Mafic, The Materials Group partner to increase basalt fiber in thermoplastics

Mafic USA (Shelby, N.C., U.S.) and thermoplastic manufacturer, The Materials Group (TMG; Rockford, Mich., U.S.), announced on August 26 an alliance to increase the use of basalt fiber compounded into injection molded thermoplastics within the automotive industry. Between Mafic’s recent operations at its basalt fiber production facility in Shelby, N.C., and TMG’s work with automotive OEMS and their Tier manufacturing suppliers, the combined expertise will further the overall goal to promote basalt fiber’s good mechanical properties.

A drawn continuous fiber similar to carbon, glass and aramid fibers, basalt fibers both chopped and continuous, are said to provide superior mechanical properties compared to glass fiber for injection molded thermoplastics used in a variety of auto parts. More specifically, note the companies, it offers improved tensile, flexural and impact properties compared to current materials used. In addition, the fiber is said to offer a clear value proposition in nylon resins as a replacement for existing filled materials and can be blended with other fibers.

Moreover, basalt fiber-filled thermoplastics are said to attain an effective balance between cost, performance and sustainability; basalt is said to be more sustainable filler than glass fiber, yielding a 50% reduction in emissions output during manufacturing of the fiber. According to Mafic and TMG, this could eventually lead toward achieving cost, weight and sustainability targets.