Compounding company Xenia (Mussolente, Italy) is partnering with materials designer Arkema (Colombes, France) on the development of a new range of short, carbon fiber-filled polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) thermoplastic composite compounds for injection and extrusion processes.
The compounds are directed toward a wide range of specialty applications in the chemical processing industry requiring durability and longevity, the companies explain.
“We are very proud of this partnership, which leverages the extensive R&D [research and development] resources of both companies,” says Fabio Azzolin, president of the compounding company. “This collaboration further extends the partnership we have recently developed with Arkema in adjacent high-performance polymers like long chain polyamides and Pebax elastomers.”
The products feature strong mechanical properties, with elastic modulus of up to 15,000 MPa and resistance to a very wide range of aggressive chemicals. Parts and pieces made from the compounds may be further processed by traditional welding and fabrication methods already employed with standard Kynar PVDF grades.
“Arkema is a proven leader in fluoropolymer innovation,” says Anthony Bonnet, the materials designer’s global research director for technical polymers. “Our ability to closely collaborate with an expert in the field of specialty fiber-reinforced composites adds an exciting new dimension in new high-performance applications.”
Source: Xenia, www.xeniamaterials.com.