US technical fibre materials manufacturer BGF Industries (Greensboro, North Carolina; www.bfg.com) has developed “PolyPreg”, a woven co-mingled glass/polypropylene fabric that can be processed, through the addition of heat and minimal pressure, into a high strength composite part.

The company said components made from the material can be used in a range of applications in the automotive, building, construction, marine, military and defence, sports, leisure and transportation industries. The material is soft and conformable to complex shapes and is available in 750 g/m² and 1500 g/m² alternatives in natural colour or black.

Laminated, moulded or pultruded processing are recommended at a temperature of 200°C and a cool pressure of 20 to 100 PSI. The material has an unlimited shelf life, requires no cold storage and can withstand temperatures up to 300°C. It is UV stable, maintaining its colour and form on exposure to sunlight, and is less likely to become brittle or to crack.

BGF said the material is the first to be introduced in the “DryPreg” range of thermoplastic materials. Further products currently under development, to be introduced later in 2015, will combine other high performance fibres and resin systems to offer a variety of thermoplastic composite materials.