu.au/accm4

� Set Your Course III – ‘The Third Leg’,Technology Update forComposite Fabricators and boat Builders, Chancellor Resort,Hope Harbour, Gold Coast Queensland, Australia,May 20–1 2004, Concurrent with Sanctuary Cove Boat ShowTel: (+61 3) 9768 2450 Fax: (+61 3) 9768 2451Free Toll: 1300 654 254 Email: ciainfo@compinst.asn.au

� AMS – Australian Motorsport Show, 20–22 February,Melbourne Exhibition Buildings.Visit: www.australian-motorsport.biz