Specialty fiberglass reinforcements for improved composites performance

Johns Manville (JM, Denver, Colo., U.S.), a Berkshire Hathaway company, is displaying a range of fiberglass reinforcement solutions to improve the performance of thermoplastic and thermoset composites. Its MultiStar multi-end roving, now available in North America, is crafted to enhance fiberglass distribution, wetting and bonding and reduce fuzz. This roving is optimized for various applications, including SMC Class A composite materials, the production of long-fiber reinforced polyurethane (PU) panels, thermoset weaving applications, long fiber injection (PU) headliner production, glass mat thermoplastics (GMT) and spray-up processes.

The StarRov single-end roving is well suited for various fabric processes, including long fiber thermoplastic (LFT) or direct long fiber thermoplastic (D-LFT) processes, unidirectional (UD) tapes, pultrusion, weaving and filament winding. It is said to offer a range of benefits, such as optimal mechanical properties, low VOC, improved bundle opening, rapid impregnation, accurate wet-out, high dry strength and minimal fuzz.

The ThermoFlow chopped strand is engineered to excel in various applications and processes, notably in thermoplastic reinforcement. JM says its chopped strand is known for its excellent strand integrity, clean feeding and consistent fiber distribution.

Additionally, the company’s Neomera PA6 organosheets provide customizable, high-performance material options for the transportation and industrial sectors. Neomera is offered as a lightweight solution for sheet metal replacement, due to its mechanical and heat-resistant properties resulting from the combination of fabric reinforcements with the performance of PA6. The organosheets — 1-3 mm thick and up to 1.5 m wide — offer advanced material solutions with low-viscosity monomer impregnation into fabric reinforcements and in-situ polymerization. They are said to be adaptable for direct use or further processing and are tailored to thermoforming, stamping and compression processes.

The Neomera OS-6 series, reinforced with glass woven fabric, optimizes strength, stiffness and impact resistance, and is designed for demanding transportation and industrial applications. The series, reinforced with noncrimp fabric (NCF), also provides additional strength and formability. Neomera passed stringent fire testing without the use of additives. Custom options such as carbon fibers or hybrid systems are also available.