Composites network established with $9.8M funding

Vancouver, BC – A western-Canadian Composites Research Network (CRN) has been set up with $9.8 million in funding from the federal government.

The network is being led by University of British Columbia (UBC) materials engineering professor Anoush Poursartip, a composites expert who has received global recognition for his work on process design software and the aerospace industry.

“The Composites Research Network will focus on bridging the strengths of academia with the needs of business,” he said at the announcement, which took place in late January at UBC. “CRN will strengthen existing western Canadian businesses and attract international collaboration and involvement.”

Composite materials, reinforced with carbon and glass fibre, are undergoing significant innovations that impact sectors including aerospace, shipbuilding, sports equipment and industrial products.

The network will establish nodes in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba where composites experts will work with businesses. Participants will be able to access knowledge-based, best practice documents, training facilities, materials and events as well as linkages to key national and international organizations and institutions.

“The CRN will provide western Canadian industry with a significant advantage in further understanding and refining their composites manufacturing processes,” said Sean McKay, executive director of the Composites Innovation Centre. “Developing the necessary science and hence fundamental understanding of manufacturing issues and being able to assimilate them into every day operations to reduce defects and improve efficiencies are essential to remain competitive in today’s global market place.”