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By Michael Lauzon
CORRESPONDENT
Published: January 15, 2014 8:51 am ET
Updated: January 15, 2014 8:52 am ET
RTP Co. has debuted ultra-high performance carbon fiber-reinforced compounds that should open new applications, according to the Winona, Minn., company.
RTP says the compounds achieve new highs for strength and stiffness by combining the superior mechanical properties and low density of carbon fiber with high thermal and chemical resistance of resin systems such as PEEK, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetherimide and polyphthalamide. Target markets include energy, industrial, aerospace, automotive and medical where RTP envisions them to replace aluminum, zinc and magnesium metals. Strength and chemical resistance support their use in harsh service environments.
The new composites have carbon fiber loadings from 20-40 percent. RTP 2287 Ultra Performance PEEK, for example, is a 40-percent carbon loaded material with tensile strength exceeding zinc die-casting alloy and comparing favorably with tempered aluminum alloy.
RTP high temperature product manager Matt Torosian says the elevated performance of the new materials is a result of RTP’s experience in compounding high temperature polymers and fiber reinforcements. | |
