Toho Tenax, the core company of the Teijin Group’s carbon fibres and composites business, has revised and renewed a long-term contract to supply PYROMEX, an oxidized PAN fibre (OPF) to UTC Aerospace Systems (UTAS), a member of the United Technologies (UTC) group.

Under the terms of the agreement, Toho Tenax and UTAS, one of the largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and defense products, have extended their contract by another five years, to 2030.

In addition, Rockwood Tennessee facility of Toho Tenax America, has been awarded UTC Supplier Gold status and will increase its’ PYROMEX OPF capacity by 40% by utilizing one of its’ inactive carbon fibre lines.

Aerospace business

Toho Tenax supports upstream and downstream development in aerospace business field by providing a wide range of Tenax based products, PYROMEX, as well as other carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) materials.

Increased production of PYROMEX will enable Teijin to expand its carbon fibres and composites business in the field, the manufacturer reports.

PYROMEX OPF

PYROMEX OPF are said to offer high chemical purity and consistent material properties, enabling customers to develop high-performance products.

Carbon fibre is made of specialized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) as a precursor. The precursor is oxidized at 200-300 degrees centigrade and carbonized at 1,000–2,000 degrees centigrade in an oxygen-free environment.

Toho Tenax sells flame-resistant and chemical resistant fibre produced by this oxidation process as PYROMEX OPF, which is widely used in aircraft brake-friction materials, flame-retardant sheets and specialty textiles, sodium sulfur (NaS) electrodes in batteries and more.

Teijin Group

Teijin is a technology-driven group offering advanced solutions in the areas of sustainable transportation, information and electronics, safety and protection, environment and energy, and healthcare.

Its main fields of operation are high-performance fibres such as aramid, carbon fibres and composites, healthcare, films, resin and plastic processing, polyester fibres, products converting and IT. The group has some 150 companies and around 16,000 employees spread out over 20 countries worldwide.

www.teijin.com