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Since the introduction of injection moldable Long Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic (LFRT) composites, continued improvements in both manufacturing technology and processing methods, mechanical performance has dramatically improved. Notably, the step increase in multi- axial impact has significantly differentiated these long glass fiber composites from short glass fiber materials and can place the impact performance commensurate with glass mat thermoplastics (GMTs). This paper will focus on the improvements in mechanical performance of polypropylene, polyamide, and polyphthalamide long glass fiber systems. Specific processing parameters as well as improved screw and tool designs have contributed and will be reviewed. These thermoplastic composites fit many processing modes in addition to injection molding.

Now, end-users demand to know the recycling characteristics of the products they specify due to a worldwide environmental impact awareness. In turn, the material suppliers are aggressively evaluating the retention of product properties and the feasibility of reuse options. Today, cost effective glass fiber thermoplastic composites are growing fast in automotive applications; especially for energy management systems. AZDEL® composites are employed in bumper beam, instrument panel, knee bolster, and load floor applications; specifically, because of their excellent strength-to-weight advantage and toughness. These composites consist of polypropylene resin and glass fiber reinforcement in mat or chopped forms.