At JEC Composites show, the trade event for composites held 1-3 April 2003 in Paris, US Advanced Glassfiber Yarns LLC introduced a 2400 tex version of its VeTron roving, a glass fiber reinforcement fo…
At JEC Composites show, the trade event for composites held 1-3 April 2003 in Paris, US Advanced Glassfiber Yarns LLC introduced a 2400 tex version of its VeTron roving, a glass fiber reinforcement for use with vinyl ester and polyester resins. The reinforcement was originally a 1200 tex roving. It was first shown at the 2002 JEC show, where it won an Innovation Award for its application in the central strength members of fiber optic cable. VeTron is said to be 25% more rigid and 35% stronger than standard E-glass, at a lower price than S-2 glass fiber or aramid fibres. In addition, the roving is said to feature a lower density of <2.5 g.[cm.sup.-3], better acid-resistance than standard E-glass fiber, and good electrical properties. Furthermore, the product has a boron-free composition. In related news, Velocity Powerboats of Sanford, Florida, USA, has introduced the first speed-boats with composite hulls incorporating VeTron roving. The two new models – the VR1 290 of 8.83 m (29 feet) and a VR1 390 of 11.88 m (39 feet) – were introduced at the 2003 Miami Boat Show, USA. To make the hulls, the VeTron roving was woven into a bi-axial fabric by Owens Corning Fabrics and moulded with vinyl ester resin at the Velocity plant in Sanford. Advanced Glassfiber Yarns is a joint venture company set up by Groupe Porcher Industries and Owens Corning (both of the USA) to provide glass fiber yarns to composites manufacturers worldwide. Its headquarters is in Aiken, South Carolina, and it has a European sales office in Lyon, France.