SABIC, a leading petrochemical company, has expanded its growing portfolio of innovative material solutions with the recent investment in a majority stake in Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastics, B.V., which is based in Lelystad, The Netherlands.

“This investment will enable SABIC to develop new thermoplastic products, processes and design solutions to help our customers take full advantage of the unique light weighting opportunities offered by composites,” said Ernesto Occhiello, EVP Specialties, SABIC.

SABIC’s Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastics (FRT) business specializes in the production of engineered thermoplastic, fibre-reinforced unidirectional (“UD”) tapes. The tapes can be used across a wide variety of industries, ranging from building and construction, to transportation and energy.

UDMAX composite tapes

“At SABIC, we engage with our customers to develop advanced products that support their specific needs and help them realize their ambitions,” said Andrey Turchin, Head of SABIC’s FRT business. “Our innovative UDMAX composite tapes complement SABIC’s existing range of thermoplastic solutions for customers striving to build smaller, lighter and stronger components that meet stringent industry standards,” he continued.

UDMAX tapes are made using a unique proprietary HPFIT technology, which is said to quickly and precisely enable the spread and combination of thousands of glass or carbon fibres with a polymer matrix.

As a result, the tapes have a high density of fibres, high quality fibre impregnation in the resin matrix, minimal void content and fewer broken fibres, according to the manufacturer. They can be used to form composite materials that can in turn be used to manufacture components with superior performance to alternative materials, such as laminates and moulded parts.

SABIC

SABIC is a leader in diversified chemicals headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The company manufactures on a global scale in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific, making different kinds of products, including chemicals, plastics, agri-nutrients, metals, and specialties.

The firm supports its customers in identifying and developing opportunities in key end markets, such as construction, medical devices, packaging, agri-nutrients, electrical and electronics, transportation, and clean energy.

SABIC has more than 40,000 employees worldwide and operates in more than 50 countries. The company has filed more than 10,960 patents, and has significant research resources with innovation hubs in five regions – USA, Europe, Middle East, South East Asia and North East Asia.

www.sabic.com