Asahi Kasei unveils Thermylene P11
June 19, 2018 - Europe
Asahi Kasei, supplier of high-performance thermoplastic compounds, has unveiled Thermylene P11, next-generation glass-reinforced polypropylene (PP) compounds with unprecedented strength, increasing performance of conventional glass reinforced polypropylene design and opening opportunities for thinwall molding of interior and exterior automotive parts.
The Thermylene P11 family of chemically coupled PP compounds, available in 30 per cent, 40 per cent, 45 per cent and 50 per cent glass loadings, delivers the highest tensile strength without sacrificing other performance attributes. It provides an optimum balance of properties and facilitates thinwall molding for a range of applications.
The new family of Thermylene P11 compounds offers higher tensile strength at elevated temperature, greater room temperature tensile, and improved fatigue and creep resistance versus the predecessor material family, Thermylene P10. Thinwall molding is possible thanks to Thermylene P11’s melt flow which is specifically tunable to customer needs.
“The Thermylene P11 family is a step change improvement which enables OEMs and tier suppliers to fine tune the necessary performance without worrying about any compromise. Asahi Kasei has received strong interest in the new family of glass-filled PP compounds with material evaluations currently underway at leading OEMs and tier suppliers,” said Vive Apte, manager of Polyolefins R and Development at Asahi Kasei.
Asahi Kasei is targeting a range of structural parts in the automotive and appliance markets. In interior automotive, key applications include door modules, centre consoles, load floors, and instrument panels. Underhood automotive parts include fan shrouds, battery trays, front end modules, and grille shutters. In appliance, Thermlyene P11 is targeted for heat-exposed dryer components such as lint trays.
Thermylene P11 provides an up to 40 per cent improvement in measured tensile strength at 80 degrees Celsius and 120 degrees Celsius compared to conventional glass-filled PP. Thermylene P11 GF40 per cent boasts flexural modulus of 10,000 MPa, tensile strength of 125 MPa, and a heat distortion temperature of 155 degrees Celsius.
P11 PP compounds can also be processed at a lower temperature and a higher fill rate, resulting in energy and cycle time savings. Thinner wall thicknesses can be achieved in new designs due to the high tensile and flexural modulus properties. Due to the material’s high flow, parts can be packed more efficiently resulting in lower porosity/voids. (SV)