Page 41 - Plastics News March 2022

PRODUCT NEWS

Avient Launches Recycled Long Fiber Composites

these materials the structural capabil- process used to manufacture long fiber
ity necessary to be used as an alterna- composites. But we’re committed to
tive to metals. Using these composites leading the industry by offering sustain-
as a metal replacement also fosters sig- able options even in our performance-
nificant weight reductions along with critical materials like long fiber compos-
the time and cost savings benefits of ites.” Creating a positive environmental
single-step injection molding. Formula- impact by reducing ocean-bound plastic
tions are available globally in a standard waste, Complēt R nylon 6 long fiber
black color at typical weight percentages composites can help OEMs to meet
of long glass fiber, long carbon fiber, or their goals for using materials contain-
hybrid combinations. Levels of post- ing recycled content. Potential markets
consumer resin content vary within the contain those whose products involve
offerings, which allows end products to structural applications often deployed
vient has announced the commer- meet different performance and sustain- in demanding environments. Examples
Acial availability of Complēt™ R ability requirements. “We’re delighted include lighter-weight adventure gear
long fiber-reinforced composites, which to be introducing our first recycled- for outdoor recreation, next-generation
incorporate post-consumer recycled ny- content long fiber composite material in vehicles that go further using fewer en-
lon 6 material reclaimed from end-of- a planned larger portfolio based on re- ergy resources, and recycled-content
life fishing nets. Complēt™ R nylon 6 cycled resin,” said Eric Wollan, General office furnishings that contribute to-
long fiber composites provide stiffness, Manager for Long Fiber Technologies at wards LEED certification for buildings.
strength, and toughness performance Avient. “Historically, it has been a chal-
on par with standard nylon 6 long fiber lenge to source streams of recycled resins
formulations using virgin resin, giving that are compatible with the pultrusion
BASF’s Elastopan Commercial Viable possible degrees of hardness make Elas-
tollan® an ideal material for footwear
high-performance and innovative solu- applications. Soft grades are used for
GOOD FOR THE SOLE tions for producers of casual shoes, safe- cushioning elements, medium hardness
BASF’S ELASTOPAN TAKES ty shoes, boots and sport shoes. These grades are suitable for compact or com-
®
COMFORT TO A NEW LEVEL
IN CULTSPORT FOOTWEAR are tailor-made polyurethane foam sys- bination soles and hard grades are the
tems for the production of unit-, mid-, best solution for heels and heel tips. An-
out- and insoles. It is compatible with ti-static agents can be added to the Elas-
Discover why India’s premium
sportswear brand, cultsport trusts casting and direct injection machines. tollan® so that it can be used for safety
BASF’s Elastopan ® for its insole
A decisive factor for synergy between footwear. cultsport, India’s premium
the shoes and the feet is the appropriate sportswear brand, has launched a collec-
Produced using an
injection moulding process
choice of materials. Elastopan® systems tion of running and training shoes with
provide a virtually unlimited freedom insoles made of BASF’s Elastopan® PU
Cushioning
Rebound
in terms of design, color and texture, system. When made with Elastopan, the
Enhanced internal simple handling and processing paired insole is 25% lighter than similar ma-
bonding structure
25% lighter with with excellent physical properties like terials yet delivers better shock absorp-
similar strength and
flexibility, abrasion and hydrolysis resist- tion and up to 50% higher rebound, so
performance
ance, durability and low density. Elasto- consumers experience greater comfort
ultsport, India’s premium sports- pan® systems are available as polyester and more power with each stride when
Cwear brand, has launched a collec- and polyether based systems. Excellent wearing the cultsport running and train-
tion of running and training shoes with properties, such as mechanical strength, ing shoes.
insoles made of BASF’s Elastopan® PU resistance to abrasion, and slip resist-
system. Elastopan® PU systems offer ance, together with a broad range of

41 PLASTICS NEWS March 2022