PlastiComp LLC has applied its long-fiber thermoplastic technology to high-temperature polymers.
The Winona, Minn., firm said its hot-melt impregnation of reinforcing carbon fibers gives materials with very high tensile modulus. Long fibers present at 40-50 percent by weight give a balance of mechanical properties at elevated temperatures.
PlastiComp has adapted its technology to polyphenylene sulfide, polyether sulfone, polyether imide and polyetherether ketone. Tensile modulus of a 40 percent carbon fiber reinforced PES, for example, is 5.2 million pounds per square inch, compared with 4.3 million psi for 50 percent carbon-fiber-reinforced nylon 6/6. Flexural modulus is 4 million psi compared with 3.1 million psi.
PlastiComp targets metal replacement for its new materials in military, industrial and aerospace uses.
Tel. 507-454-4334, fax 507-452-5642, e-mail [email protected]