Composites Weekly

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Latest Episodes:

The AI Platform Transforming Product Development—From Lab to Launch Jun 19, 2026

On this episode, Will Tashman, Co-Founder of Uncountable, joins the podcast. Their AI-powered platform helps industries capture, structure, and connect complex formulation and experimental data throughout the full product lifecycle.

Before launching Uncountable with his cofounders, Will was a product design engineer at Apple Inc. He’ll share how chemical and advanced materials companies are now using their software to centralize formulation data, design smarter experiments, and uncover insights hidden within years of research and testing.

You can learn more by visiting https://www.uncountable.com.

The post The AI Platform Transforming Product Development—From Lab to Launch first appeared on Composites Weekly.

The post The AI Platform Transforming Product Development—From Lab to Launch appeared first on Composites Weekly.

Hemp-Based Thermoplastics: The Future of Sustainable Polymers? Jun 16, 2026

On this episode, Kerry McCormick, CEO of PolyC Plastics and Composites, and co-founder Dr. Greg Sotzing join the podcast. PolyC Plastics and Composites is a company dedicated to developing cleaner, safer polymer technologies to replace legacy materials that contain substances such as PFAS, BPA, phthalates, and VOCs. They were recently featured in an article by Forbes magazine titled, Tackling Plastic Pollution With A Hemp-Based Alternative.

Greg is a professor of chemistry and materials science at the University of Connecticut and a leading researcher in sustainable polymer technology. He is the author of a groundbreaking study exploring hemp-derived alternatives to conventional plastics, focusing on creating high-performance materials from renewable resources.

On this episode, we’ll discuss the future of sustainable polymers, hemp-derived materials, and what these innovations could mean for the composites industry.

The post Hemp-Based Thermoplastics: The Future of Sustainable Polymers? first appeared on Composites Weekly.

The post Hemp-Based Thermoplastics: The Future of Sustainable Polymers? appeared first on Composites Weekly.

CF3D: The Next Generation of Composites for Mission-Critical Performance – Interview with Steve Starner of Continuous Composites Jun 10, 2026

On this episode, Steve Starner, CEO of Continuous Composites, joins the show to discuss how their company is scaling its CF3D technology for aerospace, defense, hypersonics, UAVs, and other mission-critical applications. CF3D is a next-generation manufacturing technology that combines continuous fiber composites, automation, and software into a single digital manufacturing process.

Before joining Continuous Composites, Steve spent years working in advanced manufacturing and metal additive manufacturing, including leadership roles involving laser powder bed fusion technology at Velo3D. That experience gave him a firsthand look at how additive manufacturing technologies evolve from emerging concepts into production-ready tools for industry.

You can learn more by visiting https://continuouscomposites.com.

The post CF3D: The Next Generation of Composites for Mission-Critical Performance – Interview with Steve Starner of Continuous Composites first appeared on Composites Weekly.

The post CF3D: The Next Generation of Composites for Mission-Critical Performance – Interview with Steve Starner of Continuous Composites appeared first on Composites Weekly.

From Composite Space Armor™ to Orbital Data Centers: Interview with Trevor Smith, founder of Atomic-6 Jun 05, 2026

On this episode, Trevor Smith, founder and CEO of Atomic-6, joins the podcast. Atomic-6 is an advanced composite solutions manufacturer revolutionizing mobility in extreme environments. They’re creating everything from impact-resistant spacecraft shielding and deployable solar arrays to thermal management systems that help spacecraft survive in some of the harshest environments imaginable.

Atomic-6 also just launched ODC.space, the world’s first marketplace that allows customers to spec, price, and order orbital data center capacity without building their own satellite systems.

Learn more about them at https://atomic-6.com.

The post From Composite Space Armor™ to Orbital Data Centers: Interview with Trevor Smith, founder of Atomic-6 first appeared on Composites Weekly.

The post From Composite Space Armor™ to Orbital Data Centers: Interview with Trevor Smith, founder of Atomic-6 appeared first on Composites Weekly.

Advancing Circular Composites: How James Cropper and Hexcel Are Driving Recycling Innovation Through the ECCA Jun 03, 2026

On this episode, Mandy Clement of James Cropper and David Tilbrook of Hexcel join the show to discuss how their companies are working together through the ECCA, to advance the development of high-value composite materials made from recycled carbon fibre that support both performance and circularity across aerospace, automotive, and mobility sectors.

The European Circular Composites Alliance (ECCA), led by the European Composites Industry Association (EUCIA), brings together material suppliers, manufacturers, recyclers, and end users to tackle the challenges that have historically limited composite recycling. A key focus of the initiative is advancing the use of recovered and recycled carbon fiber in aerospace and defense applications, where maintaining material performance and maximizing fiber value are essential to achieving circularity at scale.

You can learn more by visiting https://advancedmaterials.jamescropper.com/journal/james-cropper-and-hexcel-collaborate-through-ecca-to-advance-aligned-composite-recycling-solutions/.

The post Advancing Circular Composites: How James Cropper and Hexcel Are Driving Recycling Innovation Through the ECCA first appeared on Composites Weekly.

The post Advancing Circular Composites: How James Cropper and Hexcel Are Driving Recycling Innovation Through the ECCA appeared first on Composites Weekly.

Inside the $9 Million FRP Sector Gate Project: Interview with Scott Lewit and Joni Richards of Structural Composites May 29, 2026

On this episode, Scott Lewit and Joni Richards of Structural Composites, Inc., join the show to discuss one of their latest projects, which includes a $9 million contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Canaveral Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Sector Gate Project at Port Canaveral. It represents a significant milestone in the adoption of advanced composite materials for critical marine infrastructure.

Founded in 1987, SCI specializes in engineering, testing, prototyping, and manufacturing advanced composite structures. They’ve spent decades advancing composites across defense, marine, transportation, and industrial markets.
You can learn more about SCI by visiting https://structuralcomposites.com.

The post Inside the $9 Million FRP Sector Gate Project: Interview with Scott Lewit and Joni Richards of Structural Composites first appeared on Composites Weekly.

The post Inside the $9 Million FRP Sector Gate Project: Interview with Scott Lewit and Joni Richards of Structural Composites appeared first on Composites Weekly.

**The Strait of Hormuz Conflict and the Future of Global Supply Chains** May 22, 2026
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is sending shockwaves through global supply chains—particularly across petrochemicals, resins, and composite materials.

With nearly 20% of the world’s oil and a significant share of polyethylene, polypropylene, and key chemical feedstocks moving through this critical chokepoint, disruptions are already driving price volatility, supply shortages, and shifting sourcing strategies.

On this episode, I have two guests joining me to discuss the impact on supply chains:

Dawn Hersey, PhD. CEO of Ferndon Consulting

Dawn Hersey, Ph.D., is a combat veteran and subject matter expert in resilience, stability, and conflict. She owns Ferndon Consulting, an Intelligence firm. Her expertise is in international conflict, geopolitical dynamics, and predictive analytics.

David is VP of Automotive at TrueCommerce.

David Eyes is an automotive supply chain expert with 25 years of experience, working closely with complex manufacturers and auto suppliers on supply chain risk. David is VP of Automotive at TrueCommerce.
The post The Strait of Hormuz Conflict and the Future of Global Supply Chains first appeared on Composites Weekly.
The post The Strait of Hormuz Conflict and the Future of Global Supply Chains appeared first on Composites Weekly.

Beyond Concrete: Bio-Composites, Algae-Based Cement, and New Ideas for Carbon-Smart Architecture May 19, 2026

Joining the podcast this week is Bruce King, an engineer, author, filmmaker, and one of the leading voices in sustainable and bio-based building materials. He is the author of the book Build Beyond Zero: New Ideas for Carbon-Smart Architecture.

Bruce spent more than 45 years in structural engineering, working on everything from high-rise buildings to resort projects, before shifting his focus toward a bigger question: how do we build in a way that works with nature instead of against it?

Today, Bruce’s work spans everything from straw composites and low-carbon concrete to emerging bio-materials like mycelium, bacterial cellulose, and algae-based construction systems. You can find some of his videos at https://buildwell.site.

The post Beyond Concrete: Bio-Composites, Algae-Based Cement, and New Ideas for Carbon-Smart Architecture first appeared on Composites Weekly.

The post Beyond Concrete: Bio-Composites, Algae-Based Cement, and New Ideas for Carbon-Smart Architecture appeared first on Composites Weekly.

AI, Automation, and the Future of U.S. Manufacturing: Interview with Rush LaSelle May 14, 2026

Joining the podcast this week is Rush LaSelle, CEO of Fathom Digital Manufacturing.
Rush is a veteran leader in advanced manufacturing with more than 30 years of experience scaling digital manufacturing, automation, and additive technologies across aerospace, defense, healthcare, and industrial markets.

His expertise spans additive manufacturing, automation, robotics, advanced materials, and mission-critical manufacturing operations, giving him a unique perspective on where U.S. manufacturing is headed next.

You can learn more about Fathom by visiting https://fathommfg.com.

The post AI, Automation, and the Future of U.S. Manufacturing: Interview with Rush LaSelle first appeared on Composites Weekly.

The post AI, Automation, and the Future of U.S. Manufacturing: Interview with Rush LaSelle appeared first on Composites Weekly.

**The Future of Composites Workforce Training – Updates from Kyle Jordan of ACMA** May 12, 2026
On this episode, Kyle Jordan joins the show to share some updates on the ACMA’s Certified Composites Technician programs. Kyle is Director of Certifications with the ACMA. He’ll be discussing some of the new digital training options launched over the last couple of months, including those for CCT recertification.

You can learn more about these CCT training programs by visiting https://acmanet.org/education/certified-composites-technician-program.

**ACMA’s Thermoplastic Composites Conference (TCC)**

ACMA’s Thermoplastic Composites Conference (TCC) is an insightful and collaborative event that focuses on innovations, applications, and technology in high-performance thermoplastic composites. The conference will bring together over 200 industry leaders and professionals, providing an excellent networking opportunity for attendees to connect with like-minded individuals and build meaningful relationships with others in the field. You can register today by visiting https://acma-org.my.site.com/TCC26.

The post The Future of Composites Workforce Training – Updates from Kyle Jordan of ACMA first appeared on Composites Weekly.
The post The Future of Composites Workforce Training – Updates from Kyle Jordan of ACMA appeared first on Composites Weekly.

**Funding Innovators in AI & Deep Tech: Interview with Anna Brady-Estevez** May 05, 2026
On this episode, Anna Brady-Estevez, PhD, joins the show. She is the founding partner of American Deep Tech, a technology investment firm that focuses on aerospace & space tech, energy, AI, biotech, and more.

Anna has served as a Program Director at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), where she led the Small Business Innovation Research portfolio focused on Space Tech, Energy, Chemical, and Environmental technologies. During her tenure, Anna invested and managed over $250M in grants to early-stage, high-impact startups.
You can learn more about their company by visiting them at https://deeptech1.com.

The post Funding Innovators in AI & Deep Tech: Interview with Anna Brady-Estevez first appeared on Composites Weekly.
The post Funding Innovators in AI & Deep Tech: Interview with Anna Brady-Estevez appeared first on Composites Weekly.

A Biodegradable Structural Composite Made from Lobster Shells? Apr 29, 2026

On this episode, David J. Neivandt and Greg Simms join the show to discuss their research work developing a sustainable, biodegradable composite material derived from waste lobster shells and a natural binder, engineered for high mechanical performance.

Collaborating with the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at UMaine, their team has established a pilot-scale production line for this material, which features compressive strength greater than concrete and flexural strength surpassing eastern white pine lumber. From a sustainability perspective, the composite has the potential to replace single-use plastics in applications where the item needs to maintain structural integrity for a short period and then biodegrade rapidly at the end of life.

Team NRG’s recent work is moving them towards the ultimate goal of using the composite to construct temporary disaster shelters.