Sandwich composites are used to increase stiffness and reduce the weight of a composite structure. Sandwich composites are offered in sheet form, with a variety of cut patterns or finishes that satisfy customer needs. There are four major types of sandwich composites available in the market, namely Foam, Expanded Metal, Honeycomb, and Balsa Wood. Foams are subdivided into Polyvinyl Chloride, Polystyrene, Polyurethane, Polymethylacrylate, Polymethacrylimide, Styrene Acrylonitrile, and Others. The sandwich composites market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 9-10% during 2023-2032.
Sandwich Composites are widely used in the Aerospace, Automotive & Transportation, Marine, Wind Energy, Sporting Goods, and Construction industries. Aerospace accounts for the largest share because they are widely used to manufacture aircraft components such as wings, fuselage sections, and control sections. They are widely preferred over traditional metals because they provide several advantages such as a high strength-to-weight ratio, and good impact resistance.
In 2022, Evonik announced that the company is investing in a new production facility to make high-performance polymethacrylimide (PMI) foam for fiber composite cores manufactured in Darmstadt, Germany.
There is high growth potential for wind energy applications, especially in countries like China, Brazil, Russia, and the USA. India and Germany have major potential in wind energy during the forecast period due to government regulation and adaptation of natural energy sources. This change in energy consumption trend will positively reflect on the composites market as major countries are coming forward to adopt natural sources of energy such as solar and wind energy.
In North America, Wind energy and transportation are the most attractive markets for sandwich composites. In Western Europe, the sandwich material market is majorly driven by aerospace followed by transportation and wind energy. Asia Pacific has become a new hub for automotive manufacturing and this will drive core material demand along with wind energy.
The rising demand for lightweight automobiles will boost the market in the forecast period. Sandwich composites are becoming popular in the automotive sector as they are lightweight and facilitate noise reduction.
Terrain vehicles use sandwiches in parts of the structure to obtain higher stiffness and strength and integrated thermal insulation. Low structural weight is a feature of the vehicle in order to be able to operate in deep snow conditions.
Sandwich structures are used for transportation purposes which include cars, subway cars, and trains which help in reducing weight, and emissions, and to reduced manufacturing costs, and acoustical and thermal insulation. Sandwich design is also included in flooring and interior and exterior panels.
Polyurethane composites weigh 50% less than steel.
Sandwich composites can be more susceptible to damage from impact or other sources than traditional materials. While they are generally very strong, the core material can be crushed or damaged if the composite is subjected to high compressive loads. During the manufacturing process, sandwich composites must be handled properly to prevent distortion, delamination, or other defects that can occur when the composite is subjected to forces that it cannot withstand. This may involve using fixtures, jigs, or other tools to hold the composite in place during curing or bonding. Sandwich composites may absorb moisture which can lead to degradation of the composite material. Care must be taken to protect sandwich composites from water or moisture.
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