Abstract: A method of forming a charge. A first part of the charge is clamped with a free part of the charge protruding from the clamp to a free edge of the charge. The free part of the charge comprises an inner layer, an outer layer and a plurality of internal layers. The outer layer is contacted with a forming roller and the inner layer is contacted with a guide roller. The free part of the charge is bent over a convex corner of a die with the forming roller to form a first bend with the outer layer on an outside of the first bend. The free part of the charge is also bent away from a mould surface of the die with the guiding roller to form a second bend with the inner layer on an outside of the second bend. The rollers are simultaneously moved across the mould surface so that they progressively draw the charge across the mould surface, the forming roller presses the inner layer of the charge against the mould surface, and the second bend moves towards the free edge of the charge.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a composite component comprising the steps of: loading a preform into a component forming environment, filling the environment with a solvent carrying a catalyst material in solution or suspension, draining this liquid from the mould thereby leaving a residue of the catalyst material on the perform and/or the interior surface of the forming environment, heating the forming environment and subsequently or concurrently introducing a carbonaceous gas under such conditions as to grow a carbon nanotube structure on the preform and/or the forming environment surfaces, removing the carbonaceous gas, and introducing a liquid resin material into the forming environment whereby the resin disperses through the preform and carbon nanotube structure thereby forming the finished composite component once the resin is cured or set.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a composite component comprising the steps of: loading a preform into a component forming environment, filling the environment with a solvent carrying a catalyst material in solution or suspension, draining this liquid from the mould thereby leaving a residue of the catalyst material on the perform and/or the interior surface of the forming environment, heating the forming environment and subsequently or concurrently introducing a carbonaceous gas under such conditions as to grow a carbon nanotube structure on the preform and/or the forming environment surfaces, removing the carbonaceous gas, and introducing a liquid resin material into the forming environment whereby the resin disperses through the preform and carbon nanotube structure thereby forming the finished composite component once the resin is cured or set.