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 ALLCorebon, 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 MoreKnowledge Centers
CW’s editors are tracking the latest trends and developments in tooling, from the basics to new developments. This collection, presented by Composites One, features four recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.
LEARN MORELatest Thermoplastics News And Updates
Victrex offers commercial availability of LMPAEK granules, powders
Elevated performance and process efficiency for composites and additive manufacturing processes is demonstrated through the thermoplastic polymers.
Read MoreEnvalior launches Pocan PBT compounds range with bio-based BDO
Used cooking oil is used as a base material for the PBT precursor and certified under ISCC PLUS. Recycled fiberglass content can be added for additional carbon footprint reduction.
Read MoreNational Manufacturing Group unveils C3 Molding
National Manufacturing Group features its C3 Molding process for FRP molding, offering the surface cosmetics of thermoplastics, the versatility and strength of fiberglass and compression molding cycle times.
Read MoreAsahi Kasei, Aquafil develop 3D printing material combining cellulose nanofiber, recycled PA6
Available as a pellet or filament, the material is said to exhibit formability and strength properties suitable for automotive and aerospace applications.
Read MoreArkema, Sireg Geotech introduce bendable rebar
Sireg Glasspree TP bars, manufactured with Elium thermoplastic resin provides the construction industry with a recyclable, strong and energy-efficient rebar option over steel.
Read MoreToray Advanced Composites introduces Cetex PESU thermoplastic
Continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite targets full circularity in aircraft interior applications, with FST, impact resistance and toughness features.
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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