An overview of long fiber reinforced thermoplastics
- Polymer Composites Inc., Winona, MN (United States)
Long fiber reinforced thermoplastics (LFRTP) are a class of injection molding materials that extend the physical property envelope of thermoplastic polymers. The technology to manufacture LFRTP has improved during the last 10 years. This has resulted in dramatic improvements in the quality of these materials. They are now used in numerous, high volume commercial applications. LFRTP are pelletized, fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymers which are injection molded to form parts. The reinforcing fibers are 9-12 mm in length, compared to 0.5-1.0 mm typically found in other fiber reinforced thermoplastic materials. These longer fibers provide several property enhancements: higher impact strength, improved modulus at elevated temperatures and better dimensional stability. LFRTP are manufactured by pulling continuous fiber tows through a thermoplastic polymer melt in a specialized processing die. The ratio of fiber to resin is controlled by a metering orifice. The resulting rods are cut into pellets, 8-12 mm in length, that can be injection molded to form a part. Early manufacturing attempts mimicked wire-coating technology and did not wet-out the individual fibers within the tow. This resulted in poorly wet-out pellets, containing high levels of loose fibers. This creates problems in automated material handling and produces potential flaws in a molded part.
- OSTI ID:
- 577576
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-970431-; TRN: 98:000974-0013
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: United new generation vehicle conference and exposition, Detroit, MI (United States), 7-10 Apr 1997; Other Information: PBD: 1997; Related Information: Is Part Of Advanced composites - proceedings; PB: 639 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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