download as .pdf - TenCate

2010 | number 4 | winter 

Theme: space & aerospace composiTes

TenCate 

Royal Ten Cate (TenCate) is a multinational 

company which combines textile technology 

with chemical processes in the development 

and production of functional materials. Various 

market applications have been created around 

this technological base. TenCate occupies leading 

positions worldwide in its core markets. 

TenCate’s growth is based principally on global trends, 

namely, safety / protection and sustainability / the 

environment. TenCate materials are principally used for: 

• personal safety and the protection of 

living and working environments; 

• modernization of military and police equipment 

• space and aerospace (reduction in fuel 

costs through lighter materials); 

• water management and environmental protection; 

TenCate’s strategy is based on the concept 

of value chain management. The four 

cornerstones of this policy are: 

• cost leadership; 

• product differentiation, focusing on specific 

applications and customer requirements; 

• end-user marketing and an industrial 

intellectual property policy; 

• technological innovation. 

These four cornerstones within the TenCate 

business model are related to market, product, 

process and technology, and their interaction. 

In txtures the trends, cornerstones and other 

essential elements of the business model are referred 

to as often as possible. In this winter edition, we 

portray in particular TenCate’s performance in the 

field of sustainability and the environment. 

This winter edition gives pride of place to Space 

& Aerospace Composites. The use of advanced 

composites produces weight savings, fuel reduction 

and extension of the lifespan of aircraft, ships, 

vehicles and exploratory spacecraft. The development 

and production of these materials enables TenCate 

to make a contribution to global developments 

relating to sustainability and the environment. 

2 txtures | number 4 | winter 

Sustainability / Environment 

SpaCe & aeroSpaCe CompoSiTeS 

Production of carbon fabrics at TenCate Advanced Composites USA in Morgan Hill 

TenCate co 

Both the Space & aerospace Composites market group and the advanced armour 

market group develop and produce composite materials; the former for applications 

primarily in the space and aerospace industry and the latter for antiballistic solutions. 

TenCate composite materials have proven themselves to be high flyers over many years. 

advanced composites combine high strength and low weight; they reduce fuel 

consumption, extend the lifespan of aircraft and vehicles, have excellent formability and 

are also flame-retardant, and acid- and moisture-resistant. Through the development 

and production of these materials TenCate is responding to global trends relating to 

sustainability and the environment.

mposites – light, strong, durable 

Composites are fibre-reinforced plastics made 

mostly of glass, carbon and aramid fibres. 

TenCate composite materials are based on textile 

technology combined with chemical processes. 

They consist of a composition of fibres or fabrics 

from which semi-manufactures are made with 

the addition of resin systems (see also framed 

text on page 9). TenCate Cetex ® for example is 

a series of thermoplastic composite materials, 

consisting of unidirectional, fabric-based prepregs 

and tapes, semipregs, laminates and sandwich 

inserts. The use of advanced composites ensures 

fuel reduction and considerable extension of 

the lifespan of aircraft, ships, vehicles and 

satellites. These are becoming lighter, stronger, 

safer, more economical and – certainly in 

aviation – more cost efficient. TenCate operates 

a pyramid model with material, process, design 

and sustainability as its cornerstones. 

at home in space and aerospace 

Advanced composites from the Space & 

Aerospace Composites group are primarily 

used in the world of space and aerospace: in 

commercial and military aircraft, satellites 

and exploration vehicles for Mars missions 

for example. Both the space and aerospace 

markets are conservative: safety and reliability 

are of the utmost importance. The costs of 

the development and qualification of materials 

are high. Once a certain material is used after 

qualification, not a single modification may be 

made for follow-up deliveries – unless it relates 

to a proven improvement. This makes it financially 

unviable to seek out new materials unless there 

is a technical or business need for them and 

explains why specifications for certain parts 

dating from the 1970s still apply, even though 

better materials have since become available. 

Continued on page 4 

3


SpaCe & aeroSpaCe CompoSiTeS 

To a great height 

Continued from page 3 

In addition there is a multiplicity of defence 

and industrial applications. Examples include 

the extraction of oil and gas, the recreational 

market and mobility concepts (solar car 

and the Superbus). Unmanned aircraft 

(UAVs) represent a major growth market. 

In aircraft, composite materials such as 

TenCate Cetex ® are used in the secondary 

wing structure and in the primary flight 

structure and interior parts of the aircraft. 

Examples include flaps, access doors, pylons, 

radomes [the protective housing for radar 


antenna), the fixed wing leading edge, beams, 

luggage containers and floor panels. For these 

interior and structural parts TenCate works 

directly with its customers, the suppliers 

to aircraft manufacturers and especially 

experts in material and process technology. 

Examples of applications in space include 

solar arrays, antenna, reflectors, parts of 

the skin and the supporting structure for 

the solar cells, antenna, booms, trusses, 

communication dishes and heat shields. 

in the lead 

Space & Aerospace Composites is a major 

player in its niche markets when it comes to 

the development and production of composite 

materials for these demanding applications. 

The market group is the global market leader in 

radomes and materials for space. Many years of 

knowledge and experience relating to materials 

and technology, flexibility and continuity, and 

the reliability of quality and delivery underpin 

this position. This expertise is partly the result 

of cooperation with partners in the value chain 

(such as Fokker Aerostructures, the TU Delft and

the University of Twente) and in development 

and innovation consortia like TAPAS and TPRC. 

There are, however, long lead times for the space 

and aerospace market and the time needed to 

recover investment costs is long. The market 

has, to a limited degree, product and design 

knowledge, particularly of thermoplastics. The 

market group itself does not produce any fibres 

or polymers and is consequently flexible in its 

choice of suppliers. The strengths of the group 

lie in its expertise, the technical performance of 

its materials and its throughput. Together with 

In radomes and materials for space applications TenCate’s Space & Aerospace Composites group is global market leader 

partners it is continuously working on improving 

products, processes and technologies. The 

group operates in markets that show growth. 

Cornerstones 

Its own PPS+ programme is focused on a new 

generation of TenCate Cetex ® thermoplastic 

composites. PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) can 

withstand temperatures of more than 200°C 

and is flame-retardant. The programme is aimed 

at delivering more efficient internal processes, 

new composite architectures and improved 

temperature resistance. Thanks to intensive 

product development, TenCate is now able to 

offer more new unitapes, resins and prepregs. 

This means cost efficiency, product differentiation 

and innovation. As far as end-user marketing 

is concerned, the group is doing its utmost to 

continue to point out to customers the advantages 

of composite use. This it does at trade shows, in 

personal contacts, in technical papers and datasets 

and on the Internet, and based on its proven record 

of service to the space and aerospace industry. 

www.tencateaerospacecomposites.com 

aerospacecomposites.europe@tencate.com 

5


SpaCe & aeroSpaCe CompoSiTeS in THe US anD eUrope 

In the US the emphasis is on applications in space, civil aviation, the market for business jets and defence 

6 txtures | number 4 | winter

production 

and products 

The Space & aerospace group has production facilities in europe 

(nijverdal) and the United States (morgan Hill and Benicia, 

California). The companies are: TenCate advanced Composites, 

phoenix, YLa and CCS Composites. 

In the US the emphasis is on applications in space, 

civil aviation, the market for business jets and defence. 

In Morgan Hill they make thermoset prepregs and 

thermoplastic unidirectional (UD) prepregs. This 

tape technology complements existing production 

processes for composites and produces extra savings 

in production, thanks to the possibility for automation 

that it provides. UD tape is especially suitable for 

fuselage and wings, due to it optimal mechanical 

properties: for example, stiffness, strength, thermal 

and electrical conductivity, chemical and UV resistance 

and fire safety. This technology will make it possible 

in the near future to build for instance a light fuselage 

made of thermoplastic composite. Fire safety is a 

key design criterion for fuselages. The development 

of UD tape technology has enabled TenCate to 

strengthen its position in the aviation sector. 

Design techniques 

Benicia produces thermoset prepregs, chopped 

moulding compounds and compression-moulded 

aerospace parts for the aviation industry. 

Read further on next page 

Thermoset mounting clip for the Boeing 787 

7


SpaCe & aeroSpaCe CompoSiTeS in THe US anD eUrope 

Continued from previous page 

These last two design techniques offer 

greater formability or result in finished 

products, such as hydraulic and fuel line 

clamp assemblies for the Boeing 787. This 

is an example of forward integration in the 

manufacturing process. In the US TenCate 

also produces carbon composite prepregs. 

These are used by one of its customers 

to manufacture composite rotor tubes 

for a new method of uranium enrichment 

by supplier USEC in Piketon (Ohio). 


mobility concepts 

In Europe production is mainly focused on 

commercial aviation and here primarily 

thermoplastic composites are manufactured. 

There is a strategic alliance with Fokker 

Aerostructures. Composite material is also 

supplied for innovative mobility concepts 

such as the Superbus and vehicles that 

are driven by solar and wind energy. In the 

world of sports too demand for composites 

is growing. TenCate Cetex is eminently 

suitable for sports in which weight plays a 

major role, such as cycling and skating. 

There is a significant degree of production, 

sales and technical support between the 

US and Europe. Thermoplastic prepregs and 

laminates (TenCate Cetex®) produced in 

Nijverdal are also sold in the US. In turn, 

thermoset prepregs from Benicia and Morgan 

Hill find their way to European producers in 

the space industry (for example radomes).

Advanced composites 

Advanced composites combine exceptionally high strength and low weight and offer a high degree 

of formability. Formability plays a major role in almost every application: composites can be 

processed relatively easily into complex shapes. They require far less maintenance than traditional 

materials, they can be tailored to the specific application, have good impact-retardant and 

flame-retardant properties. In addition – depending in part on the resin system chosen – they have 

excellent resistance to acids, chemicals and water, they can easily withstand numerous cycle 

loadings and are thermally insulating. 

Composites are developed mainly within the aviation industry. Here for the most part carbon 

composites are used to build structures that are light and strong. Glass and aramid fibre structures 

have become popular through their use in radomes, for which radar transparency is essential. 

Thanks to the great variety of fibres, resins and reinforcement shapes, the freedom of design of a 

composite product is exceptionally great. The choice of type of fibre, the fibre architecture and type of 

resin are crucial for its mechanical properties. 

A thermoplastic is a material made of plastic that softens when heated and can then easily be brought 

into the correct form. It is a physical process, and thus reversible. The characteristics of thermoplastics 

include low production costs, flame and toxic smoke resistance, unlimited and non-conditioned storage 

and higher toughness. Thermoplastics are used in the aviation industry, but are still limited in high 

load-bearing aircraft parts. All thermoplastics are in principle recyclable. 

A thermoset remains hard and eventually degrades when heated. This involves a chemical process 

and is thus irreversible. Thermoset composite materials offer resistance to extreme temperatures and 

are extremely strong, low-weight and durable. Thermoset is mainly used in military aviation and the 

space industry. With conditions such as those on Mars – between -80º and +20º C – all materials for 

exploration vehicles must be completely reliable and secure. 

A prepreg consists of a thin foil of a substrate (a thin layer of fabric of for example glass, carbon or 

aramid fibre) that is impregnated with an epoxy or flattened by rollers into thin sheets. Prepregs are 

used for the shaping of layered composite materials (laminates). 

9


SpaCe & aeroSpaCe CompoSiTeS HaS impreSSive CUSTomer BaSe 


The major customers for civil aviation are airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and 

embraer and their direct suppliers. US companies account for 55% of the 

global market in aerospace, european companies, 25%. airbus and Boeing 

airworthy 

and reliable 

together have a market share of 80%. The fixed wing leading edge 

(J-nose) and the engine inlet among other parts of the airbus a380 are 

made of TenCate Cetex ® . 

Various parts of the A350 will also be based on 

thermoplastic materials from TenCate. The Boeing 

787 Dreamliner too uses this material and TenCate 

supplies the composite materials for the floor 

panels and the moving horizontal and vertical parts 

of the tail for the Gulfstream G650 business jet. 

The Cirrus SR20 and SR22 business jets consist 

entirely of thermoset composite material. 

Other types of aircraft in which the material is used 

include the Airbus A320 (the ‘workhorse’ of the Airbus 

fleet), the A400 M, the Boeing 737, Boeing 747-8, Boeing 

777 and Boeing 767; the Embraer Lineage, Phenom 100 

and Phenom 300, the Gulfstream G550 and the Apache 

AH64 helicopter. TenCate is currently going through a 

qualification programme that is aimed at the replacement 

of a metal loading ramp in helicopters with thermoplastic 

composite. This will produce a weight saving 

of 40%, greater strength and an increased lifespan. 

TenCate’s customer base also includes the names 

of aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin, the 

defence and technology company Raytheon, Loral 

(satellite systems), BAE Systems (aviation), Cobham 

(aviation and defence), General Atomics (applications 

in nuclear energy, aviation and defence), ATK (space 

and aerospace, defence) and Astrium (space). 

aircraft industry: cautious 

The aircraft industry is sometimes depicted as 

conservative, but ‘cautious’ is a more fitting description 

– at least that is the view of Frédérique Mutel, CEO of 

JEC Composites (see article on page 15). Safety and 

reliability are paramount and ensuring these takes a 

great deal of time. The major challenge here is to 

produce more aircraft using the same quality and to 

produce lighter parts for aircraft that can go faster at 

lower costs, while still retaining the same quality. The 

answer to all this is the automation of production 

processes (by robotization and simulation) and 

innovation of materials. ‘Aerospace has no choice.’ 

Continued on page 12

The Cirrus SR20 and SR22 consist entirely of composite material 

11


SpaCe & aeroSpaCe CompoSiTeS HaS impreSSive CUSTomer BaSe 

Continued from page 11 

As an illustration she mentions the Boeing 

787, where dozens of engineers are trying to 

work out how to save eight grams on a single 

part. The only solution for weight saving is 

composites. In order to be able to produce 

more composites and make them more 


competitive, automation is vital: it can speed 

up the production cycle, guarantee the 

reproducibility and quality of parts and reduce 

costs. JEC Composites supports the industry 

by providing an extensive information and 

training programme in automation. 

TenCate supplies composite materials for the moving horizontal and vertical parts of the tail of the gulfstream G650 

Europe, where 83% of the production 

processes are currently automated, acts as a 

driver for Asia (68%) for example. ‘The entire 

composites industry must, however, move 

forward, as a sign that it is committed to the 

environment.’

Lightweight composites, which meet the 

requirements of the aircraft manufacturers in 

terms of strength and stiffness, can also be 

used to make cars and ships lighter. To 

achieve this, however, faster, automated 

production techniques must become available. 

Biding one’s time 

Participation in the aviation market is a 

question of biding one’s time. Even now 

designers are already getting down to work 

on planes that will not take to the air before 

2025. The requirements made by the aviation 

industry change rapidly and the use of 

composites in this sector is increasing 

markedly. Composite is both stronger and 

lighter than aluminium and other metals. Each 

successive generation of aircraft as a rule 

contains yet more composite material, as it is 

a matter of being able to carry more 

passengers over greater distances, with 

reduced fuel consumption and lower 

production and maintenance costs. New 

commercial aircraft that will be delivered in 

2010 and the following years will have 

fuselages and wings in which yet more 

aluminium has been replaced by (carbon fibre) 

composites. The same also applies to the 

structural parts. In 2014, 11% more 

composites will be used in aircraft than in 

2009. The Airbus A320 (1986) consists of 

20% composite material, the A380 (2005), 

35%. The new Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 

XWB will consist of approximately 50% 

composites and only 20% aluminium. 

The use of composites makes aircraft lighter 

and increases their lifespan. As this will also 

enable the air pressure and atmospheric 

humidity to be increased, passenger comfort 

too will be enhanced. With aluminium the 

atmospheric humidity is kept artificially low, 

as corrosion would otherwise occur (for 

example in the rivet joints). This keeps the air 

in the aircraft dry. At an altitude of ten 

kilometres the plane must be kept 

pressurized; in an average lifespan a plane is 

‘pumped up’ approximately 150,000 times. 

Composites thus have an advantage because, 

unlike aluminium, absolutely no material 

fatigue will occur. 

opting for TenCate 

Customers have their own reasons for opting 

for composite materials from TenCate: 

reliability and continuity, for example. 

TenCate offers excellent technical service, 

very short lead times and a wide selection of 

specialty products for key segments like 

radomes and satellites. Manufacturers of 

satellite systems value the benefits of the 

very high modulus fibres and resin systems 

from TenCate, which are extremely 

dimensionally stable. Radome manufacturers 

want composites that are dielectrically very 

pure: glass and quartz fabrics with no carbon 

fibre contamination. In the Morgan Hill facility 

the group has carbon-free areas. 

TenCate has wide-ranging technology in 

resins, both thermoset and thermoplastics, 

and can also manufacture parts itself. Space 

& Aerospace Composites is also a good 

technical partner, being able to develop and 

qualify new materials for specific end-use 

applications. In both Nijverdal amd Morgan 

Hill, TenCate possesses some of the very 

latest production equipment in both 

thermoset and thermoplastic prepregs and 

unitape. 

13


TenCaTe working on new maTeriaLS anD proCeSSeS 


UD tape technology will make it possible in the future to build a light fuselage of thermoplastic composite

innovations and trends 

as a technology partner, TenCate works with both end-users and suppliers 

in the development of composite materials and their use in existing and new 

aircraft. in this way concepts and products can be customized as required. 

The TenCate Advanced Composites PPS+ 

programme is directed at a new generation of 

TenCate Cetex ® thermoplastic composites, the 

basis being a new generation of 

polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) semipregs. PPS 

powder is applied directly to the carbon fabric 

and melted. This saves a number of steps in 

the processing and is thus cheaper, meaning 

that the material can compete on price with 

traditional thermoset composites. The 

programme thus provides more efficient 

internal processes, new composite 

architectures and better temperature 

resistance. TenCate can now offer new 

products in thermoplastic unitapes, new 

resins for high-temperature applications like 

the Orion heat shield, new prepregs for the 

satellite structure and a new generation of 

thermoset prepregs focused on aircraft for out 

of autoclave processing. The adhesion of 

layers and hardening of the material in 

autoclaves is an expensive process and is 

therefore not feasible for example for the 

automotive industry. 

The most recent product introductions are a 

prepreg for industrial and recreational 

applications and a new composite surfacing 

film to provide a cosmetically superior surface 

to composite structure. CCS Composites 

supplies thermoset clamps for the hydraulic 

and fuel lines of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. 

Ten Cate Advanced Composites USA has 

entered into an agreement with 3M for the 

supply to TenCate of 3M Matrix Resin for 

the creation of customized TenCate prepregs. 

The 3M Matrix Resin is a proprietary resin 

technology that can produce stronger, lighter 

and more durable composites. The resin 

makes it possible for manufacturers to avoid 

the traditional trade-off between toughness/ 

flexibility and stiffness/hardness. 

global trends 

TenCate’s PPS+programme enables the 

company to respond to a number of trends 

that are emerging in the world of composites. 

The major trend in the aircraft industry is 

interest in improving the productivity of 

composite fabrication through automation and 

in new materials. There is also a shift towards 

composite aircraft fuselage and wings in new 

commercial planes, which is driving overall 

composite usage and the demand for 

thermoplastic composites in interior 

applications. In other applications customers 

are seeking productivity savings from the use 

of automation and the elimination of very high 

pressure curing cycles. TenCate thermoset 

materials can be cured in ovens instead of 

autoclaves, thereby reducing the time and 

capital investment. With thermoplastic UD 

tape the automation from thermoplastic 

unitapes provides productivity savings along 

with the ability to store these materials at 

ambient temperatures. 

15


TenCaTe working on new maTeriaLS anD proCeSSeS 

Frédérique Mutel, Chairman and 

CEO of JEC Composites 

From open to closed 

A development is taking place in injection 

processes, which goes hand-in-hand with the 

shift from open-moulding techniques to 

closed-moulding, such as resin transfer 

moulding (RTM). This is a low-pressure design 

process with two resins that are injected into 

a mould, after which they are cured. This 

technique is clean, energy efficient and 

enables large and relatively complex products 

to be made and to have an extremely smooth 

surface on both sides. This is a significant 

improvement from the point of view of quality, 

environment and health. It produces a more 

constant quality end-product and helps to 

significantly reduce the emission of gases 

(solvents) in production. Here too there is a 

challenge, particularly for the emerging 

economies. Traditional manual processing 

(hand lamination in an open mould) can be 

harmful to humans and the environment. 

This development fits in with the strong 

growth in the share of thermoplastics, which 

are lending themselves more for closed-mould 

processes and can be more easily recycled. 


Moreover, unlike thermosets, they do not 

produce any inventory problems. The share of 

thermoplastics in the value chain amounted to 

30% in 2002; this is currently 37%. 

Tailwind 

Another trend is the growth of applications in 

wind energy. In Frédérique Mutel’s view we 

will not be able to avoid having a variety of 

forms of energy. ‘We shan’t be able to 

continue with just one or two forms of 

energy.’ Rapid growth is occurring chiefly in 

the United States. Here they realized eight 

years ago that the US could face problems in 

many markets and it was decided to enter 

new markets, such as wind turbines. The US is 

traditionally strong in automotive and space 

systems; however, knowledge of nuclear 

energy is still limited there. With the 

production of wind turbine blades you have to 

be close to your customer and to the place 

where the wind turbines are. 

growth in asia 

There is also undeniably strong growth in the 

use of composites in Asia. Of the worldwide 

growth from 5.9 million ton (Mt) in 1999 to 

10.3 Mt in 2013, Asia’s share rose from 24% 

to 36%. Large composite companies now have 

production facilities all over Asia, not so much 

due to the wages as to the fact that the 

market and the demand are large there. 

Western players too want their share of the 

cake and the same applies to raw materials 

suppliers. These are companies with 

advanced technology and full control of their 

emissions. ‘Environmental awareness in 

emerging countries is growing rapidly.” 

Frédérique Mutel knows from her own 

experience. ‘From time immemorial there has 

been a culture there of reuse and recycling. 

They have a long tradition of care for water 

and nature. They feel involved with the quality 

of the natural environment - that is one of the 

greatest values. That’s why you don’t just 

throw things away.’ 

TenCate remains principally focused on space 

and aerospace. There is a growing potential 

for aircraft interiors for thermoplastics, 

radomes for military ships, oil and gas 

applications for weight reduction and 

composite use in commercial aviation and the 

market segment for business aircraft.


TenCaTe pLaYer in rapiDLY growing markeT 

a world 

of composites 

The Space & Aerospace Composites market group 

develops and produces composite materials 

primarily for space and aerospace. These are 

markets that are showing growth, and in which 

there is a major role for automation, recycling and 

innovation of raw materials, materials and 

processes. 

The market is dominated by the transport sector 

(see illustration p. 18) and the construction industry. 

In the transport sector weight reduction results in 

fuel savings. In the construction industry building 

light means that fewer raw materials are required. 

In building, roofing, spanning and infrastructure 

many traditional materials lend themselves to 

replacement by composites. The maintenance of 

structures such as bridges is subject to strict 

regulation in the EU. Supporting structures made of 

composites can consequently compete with metal 

structures. By placing a greater emphasis on 

promoting itself in civil engineering and the 

construction industry, there is still a great deal of 

ground to be gained here by the industry. 

The aerospace market share amounts to 4%, 

although this sector has the highest growth and 

greatest profitability (21% of the market value). The 

market for wind energy accounts for 3% of the total 

volume (6% of the total value). In the United States 

and Europe these two high-tech sectors are far 

more developed than in the rest of the world. The 

shipbuilding, pipelines & tanks, consumer products 

and electricity & electronics sectors occupy a 

midway position as regards market share. 

Space & Aerospace Composites supplies 80% of 

High strength and low weight, extreme formability, excellent resistance to acids, 

chemicals, moisture, impact and heat: these are just a few of the many advantages 

that advanced composites offer and which are recognized in many sectors. worldwide 

the composites industry serves many sectors, supplying both high-tech materials and 

low-value volume products. 

Production of carbon prepregs in Morgan Hill. The demand for carbon fibre will double between 2009 and 2012 

its composites to the space and aerospace industry 

and 20% for industrial applications. 

market volume and market value 

The market volume of the worldwide composites 

industry amounts to eight million tons and has a 

value of €60 billion. Of this, the US accounts for 

35% (value 36%), the European Union (EU) 22% 

(33%) and Asia 43% (31%). The relatively high 

value of the EU can be ascribed to the high 

standard of composites technology. Asia is focused 

mainly on low-value composite materials in large 

volumes. Outside China the market is looking to an 

increasing extent to high-tech materials. Not only 

Asia, but India and South America too are emerging 

markets. They need new solutions for obsolete 

infrastructure and transport networks. Transport 

and construction are the major markets there. 

In the US and the EU, both mature economies, the 

market is already saturated. 

improvement 

On average the global market is growing by 4% a 

year. This growth is accelerating as a result of the 

17


TenCaTe pLaYer in rapiDLY growing markeT 

increasing use of composites and improvements in 

production processes. 

Across the world some 550,000 people earn their 

living in the composites industry. 

These figures were provided by JEC Composites, 

which has extensively charted the ‘rich and 

complex’ world of composites. JEC (Journals, 

Exhibitions & Composites) has set itself the task of 

promoting composite materials worldwide. JEC’s 

global network connects more than 250,000 people 

who are professionally involved in composites. 

The composites industry is highly innovative. This 

innovative attitude is also essential, as the 

composites industry faces a number of challenging 

tasks, including automation (making production 

processes faster and cheaper through for example 

robotization) and the development of new raw 

materials, resins, and glass and carbon fibres. ‘Each 

link in the value chain has a contribution to make to 

this’, Frédérique Mutel (Chairman and EO of JEC 

Composites) told us. ‘This makes all the players in 

the value chain mutually dependent.’ 

innovations 

The demand for carbon fibre will increase between 

2009 and 2012. Aerospace and industrial 

applications are showing the strongest growth. 

The innovation of resins and additives involves for 

example low-emission resins, bio-resins, improved 


prepregs and carbon and glass fibres with greater 

strength. When it comes to process innovation, the 

terms simulation and prototyping are often heard. 

‘Computers allow you to simulate anything. You can 

design a product on a computer; you don’t need to 

build a scale model to do it. After rapid prototyping 

you can immediately start on serial production. 

Also, you can simulate the ageing process of 

composites.’ 

Apart from the focus on new raw materials and 

materials, attention is also given to obsolete 

products: recycling. Who does the collecting, who, 

the removal and who, the recycling? As far as 

regulations are concerned, Japan and the EU are to 

date the most progressive in this process. EU 

legislation for the recycling of cars and electrical 

equipment provides opportunities for the 

composites industry. In the US regulations relating 

to materials, chemicals and recycling are 

continually improving. ‘Recycling is a great 

challenge for the industry and will become ever 

more important.’ 

Collective 

One of the specific qualities of the composites 

industry is its collective knowledge. ‘The market 

wants products that don’t rust and require little or 

no maintenance. Companies in the value chain are 

constantly working together to find the best 

solution.’ There is also internal competition within 

the sector: between thermosets and 

thermoplastics for example, whereas the real 

competition is taking place outside, in other 

materials. She feels that not all the companies can 

see the big picture. ‘JEC Composites plays an 

important role in this by uniting all the families, 

representing the sector and coming up with various 

solutions. The collective challenge is to expand the 

composites markets and you can’t do that with 

forty different families and poor arguments and 

resources.’ 

Following on from that, JEC Composites wants to 

increase the visibility of composites and 

communications about them. ‘There are too many 

expressions for the same sorts of materials. All the 

links in the value chain talk about composites, and 

as a result there are too many confusing terms. The 

industry is relatively young so we must present 

ourselves far more clearly and, with the backing of 

a strong industry, show end-users and markets 

what you can do with composites and be efficient 

in conveying their advantages.’

Concentration 

Another challenge is the concentration of 

companies. There are too many small and 

medium-sized companies in the composites 

industry. They all have expertise and knowledge. 

‘It would be good to form alliances and clusters of 

companies, so you have to consolidate, buying up 

other companies or forming clusters of small 

companies in technology or on a regional basis. 

This will mean the end of many such companies if 

they don’t have the means to invest or to set up 

elsewhere. If you’re small and aren’t open to 

change, you won’t stand a chance. There are some 

companies that are conservative. They behave in 

a very protective way and are not open to the 

outside world.’ 

Spirit of cooperation 

When it comes to TenCate, Frédérique Mutel is 

positive. ‘TenCate is a company that works with 

partners in a spirit of cooperation and believes that 

alliances are very important. When I got to know 

TenCate in the US, and then in Asia, I saw the 

company’s dynamism. Its people are open and very 

innovative. So it’s no small wonder that the 

company won the JEC Innovation Award 2010 in 

Paris. Mr De Vries has vision. When I met him, he 

stressed that TenCate is a company that makes a 

difference. TenCate is important to us as JEC for 

our references.’ 

Space & Aerospace Composites’ contacts are 

limited for the time being to the JEC organization. 

Frédérique Mutel believes that TenCate could 

benefit even more from its network of experts and 

decision-makers. ‘We could be partners to get our 

message across more clearly and to make the 

brand more visible.’ 

• Composites industry is an innovative 

sector within which a great deal of 

knowledge is shared. 

• There is an important role for automation, 

recycling and innovation of raw materials, 

materials and processes. 

• JeC appreciates TenCate’s open and 

innovative attitude 

www.jeccomposites.com 

info@jeccomposites.com 

19


Ten CaTe aDvanCeD CompoSiTeS SignS SUppLY ConTraCT 

Laminates for 

airbus a350 XwB 

an enabled material contract has been signed to supply TenCate Cetex ® 

carbon fabric laminates for use in the new airbus a350 XwB among other 

eaDS applications. Based on this award TenCate advanced Composites 

europe will start the delivery of TenCate Cetex ® towards several Tier 1 and 

Tier 2 partners of airbus that produce fuselage panels and components for 

the airbus a350 XwB. 


TenCate Cetex ® material – which can be characterized as high 

strength and low weight – will be applied to the stiffening 

structure of the body of the Airbus A350 XWB. The thermo- 

plastic material is already used in existing Airbus programs, 

including the Airbus A380. These advanced fabric reinforced 

thermoplastic composite materials are already used for many 

structural and semi-structural exterior as well as interior 

applications in aircraft. The supply of TenCate Cetex ® material 

to the Airbus A350 XWB program once again underlines the 

importance of light and moldable thermoplastic material. One of 

the advantages of the application of thermoplastic composite is 

the posibility for the serial production in large numbers. 


aerospacecomposites.europe@tencate.com


Ten CaTe aDvanCeD CompoSiTeS reDUCeS waSTe STreamS 

Carbon composite 

for reprocessing 

Ten Cate advanced Composites is realizing considerable savings in the costs of its waste streams. The high-grade composite 

waste that is offered pre-eminently lends itself for reprocessing – a win-win situation in terms of material and environment. 

More and more companies are realizing that the 

raw and auxiliary materials used in the industry 

will not be endlessly available. Through smart 

design and production and through selecting 

reprocessable basic materials and ‘green’ 

suppliers, it is possible to give many costly 

waste materials a new life. Ten Cate Advanced 

Composites has a multiyear contract with CFK 

Valley Recycling in Stade. CFK is the German 

designation for plastics reinforced with carbon 

fibre. With small logistic adjustments to the 

collection system for carbon woven edges, 

thermoplastic prepregs and sawing waste from 

laminates, the company in Nijverdal is managing 

to realize considerable savings in the costs of its 

waste streams. In addition the company is a 

frontrunner when it comes to providing 

high-grade composite waste that is particularly 

suitable for recycling. Ten Cate Advanced 

Composites is also a member of the CFK Valley 

consortium. 

rules 

The European Union is working on rules 

regarding the reprocessing of discarded 

aeroplanes comparable to those applicable to 

cars. Making the disposal of these aircraft more 

efficient and profitable is also of great 

importance to the aviation industry itself. So it is 

working together with the waste processing 

industry to develop new forms of reprocessing 

carbon material. 

End products based on ‘milled’ carbon fibres are 

used, among other things, for reinforcing injection 

moulding components for industrial or possibly 

automotive applications. They can also be used to 

make carbon fleece – a sort of non-woven mat that 

serves as cost-effective, high-grade reinforcement 

in composites and laminates. 

knowledge network 

The aim of CFK Valley in Stade (North Germany) is 

to develop a leading international knowledge 

network for the technology and production of 

carbon fibre-reinforced polymers. The focus lies 

on the application of (recycled) materials in 

aircraft building, ship building, railways, 

commercial vehicles and car engineering The best 

partners in the world in the field of carbon 

fibre-reinforced polymers are brought together in 

this network. With approximately 1,900 

employees, this is the most important knowledge 

centre for large carbon fibre-reinforced plastic 

aircraft components, such as wings. 

CFK Valley is closely connected with the Airbus 

production plant 50 km away. Airbus itself produces 

the tail of the Airbus A380 aircraft in Stade. 



The high-grade carbon selvages are collected 

and offered for recycling 

21

Safety & Protection 

TenCaTe LiBa ® ComeS THroUgH Firing TeST wiTH FLYing CoLoUrS 


Setting sights on 

advanced armour 

Ballistic experts inspect the impact of heavy artillery on TenCate Liba ®

naTo and US soldiers in iraq and afghanistan are frequently exposed to multiple 

threats, such as roadside bombs. one of the possible ways of protecting them is through 

the development of lightweight protection solutions with TenCate Liba®. TenCate 

advanced armour and Dynamit nobel Defence invited a number of business relations to 

become better acquainted with the antiballistic properties of these solutions. The heavy 

artillery was brought in, which was comparable to that used on the scene of battle. 

TenCate Liba® came through the test with flying colours. 

The demonstrations were held on 13 and 14 

October in one of the bunkers on the vast, 

heavily protected complex of Dynamit Nobel 

Defence among the wooded hills near Burbach 

(Germany). An international gathering was 

assembled there, including technicians and 

designers from ministries of defence, other 

government agencies and weapon and vehicle 

manufacturers. This contact directly reached 

among others five of TenCate Advanced 

Armour’s major customers. 

effective systems 

TenCate Advanced Armour develops protective 

solutions based on lightweight armour 

composites. These effective systems are used in 

personal equipment, light and armoured 

vehicles, ships, aircraft, helicopters and 

installations. They incorporate the most 

advanced ceramic and composite technology 

that is currently available. 

TenCate Liba ® is a proprietary lightweight 

protection solution based on ceramic pellets 

embedded in an elastic polymer matrix, and from 

this panels are made. There is a wide range of 

solutions in both modular products and systems. 

Work is being carried out together with partners 

on product differentiation and innovation. This is 

a matter of pure necessity as the number and 

level of threats are increasing and soldiers in the 

field are regularly the target of explosively 

formed projectiles (EFP), improvised explosive 

devices (IEDs or roadside bombs) and portable 

rocket-propelled grenades. 

High level of threat 

Some seven tests were conducted in Burbach. 

Sights were set on lightweight repaired 

protection solutions using TenCate Liba ® . 

It was decided to reproduce a high level of 

threat in accordance with STANAG 4569. 

This NATO standard covers the levels of 

protection for occupants of logistic and light 

armoured vehicles. 

A damaged TenCate Liba ® insert can be quickly 

and easily repaired. One of the firing tests 

showed that an insert that has been repaired 

and once again shot at provides excellent 

protection. Moreover, TenCate Liba ® is also 

considerably lighter in weight than traditional 

steel, which makes a substantial difference to 

the weight, fuel consumption, speed and 

manoeuvrability of the armoured vehicle. 

optimum solution 

Ulrich Rasmussen and Kenn Jensen (Sales 

Managers TenCate Advanced Armour) were two 

of the hosts. They too look back on the two-day 

event with a feeling of satisfaction. ‘Our goal 

was to show that TenCate Advanced Armour can 

provide protection against many different 

threats, that we are the only company that 

offers a fully repairable solution and that we can 

work together with suppliers of other protection 

solutions to provide the customer with the 

optimum solution.’ In this aim they appear to 

have succeeded. The fitted TenCate Liba ® 

inserts proved to be sufficiently impactresistant. 

The same applied to an insert that had 

markeT – advanced armour (personal and 

vehicle protection). proDUCT – TenCate 

Liba ® . TeCHnoLogY – ceramic and polymer 

technology. proCeSS – inserts are fitted 

into bulletproof vests and vehicle armouring. 

previously been shot at and then repaired. The 

visitors accepted the waiting time between the 

assembly and disassembly of the installations as 

a necessary part of the procedure. ‘Different 

customers told us that they had found it 

extremely interesting. In particular, all 

customers, wherever they may be in the world, 

are experiencing a great demand for protection 

against EFPs.’ 

knowledge and experience 

Both inside and outside TenCate a great deal of 

knowledge and experience has been gained 

relating to projectiles and the consequences for 

armouring when they are ignited. And yet the 

behaviour and results of heavy explosives 

remain difficult to calculate. At such a high level 

of threat ‘we leave the field of science and enter 

the domain of the unpredictable’, as Dynamit 

Nobel Defence’s Herbert Weisshaupt put it. This 

underlines the importance of the protection of 

people and vehicles using lightweight solutions 

which incorporate TenCate Liba ® . 

• Simulation of conditions in iraq and 

afghanistan at the demonstration of 

lightweight protection solutions 

• TenCate Liba ® offers advanced armour 

protection in accordance with high 

STanag level 

www.tencateadvancedarmour.com 

advancedarmour.europe@tencate.com 

23

Trading update 

THirD qUarTer FigUreS For 2010 


Loek de Vries, Chairman and CEO 

TenCate n 

47% in thi 

‘TenCate’s results in the third quarter, with 47% 

growth, demonstrate that the recovery is continuing. 

qualification of the profit growth is, however, called 

for. The underlying operational trend is more 

positive than is shown by the reported profit growth. 

This can also be seen from the sharp rise in sales in 

the third quarter to the level of the top year 2008. 

• Sales in third quarter of €273 million at the level of 

the top year 2008 

• Profit growth of 47% 

• Profit trend in third quarter affected by non-recurring 

high costs for the coordination of downstreaming of 

synthetic turf operations

et profit up 

rd quarter of 2010 

In the first place, the direct consequence of 

the pick-up in some markets is that shortages 

have occurred in certain types of fibre. 

TenCate has contributed to this to a 

significant extent through the success of 

TenCate Tecasafe Plus and TenCate 

Defender M. 

Although TenCate, as global market leader in 

protective fabrics, is relatively well served by 

its suppliers, this has resulted in some delays 

and has led to somewhat higher costs, which 

will be of a temporary nature. 

reorganization 

A second effect comes from the synthetic turf 

markets. As market leader, TenCate heads the 

field in the reorganization of the synthetic turf 

market, which is entering a new phase. This 

development was accelerated by the financial 

crisis of 2009. The financing of seasonal sales 

may produce problems for some parties. 

Other market-related developments are, 

however, also playing a role in this. 

In this development phase there will be a 

consolidation of the markets; market parties 

will start to work together more in the chain. 

The main demands of end-users relate to 

quality and durability. Local authorities are 

often the owner of sports complexes, and 

environmental aspects are also playing an 

ever greater role here. Cooperation is 

necessary in order to pool specific 

knowledge. TenCate is seeking to enter into 

this cooperation through alliances with 

companies that operate close to the end 

markets. This process will initially require 

the appropriate investments and 

management focus. 

positive outlook 

There is also a more positive outlook for the 

aerospace market, although this is as yet not 

fully reflected in the current figures. TenCate 

with its composite materials occupies a 

prominent position in this market. 

It has already been announced through a 

press release that the sale of TenCate 

Defender M to the US Army will be 

substantial in the fourth quarter. 

Cautious 

We repeat the profit outlook for the second 

half of the year referred to above. The 

financial markets have, however, reacted 

cautiously so far. TenCate announced its 

expectation of achieving this outlook as a 

minimum. The trends observed also express 

confidence about a number of key future 

developments that will support the further 

growth of TenCate.’ 

25


TenCaTe CeTeX ® in moBiLiTY ConCepT SUperBUS 

Safe 

flexible 

sustainable 

Superbus is nearing completion and this innovative mobility concept will be officially launched in just a few months’ time. everything within the 

Superbus concept is geared to sustainability. Ten Cate advanced Composites is involved in the project as material supplier. The TenCate Cetex ® 

materials are used in the body and the eight doors of the vehicle. Safety, flexibility and sustainability are the characteristics of Superbus, and safety, 

lightness and strength were the demands and therefore the reasons for choosing TenCate. 

On 22 September Superbus was unveiled to 

the press and public at the International Motor 

Show (IAA) in Hannover. ‘Amazing!’, ‘Wow!’, 

exclaimed Wubbo Ockels in regard to the 

reactions to his brainchild. ‘The general public 

thought it was super and wondered why it 

hadn’t been thought of before. But it came as 

quite a shock to the professional market, such 

as Daimler Benz and Mercedes, because for 

them it’s such a great leap. It goes much 

further than anything they’re working on or 

can devise.’ 

In how far the market will ultimately be 

interested is a process of the market itself. 


‘We will demonstrate Superbus more and 

more frequently, until it claims political 

attention.’ 

An opportunity is being organized for the 

Dutch press to ride in it, on the RDW test track 

in Lelystad or somewhere in Germany. 

Afterwards the campaigns will begin − but not 

before Superbus is ‘in tiptop condition’. 

Basic principles 

Superbus is an innovative mobility concept 

where the basic principles include mobility, 

flexibility, energy efficiency, safety and 

reliability. Superbus delivers ‘comfortable, 

demand-dependent and point-to-point 

transport’. The luxury vehicle can reach a 

speed of 250 km an hour on dedicated 

Superbus lanes and run at a normal speed on 

existing roads. The vehicle has the same 

length as an average city bus but looks longer 

because it is not so high. Thanks to the 

rear-axle steering, Superbus has a modest 

turning circle. 

Wubbo Ockels is justly proud – of his 

brainchild naturally, and of the team of people 

from Delft University of Technology led by 

Antonia Terzi that he manages and that is 

working on the realization. Moreover the

number of members has now been reduced to 

five, who together compose the test team. It 

was an extraordinary experience to ride in 

Superbus for the first time. ‘It’s like a 

combination of a sportscar and a jet 

aeroplane.’ 

relationship with TenCate 

Impact-resistant, strong, light in weight, and 

the combination of these qualities – such were 

the requirements and for Wubbo Ockels the 

reasons to choose TenCate. ‘TenCate makes 

these materials. The relationship dates back to 

the development of the Nuna, the car powered 

by solar energy, so I automatically landed up at 

TenCate again.’ Nor is it likely to be the last 

time. Wubbo Ockels still has many ideas and 

dreams. The most advanced is sky sailing, ‘a 

sort of pioneering stunt with two planes on 

one line, one flying in the jet stream and the 

other outside. You need TenCate for these 

lightweight constructions.’ 

Sustainability as basis 

For TenCate, sustainability is the basis and 

reverberation of its pursuit of continuity. 

TenCate products and systems make an 

essential contribution to a world where themes 

such as safety, protection and sustainability 

have become self-evident. The related trends 

include personal safety, protection of the 

everyday world, restriction of energy 

consumption and CO2 emissions, water 

management and care for the environment. It is 

an important task of TenCate to formulate 

answers to these trends, devise solutions and 

thus compel developments. Thanks to 

composite materials, TenCate has a series of 

sustainable solutions available. 

The earth as spaceship 

The interest of the professor of Sustainable 

Engineering and Technology at Delft University 

in sustainability was awakened during his time 

as an astronaut. ‘The Earth is really a space ship 

with a thin layer of protection. This is no 

markeT – aerospace, industrial 

applications. proDUCT − TenCate Cetex ® . 

TeCHnoLogY – weaving and impregnation 

technology. proCeSS – materials installed 

as pre-shaped panels in the body parts. 

laughing matter; every process can damage it.’ 

And the exhaustibility of fossil fuels also plays a 

role. These are threats that, according to him, 

are still insufficiently recognized. He himself 

attempts in different ways to stimulate the 

enthusiasm of young people for sustainability 

and a sustainable society. ‘As far as 

sustainability is concerned, the Netherlands is a 

vacillating country. It’s shameful that what we 

produce in terms of sustainable energy lags so 

far behind. This is a problem for the young 

people coming later. They are taking no action 

and that worries me. I think it’s important for 

young people to develop initiatives in this 

respect.’ 

• material demands for Superbus determine 

choice for TenCate composite materials 

• efforts of the netherlands as far as 

sustainability concerned ‘shameful’ 

tencateaerospacecomposites.europe.com 


27


TenCaTe aDvanCeD armoUr STrengTHenS iTS poSiTion 


Ballistic 

protection 

TenCate advanced armor USa received additional contracts in 

September for vehicle armouring, worth $18.5 million. The materials 

will be delivered to two major manufacturers of military vehicles and 

to the US army before the end of 2010. This order will enable the 

company to cement its strong position in the market for vehicle 

armouring in the United States. 

TenCate is a specialist in the production of lightweight, protective ceramic 

and composite armour systems for use in vehicles, aircraft, ships and 

personal protection. These materials replace traditional ones such as steel 

and aluminium and ensure weight saving and improved functional 

properties.

Producing modern ballistic protective 

solutions requires advanced weaving and 

pressing technology and specially designed 

cutting technology. TenCate Advanced Armour 

elects to use the most advanced ceramic and 

composite technology available and it 

provides the lightest, most efficient armouring 

possible for these demanding applications. 

access 

The American market for ballistic protection is 

by far the largest worldwide, while in Europe 

the UK is a dominant market. As a result of 

the acquisition of the British armour company 

AML UK in Swindon (UK), TenCate now has 

unlimited access to the British market for 

lightweight composite armour solutions, 

which are used in vehicles, aircraft and ships. 

Customers for these products are mainly large 

industrial conglomerates in the defence 

industry, manufacturers of trucks, aircraft, 

helicopters, etc. or related suppliers. 

Governments (ministries of defence) lay down 

the specifications for these. 

System approach 

TenCate Advanced Armour focuses on a 

system approach by working together with 

manufacturers of vehicle, ships and aircraft 

(and their customers) in order to achieve the 

best possible configuration for protection. In 

the design of armoured vehicles for example 

the balance between protection and mobility 

is a key factor: the weight of the armoured 

protection must be as low as possible, while 

providing the highest level of protection. 

During the design and development stages 

consideration is given to such factors as the 

level of threat of the weapons and the cost of 

the entire lifespan of the application. 

All the solutions are tailor-made for customers 

and end-users, whether they are for 

permanent integration into the structure of 

new vehicles and ships or for carrying out 

improvements to existing vehicles and ships. 

TenCate Advanced Armour can provide 

support for its customers worldwide. 

www.tencateadvancedarmour.com 

advancedarmour.europe@tencate.com 

29


TenCaTe geoTUBe ® in porTUgaL 

environmentally responsible 

dewatering method 

TenCate geosynthetics has supplied TenCate geotube ® containers for a dewatering project in almeirim (portugal), which involves the removal 

and dewatering of 12,500 m³ of organic sludge. This first project in portugal is the result of cooperation between TenCate geosynthetics, 

ashland Hercules water Technologies and geosin, the local partner. 


poLYmer 

DoSing UniT

TenCate Geosynthetics and Ashland Hercules 

Water Technologies are working closely together 

to bring integrated dewatering solutions based 

on TenCate Geotube ® and polymers on to the 

market. TenCate supplies the dewatering system 

and supports customers at home and abroad in 

setting up the installation. Fired by enthusiasm 

for TenCate Geotube ® during a workshop in 

November 2009, Geosin, the TenCate distributor 

in Portugal, went in search of a suitable partner 

for the project in Almeirim. Egeo, an important 

player in the waste industry in Portugal, showed 

interest. Thanks also in part to the assistance of 

Ashland Portugal, the first steps could be taken 

on Portuguese soil with a dewatering project 

using TenCate Geotube ® . 

Fruit juices 

The project related to the removal and 

dewatering of 12,500 m³ of organic sludge from 

two storage basins for a major producer of 

fruit juices. The production 

process releases 

residual water with 

organic waste, and this 

sludge is stored in two 

basins. For years TenCate 

Geosynthetics has been world 

leader when it comes to dewatering 

sludge from lagoons, but the dewatering of 

100% organic sludge is a different story, as 

Gerben van den Berg (market manager TenCate 

Geotube ® Dewatering) well knows. ‘It’s no easy 

matter to dewater this using conventional 

techniques, but the TenCate Geotube ® 

technology offers various advantages for such a 

process. It is a cost-effective solution with 

minimal impact on the environment; large 

quantities can be processed in a relatively short 

time; and minimal manpower is required.’ 

Satisfied faces 

That the project led to highly satisfied faces is 

thanks to TenCate Geotube ® , the polymer 

technology, the selected approach (training local 

people) and the sound choice of partner to 

secure small-scale projects of this kind and see 

them through to a good conclusion. ‘We’re in the 

forefront of other suppliers in this respect, as it 

requires much more applied knowledge. It’s a 

question of polluted organic sludge and you have 

to know exactly what you can and can’t do. The 

right dose of polymers in combination with the 

selected TenCate Geotube ® container is crucial. 

This solution offers the customer the greatest 

certainty and reliability − and that we speak the 

language of the local market is also a 

distinguishing factor.’ 

Whoever can do this well has considerable 

market potential. ‘Environmental dredging is an 

attractive niche in the dredging market. With the 

right partners in the chain, who can benefit from 

our know-how and experience, we can identify 

work of this kind and make it profitable.’ 

markeT – environment and infrastructure 

(bank protection, dewatering 

etc.). proDUCT – TenCate Geotube ® . 

TeCHnoLogY – extrusion, weaving and 

coating technology. proCeSS –storage 

and dewatering of (polluted) sludge. 

The project in Portugal is not an isolated case. 

A project of the same kind is being set up in 

Hungary with UTB Hungary and Ashland. In 

addition projects are slowly getting off the 

ground in various other European countries. 

‘This is a good development. Success means 

that customers are gaining even greater 

confidence in us.’ 

• TenCate geosynthetics realizes first 

dewatering project with TenCate geotube ® 

in portugal 

• TenCate geotube ® technology is costeffective, 

environment-friendly, rapid and 

reliable solution 

• Cooperation with chain partners offers 

good prospects in environmental dredging 

www.tencategeosynthetics.com 

geosynthetics.europe@tencate.com 

Organic sludge is dewatered in an environmentally responsible manner 

31

Information Technology 

TenCaTe reaLizeS own gLoBaL neTwork 

Connected worldwide 

The process to realize the Global TenCate 

Network consists, among other things, of 

concentrating the IT services by means 

of three IT shared service centres: EMEA 

(Europe and Dubai), USA and Asia. Within 

this network all companies are being 

standardized in terms of IT infrastructure 

(Microsoft Exchange), which brings numerous 

advantages. Employees worldwide will have 

at their disposal – besides the traditional 

telephone system − internet, intranet, e-mail 

and Office Communicator, which serves for 

audio communication, video conferencing and 

the exchange of documents and other data. 

Sharing the systems, IT know-how and costs 


means saving costs for external consultants, 

as well as promoting internal cooperation. 

The project applies to the generic (applicable 

to all market groups) systems, and 

concentration will only occur if it makes 

sense. Company-specific systems are 

being standardized within the groups. 

Successful 

The process started in 2008 with the TenCate 

companies in Europe and Dubai (EMEA). After 

a successful start, the pace eased off in the 

course of 2009 because of the economic 

circumstances. The corporate IT department 

was tasked with bringing costs into line with 

the sales. Through a partial reorganization, the 

postponement of projects and new techniques, 

the consolidation and standardization of 

systems, and through server virtualization, 

operational costs could by reduced by 20%. 

Thanks to the ‘virtualization of servers’, 

several applications can run on one server, 

which means fewer servers are necessary, 

and therefore less power and lower costs. 

This then is process innovation and it fits in 

nicely with TenCate’s Green IT objective. 

in america 

By the end of 2010 TenCate Grass in Dayton 

(Tennessee) and TenCate Advanced Armour

TenCate is putting the finishing touches to realizing the global TenCate network. all the TenCate companies across the 

world will be interconnected within this global iT network. a process of over three years will then be complete. result: rapid, 

reliable communication and iT support accessible to all, as well as cost efficiency and a contribution to a clearcut 

presentation of the company. 

(Newark, Ohio) will be connected up with the 

IT shared service centre USA according to 

plan. The IT department of TenCate Protective 

Fabrics USA is responsible for the IT shared 

service centre USA. With this, 90% of all 

TenCate companies will be standardized. The 

shared service centre USA will be operational 

from January 2011. Just as in the Netherlands, 

the hosting will fall under an external partner 

that will provide IT services. Next year all 

the remaining TenCate companies in the 

United States will likewise be connected 

up. For the time being this does not apply to 

TenCate Geosynthetics. The IT systems of this 

group are based on IBM technology. Given 

the investment involved in the migration to 

the Global TenCate Network, this work is 

on hold until ‘a natural time slot’ arises. 

Hitching a ride 

At the moment the Asian companies are 

‘hitching a ride’ on the SSC EMEA, but in 2011 

the SSC Asia will be realized. TenCate has 

facilities in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia 

and China (Zhuhai), and an investigation is 

being carried out to see which of these four 

is the best location for the shared service 

centre. It will examine such aspects as 

languages, reliability of the infrastructure, 

and restrictions imposed by government 

authorities on, for example, internet traffic. 

When this unit has also been completed, 

TenCate will have a worldwide network 

that can rival the best in terms of process 

optimalization and cost efficiency. 

• global TenCate network has three iT 

shared service centres worldwide and 

ensures optimal communication and cost 

efficiency 

• project fits in with the pursuit of 

sustainable iT 

• middle of 2011 will see choice of 

location for iT centre in asia 

33


TenCaTe CompoSiTeS in CLimaTe-neUTraL veHiCLe 

Sustainable driving 

to antarctica 


in January 2012 mountaineer and ‘adventurer’ wilco van rooijen and co-pilot Fokke van velzen are embarking on a 

trip to the South pole with a Co2-neutral vehicle running on solar energy. part of the bodywork consists of TenCate 

composites. with this expedition, Team wilco wants to highlight the importance of sustainable energy and draw 

attention to the fact that in 2048 this continent will no longer enjoy protected status. 

The vehicle is designed by Team Antarctica, students at the 

Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology of the University 

of Applied Sciences Utrecht. The climate-neutral vehicle that 

they are now building is powered by solar energy. It seats two 

people, can drive on granular snow as well as hard ice waves, 

has a speed of 15 to 20 km an hour, and can cover a distance 

of 2300 km. Because it is equipped with solar cells, it is sturdy 

in build and TenCate Cetex ® has been selected to limit the 

weight. This composite laminate based on carbon fibre is 

manufactured by Ten Cate Advanced Composites in Nijverdal. 

TenCate Cetex ® can withstand the low temperatures during 

this period in Antarctica. 

reinforcement 

Panels of TenCate Cetex ® are processed for reinforcement 

purposes in the lid of the boot (where the solar cells are 

installed), in the interior of the bonnet and the doors, as well 

as in the climate box. This is the electronic component that 

contains sensors and other parts that cannot withstand the 

extreme cold. The material was deliberately chosen: ‘We 

were looking for a reliable partner who is big enough and is 

based in the Netherlands,’ explains Emma Recter (product 

design & engineering). ‘TenCate seemed to be the right place 

to find the desired materials, and we’re very pleased that we 

can use this material.’ Besides materials, TenCate is delivering 

technical support. 

With this expedition the team wants to demonstrate that it is 

possible to travel CO2-neutrally across Antarctica to the 

South Pole. Wilco van Rooijen and Fokke van Velzen hope to 

cover the distance of 2300 km in 30 days. 

protected 

Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth. Once a temperature 

of -89.2 C was registered some 1000 km from the South Pole. 

The continent is almost completely covered with ice. 

Currently this continent is still protected by the Environmental 

Protocol, part of the Antarctic Treaty, against drilling for 

minerals. The protection by this protocol ends in 2048. This 

project is intended to provoke dialogue with the pundits and 

government leaders of the future. ‘By making the youngsters 

of today aware of this virgin continent and the possibilities of 

sustainable energy, they can later protect Antarctica.’ 


www.teamantarctica.nl

Innovation 

TenCaTe SponSorS kanJa ULTraLigHT gLiDer 

glider with 

composites 

TenCate composite materials are used in large and small 

aircraft, but application in gliders is rather less common. 

Carbon composites from Ten Cate Advanced Composites 

in Nijverdal are used in the wing ribs of the lightweight 

Kanja glider. This a project carried out by eight students at 

INHolland University of Applied Sciences. The wing of the 

glider spans 11 metres, with a surface area of 10.35 m². 

Through sponsoring in kind, TenCate wants to familiarize 

students here too with the processing and possibilities 

of strong and lightweight composites. In the realm of 

gliding there is considerable demand for high-grade, 

ultralight aircraft. 

The Kanja was exhibited at the Composites Europe Fair 

in Essen, the biggest trade fair for composites in Europe. 

At the exhibition the team members were clothed in 

overalls based on protective materials sponsored by 

TenCate Protective Fabrics. 


www.kanja.nl 

35


TenCaTe oUTDoor FaBriCS UnveiLS viSion 


Tents of the future 

The future of the camping world will be determined 

by new designs and innovative functionalities. 

When it comes to design, manufacturers 

of tents and awnings will be making increasing 

use of young designers. As far as functionalities 

are concerned, the developments are focused 

on self-cleaning and insulating capabilities, high 

visibility, glow in the dark, and an anti-mosquito 

finish. The glow-in-the-dark finish will afford 

night visibility thanks to the sunlight absorbed 

during the day. This ensures that the tents are 

clearly visible at any time of the day or night for 

emergency services and the army. A special finish 

smelling of lemon can keep mosquitoes away. 

www.tencateoutdoorfabrics.com 

outdoorfabrics.europe@tencate.com 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jimibSU6jwi 

Self-cleaning Insulating 

Anti-mosquito

in 2010 TenCate outdoor Fabrics was again present at the Camping and Caravan Show – with a digital stand. 

at www.outdoorlivinginthefuture.com the company presented its vision on existing and future functionalities 

of fabrics for tents. moreover the digital presentation underlined the fact that TenCate outdoor Fabrics is 

technologically driven and works on product differentiation and innovation. 

High-visibility Glow in the Dark (night visibility thanks 

to sunlight absorbed during the day) 

37

Sponsoring 

TenCaTe graSS aT worLD eXpo 2010 


Better 

grass 

The Dutch pavilion in Shanghai attracted over 

7 million visitors. every day thousands of Chinese 

took advantage of the opportunity to relax in a park 

equipped with TenCate grass. 

The Netherlands could rejoice in considerable 

international interest during the World Expo Better City. 

Better Life in Shanghai (China). The pavilion Happy 

Street welcomed more than 7 million visitors − a feat 

that placed the Netherlands among the top 5 most 

visited pavilions. Many took a peek at this compact 

dynamic city, which was organically constructed by 

designer and architect John Körmeling along a 

pedestrian strip in the form of the Chinese lucky number 

8 and illustrated every facet of Dutch life. 

Beneath this elevated city was a kind of Vondelpark in 

miniature with synthetic turf (made from fibres and 

backing from TenCate Grass). Every day thousands of 

visitors, including many Chinese, sought the shade to rest 

for a while. 

The World Expo closed at the end of October and the 

pavilion is now being dismantled. The materials will be 

reused or recycled. 

Over the past years TenCate has built up a leading 

position in the Asian synthetic turf market. This market is 

characterized by consistent growth, which is stimulated 

by an increasing number of new users and a growing 

preference for synthetic turf. 

www.tencategrass.com 

grass.asia@tencate.com 

photo: Peter Cox 

39

Innovation 

TenCaTe preSenTeD wiTH awvn innovaTion awarD 

recognition for 

social innovation 

royal Ten Cate has received the quarterly innovation award and with 

this has also been nominated for the awvn annual innovation 

award 2010. awvn (the general employers’ association) praised TenCate 

for its integrated approach to technological and social innovation. 


According to the jury, TenCate sets the trend in product and 

process innovation in its core markets through ‘an appealing 

vision, entrepreneurship, the consistent implementation of 

the strategy and corresponding core values: progressiveness, 

proficiency, inventiveness and reliability. These core values 

are translated within the organization and the HR policy in 

such a way that the AWVN Innovation Trophy for social 

innovative policy is thoroughly deserved.’ 

Ron Bijkersma, TenCate corporate director HRM, sees it as an 

‘award for the whole body of work. The AWVN is enormously 

impressed by the transformation we have undergone. We 

have consistently reinvented ourselves, and you can only do 

that by taking good care of your people and by innovating.’ 

Development 

Social innovation is an integral part of TenCate’s whole 

company policy, especially the management model and the 

company philosophy. The company applies a clear business 

model and a flat management model. Authorities and 

responsibilities are established decentrally as far as possible, 

with the exception of those matters that must be centralized. 

‘In this way you get entrepreneurs rather than managers. By 

giving employees freedom and responsibilities, there is room 

for creativity and you create entrepreneurship. That’s how 

innovative power is stimulated within the company. There’s 

no actual blueprint but this philosophy incorporates an 

important basis for innovative entrepreneurship. We’re 

therefore on the lookout for entrepreneurial people. And the 

fact that people like working for TenCate is also a 

contributive factor.’ 

Ron Bijkersma, corporate director HRM 

Schooling and training 

Social innovation also takes shape within the TenCate 

People Programme, a schooling and training programme 

that stimulates employees to look at new or other 

product-market-technology combinations. Within the 

TenCate Active programme, which is part of this, potential 

managers from different market groups worldwide work 

intensively together. ‘We try to see that exchange 

between managers and workers takes place as much as 

possible,’ says Ron Bijkersma. ‘This cross-fertilization 

leads to new ways of working and new products and 

services.’ 

Because of the economic circumstances, TenCate 

soft-pedalled the training programme to a certain extent in 

2009 and at the start of 2010. Nevertheless, the 

international TenCate Business Game was wound up in 

2010. Activities will again be initiated within the TenCate 

Active and TenCate Talent programmes in 2011. 

• awvn impressed by the transformation that 

TenCate has undergone 

• By giving employees freedom and responsibilities, 

TenCate provides room for creativity and 

entrepreneurship 

• activities will again be initiated within the TenCate 

active and TenCate Talent programmes 

www.tencate.com


TenCaTe TeCaSaFe® pLUS gainS groUnD 

key products in quality and durability 

TenCate protective Fabrics is continuing to work on product differentiation, innovation and end-user marketing. The TenCate 

Tecasafe ® and the TenCate Defender m platforms are being expanded. increasingly stringent demands and the desire for more 

cost-efficient solutions also lie at the bottom of this. Through directly approaching the customer and end-user, these become 

acquainted with the characteristics, durability and cost benefit of these and other protective fabrics. 

Daniel Hauert (middle) (president TenCate Protective Fabrics USA) at the international trade fair for safety and 

protection in São Paulo (Brazil) 

At the beginning of October three teams from 

TenCate Protective Fabrics USA showcased 

Tecasafe ® Plus, TenCate Oasis and TenCate 

Tuffweld ® in North and South America, with a view 

to promoting these three key products. These 

TenCate materials are based on own fibre blends 

developed for specific applications. TenCate Oasis 

is an inherently fire-resistant fabric that is light in 

weight and offers protection against, for example, 

molten aluminium spattering and radiation heat. It 

is therefore applied extensively in the aluminium 

industry. TenCate Tuffweld ® is a flame-retardant, 

protective fabric competitively priced for the 

clothing of welders, mechanics and the like. 

Successfully launched on the market for industrial 

safety in the United States at the beginning of 

2007, TenCate Tecasafe ® Plus is the most popular 

fabric of the three. 

Further development 

TenCate Tecasafe ® Plus is a further development of 

TenCate Tecasafe ® in Europe. It owes its US 

success to the focused end-user marketing in the 

US as well as the quality of the material. It is 

reliable, cost-efficient, and is more comfortable and 

has greater durability than the industrial flameretardant 

fabrics of other suppliers. Safety and 

protection of workers is high on the agenda in the 

US too. This explains why 2 million metres of 

TenCate Tecasafe ® Plus have left the production 

facilities to date (October 2010) − an amazing 

achievement for such a new product in a mature 

market with numerous competitors. In view of the 

price and durability, it means an important cost 

advantage for industrial laundries and rental 

services. So TenCate Protective Fabrics scores also 

in terms of cost leadership. 

electric arc protection 

One specific application of TenCate Tecasafe ® Plus 

concerns equipping the American navy in risk class 

2 electric arc protection in compliance with NFPA 

(National Fire Protection Association) standards. 

A five-year contract was recently concluded in this 

respect. TenCate Protective Fabrics USA has 

collaborated with the navy and its customer 

UniFirst on a version that is Berry Compliant, which 

means to say in accordance with the Berry 

Amendment. This relates to the purchase of 

articles, including fabrics, manufactured preferably 

in the home country. The development started after 

an investigation into alternatives to the current 

fire-resistant cotton fabric, which had caused 

comment as far as thermal and allergenic properties 

were concerned. The new version of TenCate 

Tecasafe ® Plus was developed by Craig Tutterow 

(senior development engineer), while John 

Blackmon (marketing manager air force and navy), 

through his contacts with the Department of the 

Navy, and Peggy Holcomb (industrial sales 

manager), who coordinated the activities with 

UniFirst, also contributed to this positive result. 

Since August 2010 the cotton fabric used up till 

then has been replaced by TenCate Tecasafe ® Plus. 

Coupled with end-user marketing 

The teams – consisting of sales & marketing 

managers and a product developer – have been 

present at leading trade fairs, conventions and the 

like. Craig Tutterow and Mike Stanhope (global 

manager for product development) were at the 

National Safety Congress in San Diego, where they 

also attended the meeting of the NFPA Standards 

Committee. The NFPA is a US authority in the field 

of fire safety. Charles Dunn (director of product 

development) helped a team during the National 

Electrical Contractors Association convention in 

Boston. TenCate Tecasafe ® Plus has also been 

enthusiastically received in the end-user market 

for electronics. 

www.tencateprotectivefabrics.com 

protectivefabrics.america@tencate.com 

41

Safety / Protection 

TenCaTe DeFenDer m SaLeS ConTinUe To grow 

TenCate Defender M fabrics are repeatedly chosen by the American army and the American marine corps for the 

FR-ACU and FROG programmes for their ground troops 


protection 

US army 

and navy 

a significant rise in the demand for TenCate Defender m is indicated in the fourth quarter of 2010, 

and sales amounting to approximately 60 million US dollars are anticipated for this quarter (fourth 

quarter 2009: 29 million US dollars). The increase in demand is expected to continue well into the 

first quarter of 2011. The success of TenCate Defender m fabrics is based on the unique blend and 

application of the Lenzing Fr fibre. 

The rise in growth began in the third quarter, 

after a temporary relapse in sales as a result of 

changes in the camouflage print. The TenCate 

Defender M fabrics now supplied are 

processed in the Flame Resistant Army Combat 

Uniform (FR-ACU) of the American army and in 

the Flame Resistant Organizational Gear 

(FROG) issued by the navy. TenCate Defender 

M fabrics are repeatedly chosen by the 

American army and the American marine corps 

for the FR-ACU and FROG programmes for their 

ground troops. 

Blend 

TenCate Defender M is durable and has good 

wear resistance and excellent colourfastness. 

It offers not only protection against heat and 

fire, but also antistatic properties and room to 

move. This is attributable to the self-developed 

blend of fibres that are used to make TenCate 

Defender M. Together with fibre 

manufacturer Lenzing (Austria), knowledge is 

shared regarding the development and 

production of fire-resistant fabrics using fibres 

that are inherently fire-resistant and 

comfortable. The Lenzing FR® fibre is an 

important ingredient in TenCate Defender M 

fabrics. In contrast to other fire-resistant fibres, 

the Lenzing FR® offers inherent fire-resistant 

characteristics, while at the same time the fibre 

absorbs moisture. This combination allows the 

fabric to breathe and ensures comfort. 

www.tencateprotectivefabrics.com 

protectivefabrics.america@tencate.com 

43


TenCaTe CeTeX ® roUnD engine BLoCk oF ConCepT Car 


Historic 

car make revived 

avions voisin, an historic French car make, is soon to take on a second lease of life. in a hangar on the Twente air base, 

work is in progress on a new, luxury concept car with this name. Design, sustainability and eco-efficiency are of paramount 

importance in this mobility concept – that’s also why TenCate Cetex® is one of the materials applied.

Visitors to the AutoRAI in April 2011 will 

probably see its first outing and be eyewitnesses 

to the revival of Avions Voisin. The 

hand-made Voisin A-JT is the brainchild of 

Mattthijs Meulenbelt and Frans Lievaart. These 

two Delft engineers are working on this jointly 

with the University of Twente, where they are 

responsible for the master class on automotive 

design. As an innovative Dutch car company, 

they are going to design and build hand-made 

cars for the executive sector. 

Heat resistant 

The bodywork of the prototype consists mainly 

of aluminium, which makes the car lighter and 

ensures fuel savings., The temperature in the 

engine compartment can rise considerably, so 

that’s why TenCate Cetex ® is used here. This 

material is durable and heat-resistant, and 

consists of a Nomex honeycomb core between 

two carbon layers. 

Every component is scrutinized for possibilities 

to save costs and fuel, and the ideas being 

developed in this respect are also interesting 

for the car industry as a whole. Applications 

have now been made for patents in a number of 

cases. The sale price will be around €75,000. 

The prototype in aluminium will be unveiled at 

the AutoRAI. 

revolutionary 

Gabriel Voisin was an aviation pioneer, who 

from 1919 applied his experiences and 

revolutionary ideas to cars. Until 1939 the 

company produced luxury cars. The design of 

the second-generation Voisin is taking careful 

account of the buyer’s wishes. Mass production 

is out of the question, so the A-JT is not a car 

for the multitude; it is distinctive – just like the 

TenCate materials it incorporates. 

• Concept car seeks to be distinctive and 

eco-efficient 

• TenCate Cetex ® is being applied in the 

first instance in engine compartment 

45


TenCaTe geoSYnTHeTiCS USa eDUCaTeS STUDenTS in geoTeXTiLeS 


geosynthetics 

in the college desks 

once every year or two TenCate geosynthetics USa welcomes students in their final year who wish to get their bearings 

in the production and possibilities concerning the design and application of geosynthetics. within this context a group 

of students in Civil and environmental engineering at the University of north Carolina (US) recently paid a visit to the 

production facilities in pendergrass and Cornelia (georgia, US). 

The students, with on the right Prof. Kimberly Warren, professor of Geotechnical Engineering, Geosynthetics and Soil Improvement Techniques 

Prior to the visit Fred Chuck (director reinforcement 

markets) gave a presentation on the 

campus on the diversity of geosynthetics, their 

applications and how to distinguish between 

the different types of wovens, non-wovens 

and geogrids. The visits to the plants in 

Jefferson and Cornelia were coordinated and 

managed by Bruce Lacina (senior engineer). 

authority 

For TenCate the most important feature of 

such visits is helping to confirm TenCate 

Geosynthetics as the authority on the 

manufacture of geosynthetics. Attention is also 

paid to the practical side, with the universities 

being briefed as far as possible about current 

projects where geosynthetics are being applied. 

The response of the students to their visit has 

been very good, and an additional advantage 

is that students will be predisposed to value 

TenCate positively during their future career. 

www.tencategeosynthetics.com 

geosynthetics.america@tencate.com

txtures in 2011 

Looking aHeaD To THe Spring eDiTion 

Theme: Connected with end-user marketing 

TenCate seeks to know what motivates its 

end-users and what their requirements are. This 

is why it is stepping outside its traditional role of 

supplier. TenCate is allowing itself to be inspired 

by the challenges that it sees in its direct 

contacts with the end market. This does not 

mean, however, that TenCate will deal directly 

iaa award of excellence for 2010 

In 2010 TenCate Geosynthetics North 

America has for the fifth time won the IAA 

Award of Excellence in the Geosynthetic 

Products category. This is the sixth year in a 

row that the company has won an IAA 

award. The winning project was our 

contribution to the Incheon Bridge Project in 

South Korea. 

‘We are honoured to have been awarded the 

2010 IAA Award of Excellence for TenCate 

Geosynthetics’, John Henderson, Senior 

Vice-President at TenCate Geosynthetics 

innovatie route Twente 

TenCate is a partner in the Innovatie Route 

Twente. The presentation of the report ‘Op Koers’ 

(On Course) was given on 20 October last. 

This related to a study of the innovation route, 

which was carried out by the Eastern Netherlands 

Audit Office. TenCate’s activities in the context of 

regional innovation programmes will be explained 

in txtures and an outline will be given of their 

connection with the company’s strategic themes. 

Volume 44 – number 4 – winter 2010 

with the end-user. The company is familiarizing 

the market with the possibilities and as a result 

is endeavouring to exert influence on the 

specifications, quality criteria and/or functional 

requirements that end-users lay down. 

‘Connected with the end-user’ is the theme of 

the 2010 annual report. 

NA, said. ‘We are also proud to have won 

an IAA Award for the sixth straight year. 

This year’s winning entry, submitted by Yee 

Tack Weng, highlights TenCate’s unique 

position to provide solutions for critical 

projects around the globe.’ 

2010 annual figures 

TenCate will publish its 2010 annual figures 

on 2 March and in this edition we will provide 

the background to the results achieved. 

Digitex 

conference 

The 2010 Digitex conference will be held in 

Bergamo and Grassobio (Italy) on 2 & 3 December. 

At this conference the results of the Digitex project 

will be shown and new process technologies presented. 

There will also be an impression given of 

the new functionalities that can be achieved with it. 

txtures is a corporate review of Royal Ten Cate for its employees and external stakeholders. The magazine is 

published four times a year in a Dutch and English version. Reproduction of articles or parts of articles is authorized, 

providing the source is acknowledged and that passages and quotations are not placed in a different context. 

editor’s address Translations Design printing 

Royal Ten Cate Gay Howells DeNK•creatieve vrijdenkers LulofDruktechniek 

Coen Heldeweg (chief editor) 

phone +31 546 544 305 

c.heldeweg@tencate.com 

Janice Collins Almelo Almelo 

47

Our sandwiches are stiff panels 

In the world of aerospace, it is vital that all systems work perfectly, to guarantee lifelong service. As a leader in high 

performance composites for primary and secondary aerostructures, TenCate supplies materials that can provide the 

lightest weight and highest strength, whilst making no compromise to safety. 

TenCate supplies the aerospace industry with TenCate Cetex® and its derivative sandwich panels, which are also 

used in aircraft trolleys. So, the next time you bite into your sandwich at 20,000 feet, just remember that it was kept 

fresh between a set of rigid, yet lightweight trolley panels. 

www.tencateadvancedcomposites.com

download as .pdf - TenCate

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?