Hexcel and Arkema to Open Joint R&D Laboratory in France

Hexcel and Arkema announced that they will open a joint research and development laboratory in Les Avenières, France in April. The aim of this project will be to develop thermoplastic composite solutions for the aerospace sector and create a strategic alliance by bringing together Arkema's expertise in carbon fiber and PEEK and Hexcel's capabilities, as stated by the company in March 2018. In this new laboratory, the companies will work on the production of lightweight parts and next-generation aircraft as well as the development of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic prepreg tapes. These solutions will provide lighter and cost-effective technologies for customers in the aerospace, space and defense sectors, including faster production cycles. Thanks to the close collaboration between Hexcel and Arkema, the first industrial pilot line will be set up in the new laboratory in the coming weeks. The companies plan to begin supplying customers with carbon/thermoplastic UD tape from this pilot line for evaluation starting from the third quarter of 2019.