Publisher's Synopsis
Composites were invented in the 19th century but owe their early growth to the needs of the defence industry for advanced materials during the 2nd World War. In the 50 years since that time the industry has required a commercial change of emphasis to survive and now has some 50,000 applications. A major problem in the application of advanced composites is that many have been developed for the military/aerospace market which is driven largely by performance. In addition, the current downturn in these industry sectors has necessitated companies who wish to develop their business - or sometimes merely to remain in this field - to concentrate on commercial applications. Here performance has to be cost effective and research can no longer be conducted in isolation from the material's application, production method and cost, and without keeping track of the activities of the competition.;The report addresses the following issues: Where are the major growth areas for advanced composites in the next 5 years? which applications will grow, which remain static and which will decline? Who are the major players - what are they doing and how are they performing? How will technological developments drive the industry over the next 5 years? What is the key to success in this industry which is having to reassess its traditional markets?;The report presents a realistic and detailed assessment of the issues of vital concern to manufacturers, suppliers, and users of these advanced materials: technology trends for each material type, applications and opportunities within the eight major end-use areas (Aerospace, Building & Construction, Chemical & Corrosion Resistant Equipment, Defence, Electronics, Engineering, Marine & Recreation, Transportation), Current Markets and Market Forecasts by Material, Company Activity (plus directory).
