Asahi Kasei Plastics (Fowlerville, Michigan / USA; www.akplastics.com) says its new “Thermylene” I long glass fibre-reinforced PP (LFT PP) allows a 20% cost saving compared with traditional long glass fibre-reinforced PP. The material provides improved impact performance, knit line strength and flow, says Ramesh Iyer, VP of commercial operations. Other attributes include high strength and stiffness at elevated temperatures and improved fatigue and creep resistance, he adds.

The material can be used to replace metal, LFT and other engineering resins in automotive and non-automotive applications. Automotive applications include front-end modules, instrument panel retainers, battery trays, luggage racks and accelerator brake clutch modules, while non-automotive applications include water filtration reverse osmosis units and office furniture.