SABIC launches expanded fiber-reinforced thermoplastics tape portfolio at JEC 2017

SABIC is expanding its UDMAX™ range of continuous fiber thermoplastic composites with the addition of carbon fiber-reinforced tapes, which will be on display at its stand at the JEC in Paris, March 14-16th. The new materials are UDMAX™ GPE (glass fiber-reinforced polyethylene) and UDMAX™ CPA (carbon fiber-reinforced polyamide).

“SABIC is looking into entering new markets with the addition of the carbon-fiber reinforced tapes to our existing portfolio of continuous fiber thermoplastics”, explains Andrey Turchin, SABIC FRT business leader. “Having unique mechanical properties, they enable the production of stiffer, stronger and more lightweight parts and can be used in variety of applications such as pipes, pressure vessels, sporting goods”.

At the JEC, SABIC will be targeting the automotive, transportation, building & construction and energy markets. In addition to the new carbon-fiber reinforced tapes, the company will display a roll of UDMAX™ GPP 45-70 tape which is over 2000m in length.

For the first time, SABIC will present to the market material forms made out of UDMAX™ GPP 45-70 tape: plain-woven and cross-plied (0/90) material. These material forms gain interest for manufacturing of the lightweight thermoplastic (sandwich) panels for transportation and building and construction markets due to excellent stiffness, strength and impact resistance.

Earlier this year, SABIC’s fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite technologies were used in the ICEhouseTM – an iconic structure designed by the architect William McDonough and built at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Thermoplastic composite sandwich floor panels with skins made out of UDMAX™ GPP 45-70 tape replaced plywood being up to 50% lighter, with higher abrasion and impact resistance. The thermoplastic composite floor panels do not absorb water and therefore do not decay, increasing safety in use and lifetime of the flooring. Another application was the tubular composite structures made with UDMAX™ GPP 45-70 tape, a continuous fiber reinforced polypropylene, which partially replaces aluminium L-shaped profiles.

Convertors can potentially benefit from the many advantages offered by UDMAX™ tapes compared to alternatives. The tapes enable lightweighting, have short manufacturing cycle times, and are also recyclable. Application process techniques include lamination, weaving, overmolding, tape laying and tape winding.

UDMAX™ tapes are made using a unique proprietary HPFIT™ technology, which quickly and precisely enables the spread and combination of thousands of glass or carbon fibers with a thermoplastic matrix. As a result, the tapes have a high density of fibers, high-quality fiber impregnation in the resin matrix, minimal void content, fewer broken fibers and a resin-rich surface. They can be used to form composite materials that can in turn be used to manufacture lightweight components with sought-after performance compared to alternative materials.

For further information please go to www.sabic.com and frt.sabic.com.

SABIC is exhibiting at the JEC show in Paris, France, March 14-16. We look forward to meeting you at our stand (Hall 6, Stand R19).