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| Fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTP) can be reinforced with carbon (left) or glass fibers and lend parts made thereof low weight yet high strength |
At the JEC World 2019 trade fair from March 12–14th in Paris, Covestro will present itself as a solution provider for various industries and applications. The company is going to exhibit its innovative and sustainable developments, which often feature the combination of low weight and high strength. Some of these components help to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in cars, and therefore also contribute to meeting the UN's sustainability goals.
Fiber-reinforced composites for robust, thin-walled parts
Thanks to a new composite technology, extra-thin, lightweight, high-strength yet aesthetic parts can be manufactured on an industrial scale. The technology is based on continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymers (CFRTP) and is sold under the name Maezio™. The matrix materials used include polycarbonate, and carbon fibers are added for reinforcement. At its Markt Bibart location, Covestro uses these materials to manufacture unidirectionally reinforced tapes and panels, which are further processed by customers.
These intermediate products are particularly well-suited for producing extra-thin-walled but robust housing parts for laptops and mobile phones. In line with the current trend for thin-walled devices with a cool look, they can also be made with aesthetic surface structures. The single-stage manufacturing process enables shorter cycle times and significant cost savings.
UV-resistant and robust PU material for exterior use
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| Desmocomp® is a highly versatile polyurethane resin, which is ideal for outdoor applications due to its excellent weather and fire resistance |
Desmocomp® is another highly versatile polyurethane resin, which is ideal for outdoor applications due to its excellent weather and fire resistance. The system can be easily and effectively processed using the pultrusion process.
At JEC World 2019 Covestro will present a composite application with this product in the field of solar power: Fiber Profil S.L. intends to use this Desmocomp® aliphatic material for the assembly of large-scale photovoltaic plants and solar thermal systems. For this purpose, the fastening elements must have outstanding mechanical properties, but also need to provide reliable protection against UV radiation.
Also, among Covestro's wide product selection at JEC World 2019 are its Baybond® water-based PU dispersions, which can be used as a film former in fiber sizings to increase the mechanical stability of composites.
About the company
With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, Covestro is among the world's largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. Covestro has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.
