THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITES | MATERIALS
Send reinforcement: latest in thermoplastic
composites Developments in thermoplastic composites include updated
grades of PP, PA and PPA, plus end-use applications such as propeller blades, cycle handlebars and auto components
While thermosets remain the preferred material in applications such as aircraft chassis, the greater flexibility of thermoplastic composites – including lower price and easier mouldability – means these materials continue to expand their capability for metal replacement. BASF is now offering a portfolio of polyamide
(PA) and polyphthalamide (PPA) blends that promises more constant mechanical properties than PA66 alone. Ultramid T7000 outperforms PA66 for stiffness
and strength in dry state – and especially in presence of humidity. The PPA portion leads to a lower water absorption, which gives components higher dimensional stability. Ultramid T7000 can be as easily injection-moulded as PA66, giving parts a glossy, smooth surface finish. This makes PA/PPA blend a suitable metal replacement for structural parts that are exposed to moisture, such as mirrors, air brake parts and valves. These components can also be optimised using
BASF’s simulation tool Ultrasim for properties such as improving NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) performance. The result is a robust assembly with consolidation of parts, no corrosion, and improved durability, says BASF. Ultramid T7000 is globally available with
different glass-fibre reinforcements up to 60% for
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highly loaded structural parts. There are also grades in laser sensitive black and surface-improved black. “In collaboration with our technical service
colleagues, we want to inspire our customers to investigate other weight- and cost-saving opportu- nities for metal replacement, which is now possible with Ultramid T7000,” said Andre Schäfer of global business development PPA at BASF.
Cellulose strength Polyplastics has launched Plastron LFT RA627P, a composite of polypropylene (PP) resin and long cellulose fibre which combines low density, high rigidity and impact strength and damping for applications such as audio components (speaker diaphragms) and housings of industrial components. Thanks to its regenerated cellulose fibre content,
the material boasts a reduced carbon footprint – around 30% less than that of 30% short glass fibre-reinforced PP resin, it says. It is a composite of PP resin and uninterrupted 30% long cellulose fibres of the same length which are oriented in the same direction. The cellulose fibre has high strength and elasticity thanks to unique spinning conditions and polymerisation of the raw cellulose materials. Its density is around 10% lower than 30% short
glass fibre-reinforced PP resin, while maintaining roughly the same flexural modulus. It also has a
January/February 2025 | INJECTION WORLD 31
Main image: BASF says its Ultramid T7000 PA/PPA blends outperform PA66 for stiffness and strength
IMAGE: BASF
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