Composites Weekly

Hosted by Jonathan Taylor

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200

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

The Leading News and Information Podcast for the Composites & Advanced Materials Industry

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60 recent

June 16, 202635 min

Hemp-Based Thermoplastics: The Future of Sustainable Polymers?

On this episode, Kerry McCormick, CEO of PolyC Plastics and Composites, and co-founder Dr. Greg Sotzing join the podcast. PolyC Plastics and Composites is a company dedicated to developing cleaner, safer polymer technologies to replace legacy materials that contain substances such as PFAS, BPA, phthalates, and VOCs. They were recently featured in an article by Forbes magazine titled, Tackling Plastic Pollution With A Hemp-Based Alternative. Greg is a professor of chemistry and materials science at the University of Connecticut and a leading researcher in sustainable polymer technology. He is the author of a groundbreaking new study exploring hemp-derived alternatives to conventional plastics, with a focus on creating high-performance materials from renewable resources. On this episode, we'll discuss the future of sustainable polymers, hemp-derived materials, and what these innovations could mean for the composites industry.

June 10, 202625 min

CF3D: The Next Generation of Composites for Mission-Critical Performance - Interview with Steve Starner of Continuous Composites

On this episode, Steve Starner, CEO of Continuous Composites joins the show to discuss how their company is scaling their CF3D technology for aerospace, defense, hypersonics, UAVs, and other mission-critical applications. CF3D is a next-generation manufacturing technology that combines continuous fiber composites, automation, and software into a single digital manufacturing process. Before joining Continuous Composites, Steve spent years working in advanced manufacturing and metal additive manufacturing, including leadership roles involving laser powder bed fusion technology at Velo3D. That experience gave him a firsthand look at how additive manufacturing technologies evolve from emerging concepts into production-ready tools for industry. You can learn more about Continuous Composites by visiting https://continuouscomposites.com.

June 5, 202631 min

From Composite Space Armor™ to Orbital Data Centers: Interview with Trevor Smith, founder and CEO of Atomic-6

On this episode, Trevor Smith, founder and CEO of Atomic-6, joins the podcast. Atomic-6 is an advanced composite solutions manufacturer revolutionizing mobility in extreme environments. Atomic-6 also just launched ODC.space, the world's first marketplace that allows customers to spec, price, and order orbital data center capacity without building their own satellite systems. Learn more about them at https://atomic-6.com.

June 3, 202626 min

Advancing Circular Composites: How James Cropper and Hexcel Are Driving Recycling Innovation Through the ECCA

On this episode, Mandy Clement of James Cropper and David Tilbrook of Hexcel join the show to discuss how their companies are working together through the ECCA, to advance the development of high-value composite materials made from recycled carbon fibre that support both performance and circularity across aerospace, automotive, and mobility sectors. The European Circular Composites Alliance (ECCA), led by the European Composites Industry Association (EUCIA), brings together material suppliers, manufacturers, recyclers, and end users to tackle the challenges that have historically limited composite recycling. A key focus of the initiative is advancing the use of recovered and recycled carbon fiber in aerospace and defense applications, where maintaining material performance and maximizing fiber value are essential to achieving circularity at scale. You can learn more by visiting https://advancedmaterials.jamescropper.com/journal/james-cropper-and-hexcel-collaborate-through-ecca-to-advance-aligned-composite-recycling-solutions/.

May 29, 202633 min

Inside the $9 Million FRP Sector Gate Project: Interview with Scott Lewit and Joni Richards of Structural Composites

On this episode, Scott Lewit and Joni Richards of Structural Composites, Inc., join the show to discuss their latest projects, one of which includes a $9 million contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Canaveral Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Sector Gate Project at Port Canaveral. It represents a significant milestone in the adoption of advanced composite materials for critical marine infrastructure. Founded in 1987, SCI specializes in engineering, testing, prototyping, and manufacturing advanced composite structures. They've spent decades advancing composites across defense, marine, transportation, and industrial markets.

May 22, 202645 min

The Strait of Hormuz Conflict and the Future of Global Supply Chains

The conflict in Iran, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is sending shockwaves through global supply chains—particularly across petrochemicals, resins, and composite materials. With nearly 20% of the world's oil and a significant share of polyethylene, polypropylene, and key chemical feedstocks moving through this critical chokepoint, disruptions are already driving price volatility, supply shortages, and shifting sourcing strategies. On this episode, I have two guests joining me to discuss the impact on supply chains: Dawn Hersey, Ph.D., is a combat veteran and subject matter expert in resilience, stability, and conflict. She owns Ferndon Consulting, an Intelligence firm. Her expertise is in international conflict, geopolitical dynamics, and predictive analytics. David Eyes is an automotive supply chain expert with 25 years of experience, working closely with complex manufacturers and auto suppliers on supply chain risk.

May 19, 202626 min

Beyond Concrete: Bio-Composites, Algae-Based Cement, and New Ideas for Carbon-Smart Architecture

Joining the podcast this week is Bruce King, an engineer, author, filmmaker, and one of the leading voices in sustainable and bio-based building materials. He is the author of the book Build Beyond Zero: New Ideas for Carbon-Smart Architecture. Bruce spent more than 45 years in structural engineering, working on everything from high-rise buildings to resort projects, before shifting his focus toward a bigger question: how do we build in a way that works with nature instead of against it? Today, Bruce's work spans everything from straw composites and low-carbon concrete to emerging bio-materials like mycelium, bacterial cellulose, and algae-based construction systems.

May 14, 202620 min

AI, Automation, and the Future of U.S. Manufacturing: Interview with Rush LaSelle, CEO of Fathom Digital Manufacturing

Joining the podcast this week is Rush LaSelle, CEO of Fathom Digital Manufacturing.Rush is a veteran leader in advanced manufacturing with more than 30 years of experience scaling digital manufacturing, automation, and additive technologies across aerospace, defense, healthcare, and industrial markets. His expertise spans additive manufacturing, automation, robotics, advanced materials, and mission-critical manufacturing operations, giving him a unique perspective on where U.S. manufacturing is headed next. You can learn more about Fathom by visiting https://fathommfg.com.

May 12, 202618 min

The Future of Composites Workforce Training – Updates from Kyle Jordan of ACMA

On this episode, Kyle Jordan joins the show to share some updates on the ACMA's Certified Composites Technician programs. Kyle is Director of Certifications with the ACMA. He'll be discussing some of the new digital training options launched over the last couple of months, including those for CCT recertification. You can learn more about these CCT training programs by visiting https://acmanet.org/education/certified-composites-technician-program.

May 5, 202639 min

Funding Innovators in AI & Deep Tech: Interview with Anna Brady-Estevez

On this episode, Anna Brady-Estevez, PhD, joins the show. She is the founding partner of American Deep Tech, a technology investment firm that focuses on aerospace & space tech, energy, AI, biotech and more. Anna has served as a Program Director at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), where she led the Small Business Innovation Research portfolio focused on Space Tech, Energy, Chemical, and Environmental technologies. During her tenure, Anna invested and managed over $250M in grants to early-stage, high-impact startups.