From Innovation to Industry: A Preview of JEC World 2026 with Thomas Lepretre
Release Date: 01/27/2026
ISS Tested Composites for Low Earth Orbit and Deep Space Travel
Composites Weekly
On this episode, of , joins the show to discuss the development of next-generation composite materials engineered for deep-space travel. He shares the origin of their work with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with hydrogen-rich polybenzoxazine resins, and how these materials have been engineered into composites that integrate structural performance with radiation attenuation. We also unpack the results from exposure on the International Space Station (ISS), where these composites were subjected to the harsh conditions of low Earth orbit for several...
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Bio-Derived Barrier Coatings: A New Frontier in Sustainable Composites
Composites Weekly
On this episode, researchers and from the join the show to discuss their research in developing a fully bio-derived composite coating that is grown, not manufactured. By combining edible fungal mycelium with cellulose nanofibrils, they have developed a barrier coating that can be formed directly on paper and textiles through a low-energy process. The result is a highly water-resistant surface with contact angles approaching 140° and significantly reduced water absorption, pointing to a viable path toward replacing traditional plastic-based barrier coatings. We'll...
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Discussing Arclin's $1.8 billion Acquisition of DuPont’s Aramids Business (Kevlar® & Nomex® brands)
Composites Weekly
On this episode, Teong Tan, Arclin’s Chief Research Officer joins the podcast to discuss Arclin's $1.8 billion acquisition of DuPont’s aramid business, adding the iconic Kevlar® and Nomex® brands to its portfolio. Teong leads the company’s innovation agenda with a focus on strategic growth, talent development, and high-performing teams.
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What Most Companies Miss When Hiring Industry Leaders - Interview with John Kehoe
Composites Weekly
On this episode, John Kehoe of joins the show. Boaz isn’t your typical recruiting firm—they operate as strategic partners, using a proven, deeply embedded process to understand business goals, culture, and long-term objectives before ever presenting a candidate. It’s a fundamentally different approach to hiring—one that’s built around precision, alignment, and impact. In this conversation, we unpack what separates great hiring organizations from the rest, why so many companies struggle to attract and retain top talent, and how a more disciplined, strategic recruiting process can...
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Material Sovereignty: The Race to Reinvent Carbon Fiber - Interview with Aaron Fitzgerald of Mars Materials
Composites Weekly
On this episode , CEO of , joins the show. Carbon fiber has long been a cornerstone of aerospace and defense—but the reality is, the supply chain behind it is anything but secure. Today, much of the world’s high-performance carbon fiber depends on globally concentrated precursor production, leaving critical industries exposed at a time when resilience matters more than ever. But what if you could rethink carbon fiber from the ground up—making it not only domestically sourced, but actually carbon-negative… and still capable of meeting the demands of fighter-jet-grade applications?...
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Previewing UTK and IACMI Demo Day at the Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility
Composites Weekly
On this episode, , joins the podcast to discuss the upcoming Demo Day at Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility (FCMF). Krishnan is an Assistant Professor, Mechanical, Aerospace & Biomedical Engineering Department and Affiliated with Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. This upcoming event on Wednesday, March 25th, will provide an opportunity to see the facility in operation through live machinery demonstrations and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies led by the facility's undergraduate and graduate student researchers and staff. ...
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Discussing the America Makes Composites (AACAMS) Project with Steven Floyd and Clark Patterson
Composites Weekly
On this episode, we’re looking at a project that could say a lot about where advanced manufacturing is headed next. America Makes has awarded UDRI $450,000 for its AACAMS (Affordable and Agile Composite Additive Manufactured Structures) project, focused on pushing forward the integration of additive manufacturing and advanced composites for aerospace and defense. The DOD has prioritized continuous fiber additive manufacturing (CFAM) for its ability to produce strong, lightweight parts by reinforcing polymers with continuous carbon or glass fibers for high-performance applications. and join...
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Interviews from Day 2 at JEC World 2026
Composites Weekly
On this episode, we feature more interviews from the 2nd day of JEC World 2026. These include a mix of Innovation Award winners, and Startup Booster finalists.
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Interviews from Day 1 at JEC World 2026
Composites Weekly
On this episode, we feature several interviews from day one of JEC World 2026, including some Innovation Award winners, and Startup Booster finalists.
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Where AI Is Actually Delivering Value in Manufacturing Supply Chains
Composites Weekly
On this latest episode, Lisa Anderson, President of joins the podcast. Lisa is one of the most respected voices in manufacturing strategy, supply chain transformation, and SIOP. She’s the author of a recently released book titled AI & Advanced Technologies in Manufacturing, where she explores how manufacturers are using AI and advanced analytics to drive real, measurable results—from demand forecasting to optimized production planning. She'll be sharing how AI is actually improving manufacturing supply chains, where companies are seeing real value versus hype, and what...
info_outlineOn this episode Thomas Lepretre joins the show to talk about JEC World 2026. Thomas is Vice President of Events, Sales & Operations at JEC Group. We'll be discussing what's in store for this year's big show in Paris, March 10-12.
JEC World's mission is to promote composite materials globally by connecting innovation, business, and applications across all major industries.
You can learn more about this year's event by visiting https://www.jec-world.events.