Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics play a pivotal role in composite materials by serving as the matrix phase that binds reinforcements together. Unlike thermoset resins, thermoplastics possess the ability to soften and reform when heated, allowing for reshaping and recycling. They offer unique advantages such as high toughness, chemical resistance, and easy processing, making them versatile in various industries like aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods. Composites using thermoplastic matrices exhibit exceptional damage tolerance and are sought after for their potential in complex manufacturing processes like injection molding, enabling efficient production of intricate and high-performance parts.
Latest Thermoplastics Articles
VIEW ALLMiniLab consortium produces first full-scale thermoplastic composite hydrofoils
Project advances toward first recyclable foils for ocean racing, part of “Infinite Foil” finalist for JEC Innovation Award 2025.
Read MoreBreton companies launch recyclable hydrofoil design project
Development and testing of recyclable, thermoplastic composite hydrofoil structures in Foil Infinity are expected to equip offshore racing yachts by 2030 and potentially even aircraft in the future.
Read MoreMM-Welding solution automates, functionalizes composite joining
Ultrasonic joining has been used for decades, but is now being advanced to enable smart, automated fastening in composites and multi-material assemblies.
WatchBraided thermoplastic composite H2 tanks with co-consolidated molded boss areas to fit EV battery space
BRYSON project demonstrates possible designs, automated manufacturing and low permeability concepts, including EVOH liner and novel PPA matrix.
Read MoreDITF oriented rCF tapes target virgin fiber CFRP substitution
Infinity project developed highly oriented rCF/PA6 tapes with 88% the tensile strength, modulus of a virgin CFRP product and 49-66% reduction in global warming potential.
Read MoreProving thermoplastic composites match carbon fiber/epoxy performance in road bikes
CDCQ, LxSim, Addcomp and Argon 18 collaborate to optimize a carbon fiber/PA6 bike seat post, democratizing AFP and demonstrating materials and process for future designs and production.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers
The composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.
LEARN MOREClosed mold processes offer many advantages over open molding. This knowledge center details the basics of closed mold methods and the products and tools essential to producing a part correctly.
LEARN MORELatest Thermoplastics News And Updates
Corebon, Composite Braiding partner to enhance TPC manufacturing
Collaboration aims to overcome production limitations with tubular thermoplastic composites (TPC) by using induction-heated tooling and high-quality commingled braids.
Read MoreToray Advanced Composites expands continuous fiber TPC capacity, capabilities
Assets, technology and IP acquisition of Colorado-based Gordon Plastics will enhance Toray’s product portfolio, growing its ability to support emerging markets in thermoplastic composites.
Read MoreKraussMaffei expands composites, plastics capabilities at Brighton, Michigan facility
The site recently installed a powerPrint large-format AM system, thermoforming machine and more to serve customers in North America.
Read MoreRoboze supports F1 composite brake cooling duct manufacture
Carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK composites, 3D printing services improve production time and costs of complex motorsport parts for Visa Cash App RB F1 team.
Read MoreDITF, Fiber Engineering highlight biodegradable natural fiber plant pot project
Materials and fabrication process R&D achieves low-cost, compostable plant pots made from invasive hyacinth fibers and a thermoplastic matrix processed via hot press.
Read MoreECORES WIND builds on wind blade circularity initiatives
Latest Horizon Europe project seeks to introduce innovative circular resins combined with advanced disassembly strategies, enabling cost-effective blade decommissioning and material reuse.
Read MoreFeatured Posts
Combining multifunctional thermoplastic composites, additive manufacturing for next-gen airframe structures
The DOMMINIO project combines AFP with 3D printed gyroid cores, embedded SHM sensors and smart materials for induction-driven disassembly of parts at end of life.
WatchCreating a composite battery insert-stud solution for EV trucks
Bossard worked with an OEM and Tier supplier team to meet tight electrical insulation and packaging tolerances while reducing tooling, molding and assembly costs.
Read MoreJEC World 2024 highlights: Thermoplastic composites, CMC and novel processes
CW senior technical editor Ginger Gardiner discusses some of the developments and demonstrators shown at the industry’s largest composites exhibition and conference.
WatchFrom the CW Archives: I see thermoplastics in your future
Thermoplastics are evolving quickly into larger structures and clearly will have a significant role to play in the next commercial aircraft program — whenever that’s announced. This edition of “From the CW Archives” looks back on a thermoplastics pioneer.
Read MoreEaton developing carbon-reinforced PEKK to replace aluminum in aircraft air ducts
3D printable material will meet ESD, flammability and other requirements to allow for flexible manufacturing of ducts, without tooling needed today.
WatchPlant tour: Sekisui Aerospace, Orange City, Iowa, Renton and Sumner, Wash., U.S.
Veteran composites sites use kaizen and innovation culture to expand thermoplastic serial production, 4.0 digitization and new technology for diversified new markets.
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