AGY introduces new sizing systems for a wide range of Thermoplastic resins

Based on AGY’s experience with direct sizing of its S-2 Glass yarns and rovings, the new sizing compositions are designed to be used as directly sized for rovings or yarns for the manufacture of products such as tapes, or as chopped fibers in 0.125 in. (3.2 mm) and 0.25 in. (6.4 mm) lengths for compounding into thermoplastic materials. The sizings have been evaluated on a range of different AGY products from low diameter E-Glass to S-2 Glass fibers and have proven to offer increased mechanical and impact performances over traditional chopped fibers.

The new sizings were developed for applications where a range of different thermoplastic resins are used and where the added mechanical performance of an AGY high-performance glass solution brings new opportunities. “These new opportunities,” explained AGY President Drew Walker, “Include metal replacement with thermoplastic composites and thermoplastic compounds, or alternatively as a way to remove weight from traditional thermoplastic composite products.”

“For example,” continued Walker, “The use of these sizings with an S-2 Glass fiber product could allow a reduction of the glass fibers added to a given thermoplastic compound to enhance the aesthetics, reduce weight or even a combination of both. Using the same volume of glass fibers, they could also add a significant mechanical advantage over the traditional filled compound. We expect these sizings, combined with our S-2 Glass technologies, to open up new applications in the automotive, aerospace and industrial markets.”

Sizings can be supplied on S-2 Glass and E-Glass fibers directly from AGY in either chopped or continuous forms. They can also be offered on fibers outside of the traditional sphere of chopped fiber diameters, offering additional performance advantages over traditional chopped or roving solutions.