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Continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite material (CFRT laminates, fiberglass sheets) is a new type of recyclable thermoplastic composite material with thermoplastic resin as the matrix and continuous fiber as the reinforcing material, which is formed by processes such as resin melt impregnation and hot lamination.
CFRT laminates, also known as skins, have extremely high mechanical properties and are used as reinforcement materials for various core materials. The main mechanical parameter of CFRT skins is tensile strength, which is 2 to 5 times that of FRP. This is close to the tensile strength of aluminum plates of the same thickness. In addition, due to the ultra-toughness of CFRT skins, their impact strength is 2 to 3 times that of FRP. The ability to rebound after impact is more than 7 times that of aluminum of the same thickness.
Continuous fiberglass reinforced thermoplastic sheets have become popular in many fields such as the automotive industry, aerospace, military industry, electronics, etc. due to their ultra-lightweight, ultra-toughness and other properties, and have huge market application space.
Features
- Yacht grade materials
- Anisotropic mechanical properties
- Prevent bulging
- Reduce attrition
- Micro-foam elasticity, anti-shrinkage glue
- More flexibility
- Bearing force as a whole
- Prevent cracking
Composition and Structure
Continuous fiberglass sheets are composed of continuous glass fibers, embedded within a thermoplastic resin matrix. The fibers are arranged in unidirectional tapes, which are then laminated at various angles (e.g., 0°/90°, 45°/45°) to form multi-layered sheets. This configuration enhances the material’s strength and stiffness, allowing it to withstand significant loads and stresses.
The choice of fiber and resin types can be tailored to meet specific application requirements. Common thermoplastic resins used include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These resins provide the matrix that binds the fibers together, contributing to the composite’s overall durability and flexibility.
Manufacturing and Processing
The manufacturing process of continuous fiberglass sheets involves impregnating continuous fibers with thermoplastic resin to form unidirectional tapes. These tapes are then layered and laminated under heat and pressure to create the final sheet product. The orientation and volume of fibers can be adjusted to optimize the mechanical properties of the sheets for specific applications.
- Coating with high-performance decorative film: This process gives CFRT laminates a smoother surface, thus achieving higher standards in both visual effects and touch. The coating film not only enhances the aesthetics of the material, but also improves its corrosion resistance and UV resistance.
- Composite with non-woven fabrics: By bonding a layer of spun bond non-woven fabric on the surface of the CFRT laminate, better composite with other materials (such as foam, honeycomb core, etc.) can be achieved, thereby improving the overall performance of the material.
- Hot lamination composite: In the production process of CFRT laminates, a hot lamination process is used to heat-press thermoplastic materials and other composite materials (such as polypropylene honeycomb core, PET foam, etc.) together without the use of adhesives, which greatly simplifies the production process and improves production efficiency.
Advantages of Continuous Fiberglass Laminates
- High Strength-to-Weight Ratio
CFRT sheets offer a remarkable strength-to-weight ratio, making them ideal for applications where weight reduction is crucial, such as in the automotive and aerospace industries. The continuous fibers provide enhanced tensile strength and stiffness compared to traditional materials.
- Design Flexibility
The thermoplastic nature of the resin allows CFRT sheets to be easily molded and reshaped through heating. This property provides significant design freedom, enabling the creation of complex shapes and structures that are difficult to achieve with other materials.
- Corrosion Resistance
Unlike metal materials, Continuous fiberglass laminates exhibit excellent resistance to corrosion, making them suitable for use in harsh environments. This property extends the service life of products made from CFRT materials.
- Recyclability
One of the key environmental benefits of CFRT sheets is their recyclability. At the end of their lifecycle, these materials can be reprocessed and reused, aligning with sustainable manufacturing practices.
- Thermal and Chemical Resistance
Continuous fiberglass reinforced sheets are resistant to a wide range of chemicals and can withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for applications in chemical processing and high-temperature environments.
Applications
Continuous Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic sheets are utilized in various industries due to their versatile properties:
- Automotive
In the automotive sector(such as box trucks), CFRT sheets are used to manufacture lightweight components that contribute to fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. They are employed in the production of body panels, interior components, and structural parts.
- Aerospace
The aerospace industry benefits from the high strength and lightweight nature of CFRT sheets, which are used in the construction of aircraft components, such as fuselage panels and interior fittings.
- Construction
CFRT sheets are used in construction for applications like cladding, roofing, and structural panels. Their durability and resistance to environmental factors make them an excellent choice for building materials.
- Sports Equipment
The sports industry utilizes continuous fiberglass reinfored sheets in the production of equipment like rackets, skis, and surfboards, where high performance and reduced weight are essential.
- Marine
In marine applications, CFRT sheets are used for boat hulls and other components that require resistance to water and corrosion.
New Thermoplastic Composite Production Line
In order to meet the growing market demand, our company’s latest thermoplastic composite production line has a highly automated function, which can greatly improve production efficiency and reduce errors caused by human operation. The following are the main features of this production line:
Efficient production: This production line can produce thousands of square meters of CFRT laminates every day, ensuring high quality in large-scale production.
High specifications: CFRT laminates can be produced with a width of up to 2.8 meters, suitable for a variety of different application requirements.
Customized service: To meet the personalized needs of customers, Continuous fiberglass reinforced laminates can be embossed for better anti-slip performance, or coated with a protective film on the surface to enhance its decorativeness and durability.
