LFTs | COMPOUNDS
LFTs expand further in automotive applications
Long fibre compounds are winning roles in applications where high strength, stiffness and mechanical performance are needed with lower CO2 emissions. By Simon Robinson
Increasingly tough specifications for rigid, strong, relatively simple to process materials with good green credentials are opening the door wider for long fibre reinforced thermoplastic (LFT) com- pounds. This combination of properties is particu- larly interesting to automotive companies, which perpetually try to reduce the weight of compo- nents while maintaining or improving performance. Aside from that long-standing aim, demand for
LFTs is being accelerated for several other reasons. As the automotive sector moves increasingly to electric and hybrid power systems, new opportuni- ties for long-fibre reinforced thermoplastic com- posites are opening up in battery components. And because batteries are relatively heavy there is increasing interest in materials that can be used to make other automotive components lighter weight, which in turn, could spur demand for LFT com- pounds in the future. Simultaneously, as the
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automotive sector demands more recyclability from polymeric components; materials that can replace metals to make parts that not only contain recycled content, but which are themselves recyclable, are increasingly attractive. Focusing on reduced emission and reduced odour post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, TechnoCompound launched a new range of LFTs aimed at the automotive sector at the most recent Fakuma meeting. These long glass fibre com- pounds are aimed at applications in automotive interiors. These are primarily based on a polypro- pylene matrix and are marketed as TechnoGreen grades which can be blended with the company’s long glass fibre compounds with PCR to greatly reduce the carbon footprint of the finished parts. For example, the company’s TechnoGreen PP
LGF60 grade, with 100% virgin PP as the base, can be blended in machine with TechnoFin rPP, which is
March 2025 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 49
Main image: The develop- ment of electric vehicles is offering market potential for long fibre reinforced
thermoplastics
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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