New Demand Spurs Federation of Reinforced Plastics
The federation of reinforced plastics, known as the AVK (Industrievereinigung Verstakte Kunststoffe), is a German organization dedicated to the advancement of composite materials development and manufacture. The AVK sponsors trade shows, international exhibitions and research in this important and growing industry. Reinforced plastics and other composite materials are product categories where demand now outstrips supply, and rapid emergence of new technology is the order of the day.
Use of composite materials goes back thousands of years. Ancient Egypt used composites of mud and straw in the manufacture of pottery and buildings, and were possibly the earliest explorers in the world of composite materials. The Mongolia of Genghis Khan’s time also used resin, bone and wood composites for building of superior archery bows that assisted in their conquests.
Composites like reinforced plastics first appeared at the beginning of the 20th century when plastic began to displace natural resins in composite product manufacture. By the 1950s, fiberglass had been developed and was being used in aviation and race cars, and due to its transparency to radio frequency, soon thereafter in the building of shelters for radar equipment.
By the 1970s, composite materials like kevlar, and the use of carbon fiber in plastic reinforcement, had entered the picture, and many new industries were taking advantage of these strong, lightweight and durable manufacturing materials. Organizations like the federation of reinforced plastics and others have sprung up to share information, accomplishments and to inspire new innovation in this growing field.
Trade shows, international exhibitions and conferences devoted to reinforced plastic and other composite material technology now take place in many parts of the world each year. Trade magazines and journals also flourish, as increasing numbers of industries begin or expand their use of these versatile materials.
Every year, new industries find uses for these products and the demand increases. Sports equipment manufacturers, builders of wind energy turbines and civil engineering companies are only a few areas of endeavor which have taken up the use of reinforced plastics and other composite materials and whose industry leaders and enthusiasts are joining organizations like the federation of reinforced plastics.
