New Process for Fiber-Reinforced Sheet
Thermoplastics sheets reinforced with discontinuous fibers are suitable for thermoforming or compression molding.
The Composite and Nanocomposite Advanced Manufacturing (CNAM) Center at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in Rapid City has developed a new manufacturing process for discontinuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic sheet (CNAM-DiFTs). Provisional patents related to process and properties were filed on Aug. 11. This process produces sheets containing discontinuous fibers with significant retention of fiber length and fiber alignment. The process is compatible with a variety of fiber types, including virgin or reclaimed.
The Center supplied reinforced sheets to Steelcase in Caledonia, Mich., and PolyOne, Avon Lake, Ohio, for compression molding and thermoforming trials. The preliminary trials confirm that PP/carbon-fiber DiFTs material can be thermoformed and compression molded. Automotive is a potential market.
The CNAM Center was launched in September 2013 and is funded through a five-year award from South Dakota Governor’s Office and a consortium of corporations.
Related Content
-
New Technology Bonds Aluminum With Polyamides
With many benefits for numerous potential applications, including in the burgeoning electric vehicle market, Celanese’s Zytel Bonding Technology achieves stronger bonds than overmolding or welding.
-
SPE Automotive Awards Applaud ‘Firsts’ and Emerging Technologies
The 51st annual SPE Automotive Innovation awards gave nods to several ‘firsts’ and added alternative vehicle systems category.
-
Design Optimization Software Finds Weight-Saving Solutions Outside the Traditional Realm
Resin supplier Celanese turned to startup Rafinex and its Möbius software to optimize the design for an engine bracket, ultimately reducing weight by 25% while maintaining mechanical performance and function.