A Potential Game Changer

Advaero Technologies, Inc., has successfully completed initial trials of a revolutionary carbon composite product utilizing a unique fabric technology and Advaero’s new patent-pending HVARTM resin infusion process. 

The company developed the composite product as a member of a global consortium that includes Stanford University’s Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics and Chomarat Textile Industries, the aim of which is to develop and test advanced composite structures using “Thin Ply Bi-Angle Non-Crimp Fiber” technology. 

The consortium is developing what is being described as the next generation of carbon composites. The materials are expected to become widely used in aerospace manufacturing and by other industries requiring light weight and high strength structures. Utilizing Advaero’s novel resin infusion process, the higher strength-to-weight performance of this new composite and the projected lower processing costs are significant – making it particularly attractive and potentially a “game changer” in the manufacture of commercial aircraft components.

The consortium is led by recognized composite industry pioneer Dr. Stephen Tsai, Professor Research Emeritus at Stanford.

Advaero's HVARTM resin infusion process was found to be highly effective in tests when coupled with Chomarat's newly developed 150gsm bi-angle, non-crimp carbon fabric, resulting in a composite structure with tensile strength that is three times stronger than composites made with conventional methods and standard carbon fiber fabrics. The company’s cost-efficient process creates a super strong carbon composite product without the need for a costly autoclave oven that requires large amounts of energy. 

Advaero CEO Greg Bowers states, “Advaero’s HVARTM infusion process, combined with Chomarat’s new carbon fiber fabric, creates a technology platform that could launch stronger, lighter components and structures at competitive prices.”

“We are excited and pleased to see the Advaero-infused composite product yielding such impressive physical results,” added HVARTM co-inventor Dr. Ajit Kelkar, scientific advisor to Advaero.
 
Advaero Technologies is a commercial spin-off from North Carolina A&T State University’s College of Engineering.  Its offices and labs are in the Gateway University Research Park, adjacent to the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering. The privately held company operates in a collaborative commercial, university research and teaching environment on the campus.  It’s research and engineering staff specializes in composites, high-performance materials and metals technology, including carbon fibers, nanofibers and carbon nanotubes. Onsite services include ASTM materials testing, engineering, design, modeling and prototyping.