Composites Weekly

On this episode, I'm joined by Scott Francis, Editor-in-Chief of CompositesWorld, to preview Carbon Fiber 2026, taking place next week (November 10–12) in Huntsville, AL.  This event offers timely market insights, strategies to improve manufacturing efficiency, and perspectives from leading industry experts. You can register today at https://www.carbonfiberevent.com. 

In this episode, Dr. Henry Sodano of Trimer Technologies joins the show to discuss the company's revolutionary thermosetting resin. Trimer has developed thermosetting resin systems that can achieve cycle times under 45 seconds while delivering glass transition temperatures above 200 degrees Celsius, all without a post-cure. That combination could open new opportunities for manufacturers seeking thermal performance and faster processing. We'll explore the chemistry behind those results, how the resins compare with conventional systems, and what happens when the technology moves from demonstration panels to larger, more complex components.  You can learn more by visiting https://trimer-tech.com. 

This week, we revisit a conversation with Mike Graham, founder and president of Real Carbon, about upcycling carbon fiber prepreg scraps into finished products. They specialize in producing high-quality, custom carbon fiber tubes and UAV parts using cutting-edge technologies and advanced materials.  On this episode, we'll discuss how manufacturing leftovers can become a valuable resource, creating opportunities to reduce waste and put advanced materials to work in new applications. A chemist with decades of composites experience, Mike brings a practical perspective on custom carbon fiber product development. This replay highlights the ingenuity behind finding new uses for composite materials—and turning scrap into opportunity. Learn more at realcarbon.com.

This week, Benjamin Debusschère joins the show. Benjamin supports emerging technologies by driving initiatives such as the Startup Booster competition and the JEC Innovation Awards. These programs provide visibility, networking, and business opportunities for entrepreneurs and companies willing to transform the composites landscape. With 2027 marking the Startup Booster program's 10th anniversary, our conversation looks at its evolution, the challenges facing emerging companies, and the role industry partnerships play in bringing new technologies to market. We'll discuss what makes a startup stand out, how the program helps founders connect with potential customers and investors, and the opportunities emerging across materials, manufacturing, digital tools, and recycling. We also look ahead to the anniversary and what JEC and its partners envision for the program's next chapter. The deadline for entries is October 19th. You can learn more by visiting https://www.jec-world.events/program/startup-booster

Returning guests Steven Floyd and Clark Patterson joined the show to discuss progress on the America Makes–funded Affordable and Agile Composite Additive Manufactured Structures (AACAMS) roadmap effort. As the project approaches completion, we explore the gaps limiting adoption, the requirements of manufacturers, and the priorities that could guide future research and investment. Clark also shares his work with Azista USA to integrate extreme-temperature composite materials into additive manufacturing platforms. We discuss the opportunities for high-temperature polymer composites, carbon/carbon, and ceramic matrix composites—and the challenges of turning promising materials and processes into reliable production capabilities.