Reinforced Materials for High-Performance Technical Applications

An Engineering ThermoPlastic (ETP) is a compound consisting of a polymer matrix of various types and one or more structural reinforcements, either fibrous or mineral-filled. These materials can be used wherever robust, mechanically resistant, and reliable parts need to be made. They are suitable for general use in various sectors such as appliances, automotive, and construction. And naturally, they are designed to offer excellent performance at an advantageous cost.

Amorphous polymers, such as PS, PC, ABS, and PSU, have very low dimensional shrinkage and are suitable for making dimensionally very precise products. Usually transparent, they can be transformed into compounds but are generally less versatile than semicrystalline polymers. The quality and lifespan of amorphous polymer products are greatly affected by the design of the geometry, the molding cycle, and the working environment: errors in these phases result in sudden failures due to stress cracking.

Semicrystalline polymers, such as PP, PA, PBT, PPA, PPS, and PEEK, offer very good mechanical properties even if not reinforced. They are excellently suited to being transformed into technical compounds of all kinds and for every application scenario, even in challenging environments. The crystallization process induces differentiated shrinkage that can result in significant dimensional contractions and deformations.

Glass fibers offer great improvements in terms of stiffness, mechanical strength, and resilience but, due to their morphology and elastic modulus, induce differentiated shrinkage and consequently deformations in molded parts. Mineral fillers contribute less to structural strengthening but, unlike fibers, increase the dimensional stability of products.

Wherever very tight dimensional tolerances are required, there are at least two options available: amorphous polymers, if the working environment and product geometry allow this choice, or semicrystalline materials filled with mineral fillers.

Reinforcing fibers induce differentiated shrinkage, the extent of which depends on the orientation of the fibers in the product. It is possible to manage this orientation by correctly choosing the position of the feed point, the filling speed, and the wall thickness to maximize the effects of holding pressure.

The resilience of polymers and compounds, especially at low temperatures, can be improved by dispersing a toughening phase, such as an elastomer, into the matrix. The viscosity of the base polymer can also affect the impact resistance of the material.

Suitability for contact with drinking water and food is possible by adopting materials formulated from selected raw materials. LATI has many technical compounds certified according to the most stringent European and international standards.

Compounds obtained from PP, PA6, PA66, PBT, or PC are always successfully colorable. The presence of large amounts of mineral fillers or reinforcements can compromise aesthetic results and color saturation. Some polymers have a natural color that needs to be managed: amber for PES and PPSU, brown for PEEK and PPS.