Innovative SABIC composite materials that have opened up a vast new array of possibilities for designers in diverse industries are taking centre stage at the World Economic Forum as part of an innovative structure, combining advanced technologies and design, known as the ICEhouse?
The iconic structure, for the second year, is spearheading SABIC?s efforts to deliver this breakthrough technology to the world, and in doing so promote the architect William McDonough?s concept of the importance of closed-loop, durable carbon systems.
?Through this innovative building, which combines art and engineering, we are exhibiting materials that utilise carbon in a positive way. SABIC solutions can open up a world of new possibilities for designers with their strong, lightweight, and durable properties,? said Yousef Al-Benyan, SABIC Vice-Chairman and CEO. ?The impact of these new materials will be felt far beyond the world of architecture, bringing benefits to designers in industries as diverse as electronics, healthcare and aerospace.?
ICEhouse, where ICE stands for Innovation for the Circular Economy, was built using SABIC?s LEXAN? sheet and systems for the walls, ceiling, roofing and windows.
This year, SABIC?s new fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composite technologies are used for floor panels and profile structures instead of metal and wood, delivering superior durability, impact performance, and safety with less weight. The cladding is LEXAN multi-wall sheet filled with nano-gel for outstanding energy efficiency. Thermoplastic composite sandwich floor panels with skins made out of UDMAX? GPP 45-70 tape replace plywood being up to 50 per cent lighter, with higher abrasion and impact resistance. The thermoplastic composite floor panels do not absorb water and therefore do not decay, increasing safety in use and lifetime of the flooring.
Another novelty is the tubular composite structures made with UDMAX GPP 45-70 tape, a continuous fibre reinforced polypropylene, which partially replaces aluminium L-shaped profiles with very favourable weight-to-performance ratio.
The World Economic Forum, taking place in Davos, Switzerland, from January 17 to 20, engages the foremost leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas. On January 17 William McDonough has received the Fortune Award for Circular Economy Leadership at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
