The DS 2200-13P chopped strand, made from Advantex boron-free E-glass offers a combination of properties enabling reinforced PP and PE to replace metal and other reinforced thermoplastics in applications such as automotive components and appliances that demand “exceptional mechanical and aging performance.”

3B’s chopped strand provides good stiffness and impact resistance, high density for optimal flow, and dispersion capability for use in high (>50%) glass fibre loading PP compounds.

It is said to offer good hydrolytic performance, making it suitable for high-speed washers, dishwashers and other appliances with exposure to water and detergents.

According to 3B of Battice, Belgium, the DS 2200-13P can be used with much lower levels of chemical coupling agents than “competitive products” without impacting mechanical performance.

Dr Eric Martin, 3B Technical Product Manager, Thermoplastics, says: “Reinforced PP and polyolefins such as PE are already making strides in replacing traditional materials, due to their advantages of low cost, low density and easy processing. However, to expand into more challenging application areas, PP requires higher-performance reinforcement...”