The RheVision line already includes wood fibre, rice hull and flax fibre reinforced polyolefin.
RheVision’s agave and coconut fibres are offered in a variety of formulations that contain 10-50% reinforcement content in a variety of polyolefins, which include post-consumer scrap.
The agave fibre is the residual by-product from the production of tequila. The fibre is very strong and has a unique, fibrous aesthetic quality. Agave is ideal for applications that require impact strength and stiffness, or where a unique look is desired, reports RheTech.
The coconut fibre is ground coconut shell, which is left over after all usable products are harvested. These shells are typically left to degrade or used for the production of charcoal. The coconut fibre is very stiff and has a very hard surface. RheTech says it has applications in products such as interior trim in the transportation market that is traditionally manufactured from talc filled polypropylene.
Natural fibre thermoplastics
“We are very excited to add these new biofibres to our product line,” says Jim Preston, vice president, Business Development, RheTech.
“We are responding to an important and growing market of natural biofibre thermoplastics that are able to displace other materials that are reinforced with traditional mineral reinforcements and fibreglass, while providing similar cost benefits and often better performance characteristics our customers require.”
The RheVision line is continuing to grow, Preston adds.
RheTech Inc, a leading producer of filled and reinforced polypropylenes and colour concentrates and additives for the automotive, truck, electronics, construction and consumer markets, is headquartered in Whitmore Lake, Michigan, USA.
