The Rise of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics

By

Carbon Fibers in Plastic Materials
The use of carbon fibers in plastic materials has a long history.  As early as 1879, Thomas Edison was experimenting with carbon fibers made from cotton threads and bamboo slivers.  In fact, the first incandescent light bulb heated by electricity contained carbon fibers. 
In the 1960’s, Dr. Akio Shindo at the Agency of Industrial Science and Technology in Japan developed a carbon fiber based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN).  … Read more

PAN

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP)

By

CFRP
Carbon Fiber Reinforce Plastics (CFRP) have long been used in high-performance race cars. However, the cost as well as the manufacturing time of components has made CFRP prohibitive for consumer applications. But that is changing.
Strong and Light Weight
Parts made from Carbon Reinforced Plastics can absorb twelve time more energy than steel improving safety. CFRP is fifty times lighter than steel and thirty times lighter than aluminum making a car built from it significantly more fuel efficient. … Read more

CFRP blades

The Top 3 Plastic Additives for UV Stabilization

By

Exposure to UV Radiation
Over time, exposure to the UV radiation from sunlight will degrade plastics. Polymer photo-degradation occurs when non-visible UV radiation made up of short wave lengths breaks down the polymer chains in plastics. This is called the photo-degradation process.  It is caused by exposure to UV radiation and results in the deterioration of physical properties.  These include loss of impact strength, changes in color, cracking,  loss of elongation and tensile strength as well as chalking of the surface. … Read more

uv radiation

Acetal Screws, Hex Nuts, Set Screws, Threaded Rod and Custom Parts

By

Polyoxymethlene
Acetal is an engineering thermoplastic. It is also known as polyoxymethlene or POM. POM is used in precision parts that require high stiffness, low friction and dimensional stability. From -40 degrees C to 80 degrees C POM is known for its high strength, hardness and rigidity. Natural POM is an opaque white material. However, it can easily be dyed to almost any color. It has a high crystalline composition. It is available as a homopolymer and a copolymer. … Read more

acetal parts

Delrin® Screws, Hex Nuts, Threaded Rod, Set Screws and Custom Parts

By

Delrin® Homopolymer
Delrin® homopolymer is used to make screws, hex nuts, threaded rod, set screws, as well as many other fasteners and custom parts. Delrin® is a crystalline plastic that offers an excellent balance of properties between metals and plastics. It is also known as polyoxymethylene or POM. It is produced by different chemical companies with slightly different formulas and sold by a variety of names such as Delrin® and Celcon® . … Read more

Delrin homopolyer