Custom PP Compounds are reinforced with cellulose fiber.

Press Release Summary:



Eco Solutions custom cellulose fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) compounds aid in design and production of environmentally friendly products. Cellulose fibers incorporated into PP increase strength, stiffness, and thermal performance, making compounds suitable for structural applications while providing eco-friendly content. Also, cellulose fiber can be combined with glass fiber or impact modified copolymer for materials that meet requirements of more demanding applications.



Original Press Release:



RTP Company Launches New Cellulose Fiber Reinforced PP Compounds for Eco-Friendly Durables



WINONA, MINNESOTA, USA -- Global custom engineered thermoplastics compounder RTP Company has unveiled the latest addition to its Eco Solutions product portfolio with a new line of custom cellulose fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) compounds.  These compounds, which utilize Weyerhaeuser's Thrive* renewable cellulose fiber extracted from trees grown in sustainably managed forests, will facilitate the design and production of environmentally friendly products by providing favorable performance and economics to a wide range of durable applications.



"RTP Company's new cellulose fiber reinforced PP compounds overcome many of the obstacles that have hindered the adoption of bio-based resins and natural fiber compounds," said Will Taber, Business Manager - Emerging Technologies at RTP Company.  "They will allow product developers to meet consumer demand for environmentally friendly products that are highly functional yet cost effective. Additionally, they can help processors and OEMs to meet their sustainability objectives by reducing processing costs.  On multiple fronts these new compounds provide an unmatched advantage."



Cellulose fibers are a unique reinforcement that can be incorporated into PP to provide increased strength, stiffness, and thermal performance making these compounds suitable for structural applications while providing sought after eco-friendly, renewable content.



In comparison to other natural fibers like wood, hemp, and sisal or natural fillers like wood flour and wheat straw -- cellulose fiber provides higher strength and stiffness, consistent color, superior processability, low odor, and a reliable supply.



Advantages cellulose fiber has over glass fiber as reinforcement in PP include: renewable content to meet sustainability objectives, lower energy consumption during processing, specific gravity reductions of 6-9% at like loadings, average cycle time reductions up to 30% for medium to thick walled parts, and reduced tool wear.



Compared to unreinforced PP, a homopolymer PP with 20% cellulose fiber reinforcement offers a 38% increase in tensile strength, a 75% boost in flexural modulus, and a 60 degrees F rise in heat deflection at 66 psi (16 degrees C at 455 kPa).  Cellulose fiber reinforced PP compounds from RTP Company also offer strength and stiffness that is comparable to uncoupled glass fiber reinforced PP and achieves approximately 75% of the performance of a chemically coupled glass fiber reinforced PP.



Cellulose fiber can also be combined with glass fiber or impact modified copolymer for materials that meet requirements of more demanding applications. These compounds can also incorporate post-consumer recycled PP to maximize their eco-friendly content.  Additionally, they are fully colorable, can be overmolded with select RTP Company thermoplastic elastomers to enhance application ergonomics, and are available worldwide from RTP Company's global network of full-service facilities that provide technical support from design through finished part production.



Cellulose fiber reinforced PP compounds have potential uses in a variety of structural injection molded parts including bezels, bases, brackets, knobs, handles, lids, and housings for the automotive, appliance, furniture, lawn and garden, sporting goods, and toy markets.  They are a part of RTP Company's portfolio of Eco Solutions products that provide new design and performance options for manufacturers of eco-conscious products through materials that use bio-based or recycled content resins and natural fiber reinforcement.



For more information on RTP Company's cellulose fiber reinforced polypropylene compounds or their complete portfolio of Eco Solutions products and custom engineered thermoplastic compounds, call (507) 454-6900, or visit their website at www.rtpcompany.com.



About RTP Company

RTP Company, headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, is a global compounder of custom engineered thermoplastics. The company has 12 manufacturing plants on three continents (including Beaune, France and Ladenburg, Germany in Europe), plus sales representatives throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. RTP Company's engineers develop customized thermoplastic compounds in over 60 different engineering resin systems for applications requiring color, conductive, elastomeric, flame retardant, high temperature, structural, and wear-resistant properties. For more information,  visit www.rtpcompany.com



* THRIVE is a trademark of Weyerhaeuser NR.



Note: If you would like more information about this story, or if you would like to speak with a RTP Company spokesperson, please contact Kris Jommersbach at krisj@geminiinc.com

All Topics