Long fiber thermoplastic (LFT) supplier PlastiComp, Inc. (Winona, MN) has introduced a line of basalt fiber-reinforced composites. These new LF products reportedly offer a significant increase in performance over short basalt fiber filled materials and are available in multiple resins matrices with 30-60% by weight fiber loadings.

"During development of these new basalt LFTs, we saw across the board increases in mechanical properties that were as much as 40% higher than chopped fiber grades," said Eric Wollan, business development manager at PlastiComp. "That is a huge boost which makes PlastiComp's long fiber variants a serious contender for those considering basalt."

 "We have had interest from the automotive and construction industries for basalt fiber materials because of its ability to resist corrosion," added Wollan.

Derived from volcanic rock, the beneficial characteristics of basalt fiber are said to include excellent corrosion resistance, high abrasion resistance, and inherent fire resistance. Basalt fiber is known for retaining its performance at cold temperatures and for not being degraded via UV or electromagnetic radiation. It finds uses in marine environments, concrete contact, and underground applications because of its high corrosion resistance.

PlastiComp focuses on developing and providing long fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite technologies to partners worldwide. These include ready-to-process reinforced LFT pelletized compounds, along with process development and manufacturing equipment licensing for LFT pultrusion, in-line D-LFT (direct-LFT) Pushtrusion, and in-line D-GMT (direct-glass mat thermoplastic) technologies. PlastiComp's injection moldable Complēt LFT composite compounds are available as standard and custom formulations in resins from polypropylene (PP) through to PEEK.

Photo;