SABIC launches new thermoplastic composite tape for pipe reinforcement

SABIC is introducing at JEC World 2018 new UDMAX™ GPE 46-70 tape, the newest addition to its expanding portfolio of UDMAX unidirectional fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite tape products. Commercially available worldwide, the new glass-filled high-density polyethylene grade is designed for reinforcing industrial applications, such as pipes and pressure vessels, offering unmatched tensile strength. This novel product has one of the highest glass content available in the industry today combined with optimal thermoplastic resin impregnation, thanks to SABIC's proprietary high-pressure fiber impregnation technology (HPFIT™). By using UDMAX tape to reinforce oil, gas and water pipes, boilers and storage tanks, customers can significantly increase mechanical performance while reducing weight and help improve corrosion resistance in the most demanding environments.

"As pipe and pressure vessel manufacturers face rising demand for higher performance, longer life and greater safety, advanced thermoplastic composite technologies from SABIC can offer a practical solution for various industrial applications," said Hans Warmerdam, commercial director, SABIC Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics (FRT). "Our new UDMAX GPE 46-70 tape delivers the exceptional strength needed to meet tough industry challenges, and promotes more efficient pipe and pressure vessel designs for transport and installation. This new product also illustrates how SABIC continues to invest in technological innovations that give our customers an ever-increasing selection of strong, lightweight thermoplastic composites in place of traditional materials."

Unique Technology for Maximum Performance

According ro SABIC, the UDMAX GPE 46-70 tape offers exceptionally lightweight and high strength and is a replacement for metal and other traditional materials. Featuring SABIC's HPFIT that quickly and precisely enables the spread and combination of thousands of glass or carbon fibers with a thermoplastic matrix, the UDMAX GPE 46-70 tape has 70 percent fiber by weight content – one of the highest available today. "Maximizing fiber content can raise tensile strength up to 957 MPa, which in turn affects the burst pressure resistance of a pipe or vessel – a key performance indicator," said Joris Wismans, technical director, SABIC FRT.

HPFIT also enhances UDMAX tape in several other ways, by offering:

• Good fiber distribution for uniform performance
• Twist-free fiber orientation (twisting reduces mechanical properties)
• A uniform and consistent tape thickness that helps optimize the conversion process and product design

Expanded Design Freedom

Reinforcing pipes and pressure vessels with UDMAX tape offers designers new options for achieving desired performance. For example, the use of UDMAX GPE 46-70 tape can enable pipes to withstand higher loads, while reducing the number of tape layers for less-demanding environments, lowering overall weight for easier transport and installation.