Strategic opportunities and challenges for composites R&D in South Africa - a CSIR perspective.

Abstract

The utilisation and prominence of composite materials have been increasing significantly over the past decade in technologically demanding industry sectors, such as aerospace and automotive. It has been accompanied by growing needs for research and development on these materials and their applications to push the boundaries of achievable material and component properties. A similar trend has been observed in the construction industry with regard to the overwhelming demand for housing on the African continent. These factors as well as the current national and global industry trends highlighted the need for a clear strategy to guide the CSIR’s research and development role in support of these sectors of the South African economy. This paper positions the development of a CSIR strategy in the national strategic context, taking in consideration the national drivers and the challenges faced by the local industry. CSIR’s strategic approach and future focus are explained against the background of the organisation’s track record in composite material development and application, analysis of its current strengths and alignment with its strategic intent. The drive towards utilisation of natural fibres in composites, the role of nanocomposites, opportunities for composite-metal hybrid materials and metal matrix composites are discussed. Some case studies of recent research carried out under this strategy are also given