| CURV self-reinforced plastics (SRPs), based
on the patented hot compaction technology, is
an innovative line of single polymer composites
that effectively bridge the gap between standard
plastics and the glass fiber-reinforced polymers
(GRP) product category. SRPs have the toughness
of regular plastics with levels of rigidity
normally associated with certain grades of GRP
whilst at the same time being up to 50% lighter
than the latter. CURV can service a wide range
of applications including the automotive industry,
industrial cladding, building and construction,
cold temperature applications, audio products,
personal protective equipment and sports goods.
The product is also being tested for numerous
other applications such as under-body panels,
roof lining and flooring for low volume cars,
anti-riot protection and luggage.
When combined with other materials, CURV can
be used as an enabling material for new composites
and applications. There are two main applications
- foam and honeycomb laminates - that maintains
as well as extends the concept of a 100% polypropylene
(PP) composite product. CURV/expanded PP (EPP)
foam laminates can be produced without adhesives
during the compression cycle where the foam
automatically bonds to the CURV sheets. Applications
for this product include architectural panels,
automotive components and insulation. In CURV/PP
honeycomb laminates, the CURV sheets are bonded
to honeycomb using any of a variety of adhesives.
Apart from these 100% PP laminates, the technology
can also be extended to a product range which
Propex Fabrics refer to as 'tailored CURV'.
The flexibility as well as the tolerance controls
in the continuous hot compaction process enables
the incorporation of other materials, offering
specific performance characteristics. By hot-compacting
materials like aluminium, glass, aramides, carbon
fiber and even GRPs together with the CURV substrates,
one can create a totally new range of thermoplastic
composites meeting a wide range of cost and
performance targets.
CURV, a self reinforced PP that was introduced
by BP Group a few years ago deservedly received
the product innovation award from Frost &
Sullivan for its outstanding value addition.This
award was given to Profax, a company involved
in manufacture of CURV products. |