Long Fiber Composites Based on Nylon Reclaimed from End-of-Life Fishing Nets

A long fiber-reinforced composite based on nylon 6 reclaimed from end-of-life fishing nets is newly available from Avient. According to Avient’s general manager for long fiber technologies Eric Wollan, this is the first long fiber composite material in a planned larger portfolio based on recycled resin. Formulations are available globally in a standard black color at typical weight percentages of long glass fiber, long carbon fiber, or hybrid combinations. Levels of post-consumer resin content vary within the offerings, which allows end products to meet different performance and sustainability requirements.

Potential structural market applications for Complēt R include next-generation vehicles that go further using fewer energy resources, recycled-content office furnishings that contribute towards LEED certification for buildings, and lighter-weight adventure gear for outdoor recreation. The new material is said to provide stiffness, strength, and toughness performance on par with standard nylon 6 long fiber formulations using virgin nylon 6 resin. Using these composites as a metal replacement also fosters significant weight reductions along with the time and cost savings benefits of single-step injection molding.

“Historically, it has been a challenge to source streams of recycled resins that are compatible with the pultrusion process used to manufacture long fiber composites. But we’re committed to leading the industry by offering sustainable options even in our performance-critical materials like long fiber composites,” said Wollan.