Covestro and Nanodax to develop PC composites; use of glass wool

Covestro and Japanese firm Nanodax have signed an agreement on the development of polycarbonate composites reinforced with glass wool. Tokyo-based Nanodax has developed a special process for the manufacture of these products.

Conventionally, glass fibres are used for reinforcing thermoplastics such as polycarbonate. However, the new technology developed by Nanodax enables the use of glass wool as reinforcing filler for plastics. It has a small diameter and is more flexible than glass fibers.

Covestro is a global supplier of polycarbonates and has comprehensive expertise in their processing and application. Both companies see good prospects for future use of the reinforced plastics in automotive, IT and electronics applications.

Dr Michael Schmidt, Head of Business Development for Polycarbonates Asia Pacific at Covestro, said that the partners are aiming at advantages in surface appearance and material processing. “Cost reductions for customers are expected through an optimised injection moulding manufacturing process.”

The joint development work will be performed primarily at Covestro´s Polymer Research & Development Centre (PRDC) in Shanghai, China.

Nanodax was the first to industrialise glass wool reinforced resins in the world and is now pushing forward various resin reinforcement technology developments. It is a venture company with a portfolio including heating-style glass wool charging system technology, a special additive on the nano level, incombustible, ultra lightweight glass wool board with good thermal insulation properties, and sound isolation.