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Versatile core ideal for trains
Versatile core ideal for trains CORE MATERIAL suppliers Alcan Airex and Alcan Baltek have introduced an easy-toprocess structural foam core which is said to be ideal for rail applications. AIREX® T90 is based on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer. It can be processed with any resin system from standard polyester to vinyl esters and epoxy. Alcan says that even resins with a high percentage of styrene can be used without problems. The fine closed-cell structure of the foam reduces resin absorption and helps to optimise the overall weight of the sandwich. The foam can be used with all lamination processes from hand lay-up to resin infusion and prepregs, and it can be bonded to aluminium, steel or
glass reinforced plastic (GRP) skins. The foam can be thermoformed to create curved panels. Alcan claims Airex T90 has a higher compression strength than foams like polymethacrylimide (PMI) or AIREX R82, making it suitable for floor, sidewalls, interior panels and roofs in rail applications. It passes European rail fire specifications like NF 16-101 and DIN 5510. AIREX T90 can be processed up to 150°C with no side effects such as expansion or outgassing and can withstand continuous long term temperatures up to 100°C. The foam is available in densities of 100-400 kg/m3. Alcan Airex; tel: +41-41-7896600; website: www.alcanairex. com.
Compression strength of core materials. (Source: Alcan Airex.)
Shear strength of core materials. (Source: Alcan Airex.)
Gel-coat covers wider area GEL-COAT manufacturer Ashland Composite Polymers says its Enguard 11 series lowintensity interior topcoat offers more coverage per unit of weight than standard gel-coat products. ENGUARD 11 was designed with a low specific gravity in order to reduce the amount used and therefore costs during application. It is said to particularly suit interior marine applications requiring moisture resistance and a good appearance. The gel-coat is suitable for application using either a brush or spray gun. Ashland Composite Polymers; website: www.ashspec.com.
Long fibre concentrate ARKEMA has developed a new range of Pryltex® long glass fibre-reinforced polypropylene (PP) compounds with 50% and 65% glass fibre contents. This is said to give a product with one of the highest glass fibre contents available. Through dilution within polypropylene (PP), high-fibrecontent Pryltex produces varying PP concentrations in end-products, up to 30-40%, with a final fibre ratio as low as 10%. This is said to represent a significant benefit to moulders and converters, as it results in raw material cost savings. This is reported to result in competitive prices for end-products when processed using injection moulding and injection compression moulding. A two-step process – impregnation and coating – enables the integration of additives within Pryltex during coating. Diluting the high-
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REINFORCEDplastics
July/August 2005
fibre-content Pryltex with PP requires only these two initial components, which is claimed to result in ease of use, lower investment and raw material costs, and performance guarantee for moulders. Arkema claims that this dilution technique is more economic that direct long fibre thermoplastic (D-LFT) compounding techniques. The new range consists of several grades with two different fibre lengths (12 mm and 25 mm). Pryltex is available in natural colour, as well as in black and coloured grades. Arkema says that Pryltex is finding applications in the automotive sector, particularly in under body shields, interior trim and structural parts, as well as in sports, leisure and portable electrical equipment. Arkema, website: www. arkemagroup.com.
glass reinforced plastic (GRP) skins. The foam can be thermoformed to create curved panels. Alcan claims Airex T90 has a higher compression strength than foams like polymethacrylimide (PMI) or AIREX R82, making it suitable for floor, sidewalls, interior panels and roofs in rail applications. It passes European rail fire specifications like NF 16-101 and DIN 5510. AIREX T90 can be processed up to 150°C with no side effects such as expansion or outgassing and can withstand continuous long term temperatures up to 100°C. The foam is available in densities of 100-400 kg/m3. Alcan Airex; tel: +41-41-7896600; website: www.alcanairex. com.
Compression strength of core materials. (Source: Alcan Airex.)
Shear strength of core materials. (Source: Alcan Airex.)
Gel-coat covers wider area GEL-COAT manufacturer Ashland Composite Polymers says its Enguard 11 series lowintensity interior topcoat offers more coverage per unit of weight than standard gel-coat products. ENGUARD 11 was designed with a low specific gravity in order to reduce the amount used and therefore costs during application. It is said to particularly suit interior marine applications requiring moisture resistance and a good appearance. The gel-coat is suitable for application using either a brush or spray gun. Ashland Composite Polymers; website: www.ashspec.com.
Long fibre concentrate ARKEMA has developed a new range of Pryltex® long glass fibre-reinforced polypropylene (PP) compounds with 50% and 65% glass fibre contents. This is said to give a product with one of the highest glass fibre contents available. Through dilution within polypropylene (PP), high-fibrecontent Pryltex produces varying PP concentrations in end-products, up to 30-40%, with a final fibre ratio as low as 10%. This is said to represent a significant benefit to moulders and converters, as it results in raw material cost savings. This is reported to result in competitive prices for end-products when processed using injection moulding and injection compression moulding. A two-step process – impregnation and coating – enables the integration of additives within Pryltex during coating. Diluting the high-
18
REINFORCEDplastics
July/August 2005
fibre-content Pryltex with PP requires only these two initial components, which is claimed to result in ease of use, lower investment and raw material costs, and performance guarantee for moulders. Arkema claims that this dilution technique is more economic that direct long fibre thermoplastic (D-LFT) compounding techniques. The new range consists of several grades with two different fibre lengths (12 mm and 25 mm). Pryltex is available in natural colour, as well as in black and coloured grades. Arkema says that Pryltex is finding applications in the automotive sector, particularly in under body shields, interior trim and structural parts, as well as in sports, leisure and portable electrical equipment. Arkema, website: www. arkemagroup.com.