New single end direct roving optimized for acrylic resins enables PMMA thermoplastic composites

At JEC Europe, 3B-the fibreglass company introduces a new E-CR glass roving (SE4740) specifically designed and formulated for acrylic resins allowing for the manufacture and production of glass reinforced PMMA* thermoplastic composites.

Eric Debondue, 3B Business Development Leader, “The sizing for the new glass roving was developed in close collaboration with France-based partners Arkema, a world leader in the production of PMMA and Chomarat a foremost manufacturer of engineered fabrics. The resulting SE4740 roving provides excellent processability in both weaving and knitting procedures and outstanding compatibility with Arkema’s Altuglas® acrylic resin system leading to excellent mechanical properties making it the recognized PMMA compatible roving available globally”

The new combination of 3B’s optimized SE4740 glass reinforcement and TP resin system is fully compatible with existing equipment and manufacturing processes such as thermoplastic resin transfer moulding (T-RTM) and vacuum assisted resin infusion (VARI) with parts displaying mechanical properties similar to traditional thermoset composites.

Eric Debondue concludes, “Thermoplastic composites are well positioned against traditional materials in weight sensitive end-use applications in industries such as automotive, mass transit, aerospace and wind. The post-thermoformable nature and their consequent high recyclability make thermoplastic composites a cost efficient and an ideal solution for alternate sustainable and durable solutions.”

3B together with Arkema, MVC Plasticos, Chomarat and PPE have been presented the JEC Innovation Award in the Thermoplastics Category for an innovative transportation concept using a revolutionary thermoplastic composite resin solution.

* PMMA = polymethyl methacrylate
Altuglas® is a registered trademark of Arkema

About 3B-the fibreglass company
3B-the fibreglass company is a leading developer and supplier of fibreglass products and technologies for the reinforcement of thermoplastic and thermoset polymers. This dynamic and entrepreneurial company has three state-of-the-art fibreglass manufacturing facilities in Battice (Belgium), Birkeland (Norway) and Goa (India) as well as a dedicated R&D Centre located in the heart of Europe. 3B’s ambition is to be the thermoplastic reinforcement global leader, the wind energy solution provider and the business development partner for innovative composite applications. This growth agenda builds upon three strategic drivers that are sustainability, technological innovation and a global presence to most effectively service our international customers.

The company is the only major fibreglass producer operating fully 100 percent boron-free glass fibre manufacturing platforms with ECR glass formulations delivering significantly improved corrosion resistance, improved stiffness, higher temperature resistance and longer service life. The company operates two unique eco-responsible and high performance glass technologies, HiPer-tex™ and Advantex® glass in its European plants. These two well established brands combine durability with eco-responsibility and versatility, making them the materials of choice for a wide range of industries. With a sound foundation of unique assets, 3B is committed to designing reliable and durable fibreglass solutions available globally.

For more information visit our new website: www.3b-fibreglass.com

Advantex® is a registered trademark of Owens Corning used under license.
HiPer-tex™ is a trademark of 3B-the fibreglass company.