Rhodia announces the development of a new polyamide high-performance composite material

Lyon, France – June 3, 2010 – At a pre-show press conference held in Amsterdam on May 27, dealing with the K 2010 Plastics trade fair scheduled for later in the year, Rhodia unveiled its latest innovations including the announcement of the development of a new polyamide high-performance composite material.

A direct result of Rhodia’s ongoing innovation strategy, this material which complements its existing Technyl® line of injection, extrusion and blow molding products, represents a technological breakthrough in the area of thermoplastic composites. It is specifically designed for structural applications.

Using their vast expertise in polymer and formulation chemistry, Rhodia has developed a unique patented polyamide-based matrix, perfectly suited to continuous glass or carbon fiber composite materials.

The high fluidity and specifications of this new resin ensure that it fully penetrates and impregnates the reinforcing fibers. Thus, providing the optimal interface required to meet the performance standards required by the semi-finished products.

Available as pre-impregnated fabrics or plates, this new semi-finished product range surpasses existing thermoplastic composites in stiffness, strength, ageing and recyclability.

“With this new material – a remarkable technological breakthrough –, Rhodia is set to open up new fields of application for high-performance thermoplastic composites. Its advanced technical specification make it a real alternative solution, not only to metal and aluminum, but also to existing composites products” explains Vincent Lajotte, Marketing Director at Rhodia Engineering Plastics.

Structural or mechanical reinforcement parts can rapidly benefit from this technological breakthrough. This polyamide-matrix composite should also help to accelerate innovation in the transportation, construction and industrial markets.

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