Teijin Carbon Europe, part of Japan’s Teijin Group (Tokyo; www.teijin.com), has introduced a new thermoplastic unidirectional tape (TPUD) based on PPS rather than the usual PEEK or PAEK matrices.

The PPS matrix, Teijin explained, allows a lower process temperature compared with PEEK or PAEK, making it more cost efficient but at the same time retaining its typical advantages such as high resistance to chemicals and solvents, low flammability and recyclability.

The new “Tenax” TPUD with PPS matrix has flame retardant properties and low smoke emission, making it suitable for demanding applications in the aerospace, oil & gas, sporting goods or industrial sectors. Other properties include very low water absorption, excellent creep resistance – even at elevated temperatures – and high dimensional stability. Its maximum continuous operating temperature is up to 220° C.

Teijin said the TPUD is also perfect for processing routes such as automated tape laying or automated fibre placement in combination with overmoulding for complex geometries. The company has been producing “Tenax” TPUD with PPS since the first quarter of 2021.