SABIC Innovative Plastics, Pittsfield , Mass., launched the first two products in a series of natural-fiber reinforced compounds at the recent NPE show.
CURAUA FIBER VS. GLASS & TALC IN NYLON 6
(Source: SABIC Innovative Plastics)
PropertyNylon 6 
Unfilled		20% Curaua*20% Glass20% Talc

Density, g/cc

1.141.181.271.27
Tens.Str., MPa638310173
Flex. Str., MPa95115160115
Tens. Mod., GPa1.45.56.56.5
Elong. @ Break, %>60333
Notched Izod
   Impact, KJ/m2		10999
HDT, C @ 1.82 MPa57186194110
*LNP Thermocomp PX07444.

SABIC Innovative Plastics, Pittsfield , Mass., launched the first two products in a series of natural-fiber reinforced compounds at the recent NPE show. The first, LNP Thermocomp MX07442, is PP with 30% wood flour. It can be injection molded and extruded to give a woodlike appearance. More unusual is LNP Thermocomp PX07444, nylon 6 with up to 20% curauá fiber. Curauá is a bushy member of the pineapple family, which is cultivated in Brazil for its fibers (derived from the leaves), used to make hammocks, fishing lines, ropes, and nets. Its fibers have properties comparable to sisal, jute, or flax and adhere well to nylon without any surface treatment. (Curauá can also be used in polyolefins but would probably benefit from pre-treatment.) Curauá improves strength and stiffness of nylon at much lower density than glass or talc (see table). The new LNP wood-flour compound is being used by Rexam Beauty Packaging in Brazil to mold perfume bottles. The nylon/curauá compound is used by Pematec in Brazil to mold the frame and bracket for an automotive sun visor. (800) 845-0600 • www.sabic-ip.com

 


Sabic Innovative Plastics
LNP Specialty Compounds
475 Creamery Way Exton, PA 19341
Phone (610) 363-4500 Fax (610) 363-4749