NetComposites, a research and training services provider to the composites materials industry, has developed injection mouldable long fibre thermoplastic (LFT) Flax/PP and Jute/PP pellets for lightweight automotive applications.

The pellets, made using pultrusion technology and commingled yarns, offer a competitive alternative to glass LFT and continuous fibre composites whilst offering a number of benefits. The natural fibres are stiff compared to glass, resulting in pellets which are low weight, capable of complex moulding geometries, offer good impact and creep resistance, and improved performance over alternative short-fibre materials, NetComposites reports.

The pellets are ideally suited to applications such as automotive interiors.

NetComposites is currently working with an automotive trim supplier to develop an interior panel using Flax/PP pellets. The materials have a specific modulus compared to that of glass fibres, but 40 per cent lighter.

Other LFT variants are in development such as novel polymer reinforced polymer (PRP) pellets with a PET reinforcement and PP matrix. These offer another lightweight and highly impact-resistant alternative to glass/PP products.

NetComposites is a global research, consultancy, and online media company, creating and using innovative technologies to advance the composites industry as well as running the industry’s leading online portal for composites. (GK)