Lanxess (Cologne, Germany; www.lanxess.com) has announced the expansion of its Tepex-branded fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites, with a new range called Tepex flowcore.

Lanxess said the new plate-shaped composites were being offered with a matrix based on polypropylene, polyamide 6, polyamide 12, thermoplastic polyurethane, or flame-retardant polycarbonate.

In a statement the firm said, “The new composites are designed as alternatives to thermoset sheet moulding compounds (SMCs). Offering similar mechanical performance, they are much more ductile and, as thermoplastic systems, much easier to recycle than SMCs.”

Sabrina Anders, Lanxess’ project manager for Tepex flowcore, said the firm was targeting Tepex flowcore “primarily at large underbody panelling components and load compartment wells for cars, but also at components such as large casings and battery covers”.

Lanxess recently announced pre-exceptional EBITDA for 2021, up more than 17% at EUR 1 bn, on sales that had almost quadrupled year-on-year to EUR 7.6 bn (see Plasteurope.com of 18.03.2022).