LFTs | thermoplastic composites


Several compounders have announced new developments in long fi bre reinforced thermoplastics. We look at what they have to offer


Progress continues in LFTs


Compounders have been busy developing new long fi bre reinforced thermoplastics (LFTs) based on both carbon and glass fi bres for high-performance applica- tions. While structural automotive compo- nents remain a major target market, other opportunities for metal substitution are also being explored. Compounding company Epic Polymers, with


its latest long fi bre reinforced compound range Strator XC, is eyeing portable electronics (as well as automotive). Epic says the PA66 and PPA-based compounds incorporate “a new carbon fi bre technology which results in far higher mechanical performance than the traditional carbon fi bre reinforced compounds.” Fred Panhuizen, director of marketing and technol- ogy says: “With a stiffness of 45 GPa (the same level as magnesium) and tensile strength levels of 350 MPa (the same level as steel), Strator XC achieves a level of performance that up to now is only possible with metals. Compared to magnesium alloys, these materials have a 30% lower density and a strength level which is 40% higher. On top of this, these products have a far better creep performance at elevated tempera- tures and do not suffer from corrosion.” Luvocom SCF is a new generation of extra strong,


stiff and impact resistant carbon fi bre reinforced compounds from Lehmann&Voss. Increases in strength and stiffness in materials often lead to greater fragility, the company says. This new carbon-fi bre technology, however, pushes the performance boundaries of traditional injection- moulding engineering compounds even higher, thereby offering new design possibilities for lighter, stronger components. US-based PlastiComp,


meanwhile, claims to have developed the next generation in long fi bre reinforced polyamides, which feature high fl ow characteristics and


www.compoundingworld.com


Left: The IP carrier on the VW Golf 7 is injection moulded in


Fibremod short and long glass


fi bre reinforced PP from Borealis


superior surface fi nish, even with high fi bre loadings and without a reduction in thermal or mechanical properties. Cycle time reductions up to 25% along with injection


pressure reductions of up to 40% in thin wall parts are possible, PlastiComp claims. Flow lengths in thin wall parts can also be increased by as much as 30%. PlastiComp has also launched a translucent,


long-fi bre reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) compound. The company says the compound “can revolutionize structural parts where see-through quality or contact transparency imparts added function- ality.” It cites advantages in medical devices, pumps, fi lters, power tools, sporting equipment, or anything requiring a see-through part-section. Borealis’s Fibremod family of engineered short (SGF) and long glass fi bre (LGF) compounds consoli- dates the company’s Xmod and Nepol glass fi bre brands under one common name. Borealis says this portfolio evolution is designed “to streamline the product brand portfolio and to build the stage for the innovation pipeline of all future, fi bre-based materials.” Fibremod will be the future product brand for all fi bre-based, PP compound solutions for automotive applications as well as for white goods and small appliances.


Click on the links for more information:  www.epicpolymers.com  www.lehvoss.de


 www.plasticomp.com  www.borealisgroup.com


Left: Epic Polymer says its Strator XC carbon fi bre LFT compounds provide the stiffness of diecast metal alloys


February 2014 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 61


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