Leonardo and Solvay announce the creation of a joint research laboratory dedicated to the development of new composite materials and new production processes, fundamental for the future of the aerospace industry. The collaboration represents a significant milestone to drive a radical change in the production of composite parts and to reduce the impact on the environment.
The Leonardo Solvay Joint Lab will be dedicated to the thermoplastic matrix engineered materials sector and, in particular, to the welding and automatic lamination processes (in situ consolidation) of complex and large aerospace structures. The goal is to improve the properties of the product, extend its life cycle and increase the efficiency of the production line. Thermoplastic composites offer unique benefits, including weight reduction, for more fuel efficient aircraft. Furthermore, the new material does not require, in the manufacturing phase, the use of the autoclave for the consolidation of the parts, with repercussions also in terms of sustainability on the production line. The agreement constitutes the starting point for further collaboration platforms, in the short and medium term, on applications in the aerospace sector and beyond.
"The collaboration with Solvay is a significant step in the research on advanced materials, part of the Leonardo Labs R&D programs", underlines Roberto Cingolani, Leonardo's Chief Technology and Innovation Officer. "The research area, central to Leonardo, is a key factor of competitiveness, it will allow to improve the performance and safety of products, to expand their potential, with a direct impact on the environmental impact and the consumption of resources, giving impetus to a circular and efficient production system ".
"The collaboration is in line with Solvay's strategy to strengthen its leadership as a supplier of innovative composite materials in the aerospace and other sectors", adds Nicolas Cudre-Mauroux, Solvay's Chief Technology and Innovation Officer. "The partnership with Leonardo will enhance our ability to develop innovative solutions in the thermoplastic composite and will significantly increase adoption in the aerospace sector, helping to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions".
The Leonardo Solvay Joint Lab, which will be based at the Leonardo Lab in Grottaglie (Taranto) and at the MSAC - Material Science Application Center of Solvay in Brussels, will also make use of the support of other internal infrastructures of both companies and of collaborations with institutions, research centers and universities, in Italy and abroad, with a view to open innovation.
