SAMPE Fall Technical Conference Review

SAMPE's Fall Technical Conference drew 800 attendees and boasted a sold out exhibit hall, where engineers, scientists, technologists and educators converged for four days of educational programming.

Sessions featured presentations revealing the latest advancements in Materials and Processing (M&P). The Fiber Reinforcement, Textile and Preform session pulled in a large attendance, as it featured SAMPE's1st Place Outstanding Paper. The presentation was based on the paper "Fabrication and Mechanical Characterization of Carbon Nanotube Yarns, 3-D Braids and Their Composites," by Alexander Bogdanovich of 3TEX, Inc. and co-authors. It presented the first reported use of making nanoyarn into a 3D preform, which has structurally stiffer, stronger and more enhanced properties than untreated yarns. "We have made good on our commitment to bridge the work being done in academia with the needs of the industry," SAMPE President Ray Miller said. "In doing so, SAMPE sets the stage for continuous technological advancements."

Panels, such as "The Global Carbon Fiber Quandary: Glory or Glut?", were popular and offered insightful looks into problems concerning aspects of the M&P industry. The keynote presentations also had a large draw. Daniel P. McIlroy and Ray Baughman each delivered keynote presentations, posing questions and solutions aimed at addressing technological challenges in their respective industries.

Jon B. DeVault, credited as one of the people responsible for the creation of carbon fiber, was honored with the George Lubin Memorial Award at the conference. It is SAMPE's most prestigious award, presented to the most innovative and influential contributors to the M&P Industry. This award is one way they recognize people who bring SAMPE's standards of education and innovation to the industry.

"SAMPE is dedicated to offering a venue where engineers and scientists gather to share their findings with industry," Conference General Chair Ben Rasmussen said. "Attendees go away from this conference with an enhanced understanding of new possibilities, perpetuating the cycle of technological advancement."

Concurrent with the SAMPE Fall Technical Conference was SAMPE's 2nd Annual Nanotechnology Conference, featuring a highly developed program for the M&P specialist. The only such program in the industry, the conference drew an impressive attendance, ensuring its inclusion in next year's programming.

"We are pleased with the attendance at this year's technical conference," Conference General Chair Terry Stone said. "The response has been especially gratifying and we appreciate all of the contributions from authors and volunteers who helped make it a success."

The next SAMPE Fall Technical Conference will take place Oct. 29 through Nov. 1, at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza in Cincinnati, Ohio. The program will be sponsored by SAMPE's Midwest Chapter.

Publication Date: 19/11/2006

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