“Ultra performance” series CFRTP compounds launched

Custom-engineered thermoplastics compounder, RTP Company, has introduced what it says is an “ultra performance” series of carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) compounds to its portfolio.

The company says the compounds are based on carbon fibre reinforced PEEK, PPA, PPS, and PEI resin systems to create the “highest performing” thermoplastic products available.

"Injection mouldable materials with this kind of performance are groundbreaking in their ability to open up new opportunities for using thermoplastics," said Matt Torosian, High Temperature Product Manager at RTP Company. "We achieved this elevated performance by drawing upon RTP Company's knowledge and expertise in compounding high temperature polymers and fibre reinforcements to engineer a platform of products that raise the capabilities of thermoplastic compounds to new levels."

Manufactured using advanced compounding techniques that maximise fibre integrity, RTP Company says the ‘Ultra Performance Structural Compounds’ achieve strength and stiffness properties that are higher than products previously available.

The company says that by combining the higher mechanical properties and lower densities of carbon fibre with the excellent thermal and chemical resistance provided by using high temperature resin systems, these injection mouldable thermoplastic materials close the performance gap between plastics and metals.

Products are available in high temperature resin systems with carbon fibre reinforcement loadings from 20 – 40 percent to provide performance options that meet a broad range of requirements for demanding applications in energy, industrial, aerospace, automotive, and medical markets that previously required aluminum, zinc, and magnesium metals.

"These high temperature polymers combine excellent chemical resistance with very high strength and stiffness making them the premier choice for energy exploration, industrial fluid handling, and other applications that are exposed to harsh service environments." said Torosian.

"These materials will allow more product designers to take advantage of the design freedoms plastics offer," added Torosian. "That translates into weight reduction opportunities, having the ability to overcome design limitations through part consolidation and optimisation, and to reduce manufacturing cost and shorten production time by obtaining net shape parts through a one-step injection moulding process that eliminates secondary operations."