SGL Group started production of thermoplastic”compatible carbon fibres at its Muir of Ord site in Scotland last month. The new production start”up will initially service orders from the automotive industry.

“The next generation of carbon fibre based products is currently emerging in the thermoplastics sector. Our new heavy tow carbon fibre SIGRAFIL C 50k has already been exhibited with great success at this year’s JEC Composites Show in Paris and, after the show, we received our first orders,” said Peter Weber, Vice President Sales & Marketing, SGL Group.

New possibilities for serial production

Thermoplastic carbon fibre composites combine the properties of carbon fibres with the typical processing advantages of thermoplastics. They can be shaped, recycled, and produced in short cycles. As a result, they are opening up new possibilities for serial production.

Only if the carbon fibres can be firmly bonded to the thermoplastic matrix, as is the case with these newly developed fibres, can their high stiffness and strength be fully transmitted to the finished components, SGL Group reports.

It has developed a special surface system (sizing) for this purpose. Other sizing systems, for example, for high”temperature applications, are already at the development stage.

SGL Group

SGL Group is a leading manufacturer of carbon based products and materials with a comprehensive portfolio ranging from carbon and graphite products to carbon fibres and composites.

SGL Group’s core competencies are its expertise in high”temperature technology as well as its applications and engineering know”how gained over many years.

Products from SGL Group are used predominantly in the steel, aluminium, automotive and chemical industries as well as in the semiconductor, solar and LED sectors and in lithium”ion batteries. Carbon based materials and products are also being used increasingly in the wind power, aerospace and defence industries.

www.sglgroup.com