Leonardo and Solvay announced the launch of a joint research laboratory dedicated to the development of new composite materials and production processes critical to the future of the aerospace industry.
Joint Venture – Leonardo Solvay Joint Lab will focus on thermoplastic “engineering materials”, in particular welding and automatic lamination (in-place bonding) of complex and large aerospace structures to maximize product features, improve production efficiency and extend product life cycles.
Research focuses on thermoplastic composites as they offer unique benefits to users, such as reduced weight for aircraft fuel economy, as they do not require autoclaves to assemble parts, thus enabling the development of much more sustainable production lines. The two companies believe that this agreement will create the basis for the platforms to continue collaborating on short- and medium-term applications in the aerospace industry and beyond.
The Leonardo Solvay Joint Lab will operate through the Leonardo Lab in Grottaglie (Taranto) and at the Solvay Center for Materials Science and Applications (MSAC) in Brussels. In addition, the joint laboratory will have access to the internal infrastructures of both companies and collaborate with institutions, research centers and universities in Italy and abroad to create open innovation.
