Carbon Fiber Meets Polypropylene – Improving Performance and Compatibility for Composite Solutions
C. Karatzias, Mitsui Chemicals Europe GmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany

Abstract:
Concerning composite materials, the Mitsui Chemicals Group provides and continuously develops long fiber reinforced thermoplastic compounds (LFT - MOSTRON™) already for many years. Focus of the development of different grades are the improvement of the adhesion between polypropylene (PP) and glass fibers as well as the fiber dispersion for good appearance. Based on this established products, recent composite developments are focusing on unidirectional fiber reinforced tapes based on carbon fibers and PP (TAFNEX™ CF-PP UD) with a specially developed sizing for the carbon fibers. In addition, a modified PP compound was developed as matrix system. Overall, this results in very good fiber-matrix adhesion and consequently high mechanical properties. Feasibility studies showing the high potential use of the UD tapes for automotive and sports industry.