Integrating composite material to the process

The latest development in extrusion blow moulding extends the application of continuous fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites. This has generated improved mechanical performance of blow moulded components while reducing weight and material use.

LANXESS is expanding the range of applications of extrusion blow moulding by facilitating the integration of its continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites under the Tepex brand into the production process. In a feasibility study, experts at the specialty chemicals company demonstrated that components made of polyamide 6 can be manufactured with blow moulding technology while receiving local reinforcement with Tepex at points subject to heavy loads. The investigations were performed on a state-of-the-art and close-toproduction blow moulding machine at the technical centre of the High Performance Materials business unit (HPM) in Dormagen. “The components show an outstanding adhesion, which allows utilisation of Tepex’s tremendous strength and rigidity,” explains Arthur Rieb, blow moulding specialist at HPM.

The process can be used to locally boost the mechanical performance of blow-moulded components, for instance in areas that are subject to high mechanical stress due to impact loads or high pressure. “In addition, it is suitable for the manufacture of blow-moulded structural components, for example hollow sections for car body reinforcement. Extensive use of Tepex can be a key factor in reducing weight and material use because the basic wall thickness of the component can be decreased,” Mr. Rieb explains. Based purely on thermoplastic systems, the hollow parts are easy to recycle, thus making it easier to establish closed-loop material cycles.

Simplified process