UL, an independent global safety science company, announced the launch of an advanced laboratory for safety and performance testing of composite materials like polymer blends, laminates reinforced with nanoparticles, carbon and glass fibres. Replete with the latest and best in class equipment and technology, the composite material testing laboratory will offer end to end service from laminate preparation, specimen machining and preparation to static tests as per ISO, ASTM and other specific standards.

UL’s strategic capacity building expansion is envisioned to support the fast growing composite material market in India in sectors such as renewable energy, smart cities, aerospace and automotives. Lightweight and imbued with high strength and impact resistance, composite materials are manufactured by combining two or more unique substances, chosen for their superior performance or beneficial properties, in manner that each component retains its original nature in the blend. The wind energy sector, for instance, is a major consumer of composite material, used in the production of wind turbines.

Commenting on the launch of the composite materials testing laboratory, Mr. Suresh Sugavanam, Vice President and Managing Director, UL South Asia, said, “Through the new composite materials testing laboratory, manufacturers will now have local access to globally validated, credible and high quality test data. UL’s elaborate investment in standards, test method development, safety and performance testing, research and forensic analysis facilitates our clients in India to accelerate the commercialization of composite materials in a safe, accurate and cost effective manner”.

Mette W Pedersen, VP & GM, Performance Material, UL added, “UL’s legacy as an internationally renowned safety leader has propelled us to address not only traditional risks, but also advance safety science to help our stakeholders meet the challenges posed by emerging technologies. In addition to composite materials testing, we are also providing customers in India with an expert driven research and development team, to assist with technical material challenges including prediction of long term thermal and environmental degradation mechanisms. Through extensive forensic analysis, this allows us to understand the cause of product failures and arrive at potential solutions.”