Geotextile maker Propex fabrics receives Frost & Sullivan Award
22 Aug '05
4 min read
When combined with other materials, Curv can be used as an enabling material for new composites and applications. There are two main applications - foam and honeycomb laminates - that maintain as well as extend the concept of a 100 per cent polypropylene (PP) composite product.
Curv / expanded PP (EPP) foam laminates can be produced without adhesives during the compression cycle where the foam automatically bonds to the Curv sheets. Applications for this product include architectural panels, automotive components and insulation. In Curv / PP honeycomb laminates, the Curv sheets are bonded to honeycomb using any of a variety of adhesives.
Apart from these 100 per cent PP laminates, the technology can be extended to a product range which Propex Fabrics refer to as 'tailored Curv'. The flexibility as well as the tolerance controls in the continuous hot compaction process enable the incorporation of other materials, offering specific performance characteristics. By hot-compacting materials like aluminium, glass, aramides, carbon fibre and even GRPs together with the Curv substrates, one can create a totally new range of thermoplastic composites meeting a wide range of cost and performance targets.
"Over the last three years, Propex Fabrics has led by example by investing significantly in SRP product and technology development that is necessary to break through into full-scale commercialisation," notes Dr. Balmer. "Propex Fabrics is now well placedto capitalise on the growing interest in self-reinforced plastics."
marketing@alchempro.com
