According to the company, the new additions to the range can be used as alternatives to thermoset sheet molding compounds (SMCs).
They reportedly have a similar mechanical performance but are more ductile and more easier to recycle than SMCs.
The new materials are available with a matrix based on polypropylene, polyamide 6, polyamide 12, thermoplastic polyurethane or flame-retardant polycarbonate, with either glass or carbon fiber reinforcement. The matrix is reinforced with long fibers which are up to 50 mm long and distributed throughout the matrix as cut fibers of constant lengths. Depending on processing method and component design, thet can be arranged in one preferred direction or completely randomly, Lanxess says.
The composites are extremely can be compression-molded with standard tools for long fiber or glass mat reinforced thermoplastics (LFTs and GMTs, respectively) and can also be used with existing SMC systems and tools. They are also suitable for hybrid molding.
“We are targeting Tepex flowcore primarily at large underbody paneling components and load compartment wells for cars, but also at components such as large casings and battery covers,” said Sabrina Anders, project manager at Lanxess.
