HANKUK CARBON

<p><img alt="" src="https://www.hcarbon.com/upload/ckeditor/e901d641-ff36-4d31-a16d-2d8c76582dc6.jpg" style="width: 70%;" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Self-flying planes, urban air mobility (UAM), and futuristic aircraft are no longer distant dreams. Thanks to the exceptional physical properties of lightweight composite materials, these innovative modes of transportation are becoming a reality. In this episode of &quot;Composite Materials 101,&quot; we will delve into the history of aerospace materials and explore the crucial role that Hankuk Carbon composites will play in shaping the future of aerospace mobility.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>From Wood to Composites: The Power of Materials to Overcome</strong></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright built &quot;the Wright Flyer&quot; and made the first sustained flight as human beings. The Wright Flyer was the first controlled, engine-powered aircraft created with wooden frames and fabric coverings. Until the mid-20th century, most airplanes were made of wood because it was lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to work with. However, wooden airplanes had one major drawback: they are less durable than metal and are vulnerable to bad weather due to their ability to absorb moisture.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As aircraft&#39;s speed increased, metal began to be used for better corrosion resistance. In 1915, German aircraft engineer Hugo Junkers developed &quot;Junkers J 1,&quot; the world&#39;s first experimental all-metal monoplane. All-metal airplanes are now rare, but the breakthrough suggested a direction for the aerospace industry: <strong>exploring new materials to overcome challenges.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Since the 1930s, high-strength metals and aluminum alloys have been widely used as primary materials for aircraft manufacturing. Aluminum alloys have been a popular choice for aerospace materials since the mid-20th century because they are lighter and stronger than metals. However, with the development of supersonic aircraft, a new problem emerged&mdash;aluminum could no longer withstand the extreme surface temperature of the plane during flight at high speeds.</p> <p>Thus, c<strong>omposites emerged as a great alternative</strong>, representing <strong>cutting-edge technology of aerospace material.&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Lightweight Innovation in Aerospace Driven By Composites</strong></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.hcarbon.com/upload/ckeditor/118ae1b4-3e48-496b-a171-6190788085cc.jpg" style="width: 70%;" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) was the first lightweight composite material used in aircraft. GFRP is a plastic reinforced with glass fibers and resin (such as epoxy or polyester). It has excellent heat and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for aerospace materials requiring both lightweight and durable characteristics. Composite materials, including carbon and glass fiber, have become increasingly popular since the 1970s and 1980s. They are now used in advanced aircraft for high performance and weight reduction.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Composite materials offer a significant advantage by <strong>maintaining high strength while being lightweight.</strong> This feature can enhance the fuel efficiency of aircraft, reducing operational costs in the long run. According to a study by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in India in 2005, an aircraft that is 20% lighter can save up to 8,660 kg of fuel over 10,000 km of travel. An excellent example is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the first commercial aircraft with major structural components made of composite materials. With an application ratio of nearly 50%, the Dreamliner is one of the most fuel-efficient aircraft available today.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Aerospace materials are used in launch vehicles and aircraft engines, and they must possess excellent properties to withstand high-temperature and high-pressure environments. Composite materials are <strong>highly resistant to corrosion and fatigue </strong>and offer a lengthy lifespan for parts; thus, they are likely to reduce waste. The molding process of composites also allows the manufacture of various shapes, giving high levels of freedom in the design process.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Hankuk Carbon Reaches for the Spacious Sky</strong></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Hankuk Carbon is focusing on the aerospace parts business as the next growth driver. </strong>In 2017, we acquired aerospace parts manufacturer KCI and are supplying composite material parts to various aircraft, including Boeing Dreamliner B787, Airbus A380, and Gulfstream G280. We established KAT in 2018, a company specializing in UAV and UAM, to develop state-of-the-art UAV and UAM technology. In 2022, we acquired aircraft parts maker c2i to further our presence in the European market.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In June 2019, Hankuk Carbon&#39;s phenolic glass prepreg for aircraft interior was qualified for Boeing Material Specification (BMS). This means Hankuk Carbon can supply its products to Boeing and its suppliers. We are dedicated to growth and are actively working on localizing key components for UAM through national projects. We are optimistic that in the near future, we will see diverse aircraft made of Hankuk Carbon&#39;s composite materials soaring freely in the sky.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Aerospace materials have constantly evolved from wood to different types and shapes to enhance aircraft performance. Hankuk Carbon is dedicated to developing composite materials and solutions to keep up with emerging mobility technologies, leading the aerospace industry toward a safer and more convenient future. That concludes today&#39;s episode of &quot;Composite Materials 101.&quot; We will see you again in our next episode, where we will share another informative story about composite materials!<br /> &nbsp;</p>