Lightweight hybrid fibres for wind turbines

A novel process produces strong composites using less time and energy

Spotted: When it comes to energy-efficient products, lightweight tends to mean fewer carbon emissions. But manufacturing lightweight components can, itself, generate lots of CO2. Now, Antefil Composite Tech has developed a more cost-efficient and sustainable way to produce lightweight components for the mobility, transport, energy, and sports goods sectors.

Fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP) are composite materials made using high-strength fibres reinforced in a plastic matrix. These materials are stiff, strong, and lightweight, making them an ideal material to reduce the energy demand of load-carrying structures such as wind turbines and aeroplanes. But at the moment, manufacturing them involves an expensive and lengthy multi-step process that uses a lot of energy. That’s where Antefil’s hybrid fibre solution comes in.

Antefil’s technology individually coats and reinforces single glass fibres with the right amount of meltable, recyclable plastic, which is applied during the fibre-spinning process to save time, money, and energy. Antefil can then turn these micro-engineered fibres into high-quality, recyclable parts using only heat and a small amount of pressure.

The composites Antefil produces can be used in the manufacture of lightweight moving structures for many industrial applications. These include durable wind turbine blades, hydrogen storage tanks, and energy-efficient vehicles.

Following successful industrial trials of the technology last year, Antefil has since secured a partnership that will allow it to produce at scale, beginning in 2025. Last month, the company was also named in the TOP 100 Swiss Startup Ranking 2024.

Written By: Lisa Magloff