Latest developments in research on composite materials: ECCM 25th Anniversary Conference
The 14th European Conference on Composite Materials (ECCM) was held in Budapest on 7–10 June 2010. ECCM has long been established as Europe's leading conference on composite materials, and, as such, ECCM-14 followed the long tradition of the ECCM conference series with very broadly ranging technical topics in composite material research.
ECCM-14 attracted internationally renowned scientists, specialists and industrial composites experts, with an overall attendance of almost 700 participants. During the conference, 395 oral papers were presented, along with 195 posters, by experts from 60 countries. The oral papers were arranged in six parallel sessions, covering a very wide range of composite-related topics.
The 25th anniversary of the first ECCM conference provided an opportunity for retrospection, and this was amply provided by the first plenary speaker, Prof. G. S. Springer (USA), doyen of composite science and technology.
The Albert Cardon Lecture was given by Dr Silvestre Pinho from Imperial College London, the winner of the ESCM Award, which recognises the accomplishments of a young researcher, active in Europe, who has made significant contributions in the field of Composite Materials.
The conference gala dinner was organised in Lázár Equestarian Park, close to Gödöllő Royal Palace (35 km from Budapest). The beautiful landscape, with horses, and the best Hungarian dishes and wines were complemented by excellent Hungarian hospitality in a great atmosphere, with traditional music.
This Special Issue of Plastics, Rubber and Composites contains 16 invited refereed papers which reflect the breadth of research currently being carried out in the composites field.
| •. | R. M. Cadambi of Sheffield University discussed the influence of nanoclays on mechanical and barrier properties of hydrogenated nitrile rubber nanocomposites. | ||||
| •. | L. Meszaros, I. M. Gali, T. Czigany and T. Czvikovszky, University of Budapest, described the effect of nanotube content on the mechanical properties of basalt fibre reinforced polyamide. | ||||
| •. | T. Pohl gave a paper on properties of compression moulded new fully biobased thermoset composites with aligned flax fibre textiles. | ||||
| •. | P. R. Hornsby, of Queens University Belfast described the preparation and characterisation of nanocellulose reinforced polyamide-6. | ||||
| •. | T. Hänninen, from Aalto University, described research on kink bands in bast fibres and their effects on mechanical properties. | ||||
| •. | L. E. Asp of Swerea SICOMP gave a very interesting paper on CFRP structural capacitor materials for automotive applications. | ||||
| •. | A.-M. Hugo of Sheffield University described the development of recycled polymer composites for structural applications. | ||||
| •. | M. J. Lidgett of Nottingham University discussed the virtual modelling of microscopic damage in polymer composite materials at high rates of strain. | ||||
| •. | E. Correa of Porto University presented research on the BEM analysis of interfibre failure under compression in composites: comparison between carbon and glass fibre systems. | ||||
| •. | S. Grammatikos, Ioannina University, discussed the innovative non-destructive evaluation and damage characterisation of composite aerostructures using thermography | ||||
| •. | T. Kotzakolios, Patras University presented an interesting investigation of blast response of GLARE laminates, with a comparison against experimental results. | ||||
| •. | R. Luchoo of Nottingham University discussed three-dimensional numerical modelling of discontinuous fibre composite architectures. | ||||
| •. | R. J. Crossley, also from Nottingham University, discussed the experimental determination and control of prepreg tack for automated manufacture. | ||||
| •. | G. Czel and T. Czigany, Budapest University, presented their work on analysing the fluctuation of material properties of non-circular profile filament wound composite pipes. | ||||
| •. | M. Priebe, University of Kaiserslautern, discussed the processing and properties of glass/polypropylene in long fibre compounding extrusion. | ||||
| •. | Z. Chlup, Czech Republic, presented research on the properties of a modified polysiloxane based ceramic matrix for composite materials. | ||||
T. Czigany
Budapest University, Hungary
A. G. Gibson (Associate Editor)
University of Newcastle, UK
Guest Editors
Opening of plenary session of ECCM-14
ESCM President, Prof. Leif Asp, presents ESCM Award to Dr Silvestre Pinho from Imperial College, London
Familiar view of the city of Budapest
