A series of novel hybrid thermoplastic composites made by extrusion are composed renewable, biodegradable waste replacing petroleum-based polymer. It is suitable for injection.

About

The hybrid thermoplastic composites which is mainly used in packaging, automotive, furniture and accessories, electronics and applications, and general engineering applications. The development of these hybrid composite was driven by growing environmental concerns about the plastics polluting the natural environment. New rules and regulations are forcing industry to see more ecologically friendly materials to be used in the manufacture of products. A commodity grade of plastic is selected as the platform resin and a biobased filler from sustainable resources, a by-product from agriculture processing, is selected as the reinforcement to replace the plastic. The hybrid composites provide good mechanical and thermal performance compared with other synthetic fibre/filler reinforced thermoplastic. The process to produce the hybrid composites work is currently widely used in industry: co-rotated twin-screw extruder. A pilot scale production has been carried out at the University of Manchester and proves that the production is scalable with some adjustment(commercial available) on the equipment. End products/component parts can manufactured by injection moulding and compression moulding. A demonstrator with a complex structure has been produced by injection moulding, which proves the processability of the hybrid composites. The hybrid composites are suitable for high speed mass production.

Key Benefits

• Sustainable resources: renewable, biodegradeable waste product which reduces use of petroleum-based materials (up to 60%) • Good strength to weight ratio: less materials for the same performance • Tunable mechanical performance: meet the requirements of the end applications • Excellent thermal performance: reduce the challenge to design complex components with better dimensional stability across a wider range of operating temperatures • Good barrier performance: extend the service life and broaden the applications

Applications

The hybrid thermoplastic composites which is mainly used in packaging, automotive, furniture and accessories, electronics and applications, and general engineering applications.

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