Natural fibre reinforced ABS suited for injection moulding applications, specific extrusion processes

05-Nov-15

A new generation of natural fibre reinforced ABS ELIX Polymers, a leading specialist in ABS high performance materials, has been introduced by ELIX Polymers. New ELIX ECO ABS-NF thermoplastic is highly suited for injection moulding applications and specific extrusion processes, delivering a high aesthetical value to the final ABS-NF moulded parts. Market applications include automotive and furniture markets. The material can be processed without having to modify machines and offers a number of key benefits. These include high stiffness, heat resistance, low moulding shrinkage ratios, low emissions and weight reduction when compared to glass fibre reinforced ABS. For example, ELIX ECO ABS-NF has a density of 1.12 compared to 1.15 for ABS-GF. The material has been also tested for 3D printing technology with impressive results, both in terms of processability and aesthetics. The development of ELIX Natural Fibre Reinforced ABS was undertaken under the auspices of the EEA and Norway Grants. This was the first time that a European ABS producer was given a European Grant for a project to investigate new sustainable ABS materials and composites. The EEA Grants and Norway Grants (eeagrants.org) represent the contribution of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway to reducing economic and social disparities and to strengthening bilateral relations with 16 EU countries in Central and Southern Europe and the Baltics. Introducing the new generation ABS polymer composite, David Castañeda, Operations Director and responsible for new products and Business Development, said: “We believe that this new material offers a range of sustainability benefits that meet current industry trends. At the same time, it underlines ELIX Polymers’ commitment to the establishment of a more environmentally sustainable product portfolio and establishes our company’s position as a leading supplier of eco-friendly ABS materials.” David Castañeda added: “The introduction of this new generation material fully fits our key objective: to expand the company’s portfolio of materials for eco-friendly manufacturing, greater sustainability and health impact awareness.”