What is pultrusion?
Pultrusion is a manufacturing technology using continuous fibers (multiple formats and fiber types are possible) which are “pulled” through a bath of reacting chemistry (the matrix) which binds to the fiber creating a composite utilizing the strengths of the fiber plus the matrix, and shaped by the end die.
The Pultrusion Process
What is the benefit of using pultrusion technology?
The driver for considering pultrusion is the mechanical properties of the fiber and the matrix type which will bind the fiber to capitalize its properties. In particular, glass fiber has the modulus (stiffness) and density of aluminum and is stronger than ultra high strength steel. It requires a very good matrix to "wet out" (encase and bind to) and stabilize the fiber such as BASF's Elastocoat polyurethane. Utilizing 70% glass fiber and 30% Elastocoat polyurethane yields a composite which offers a better strength to weight ratio than metal solutions and typically better material costs (excluding manufacturing costs which is dependent on the supplier's capabilities.)
Pultrusion - Mechanical characterization for simulation purposes
Elastocoat® is BASF’s engineered polyurethane (PU) resin used in the pultrusion process to coat and bind continuous fibers providing an end solution with the highest strength to weight solution possible. This video provides an overview of the mechanical properties, and how those can be tailor with the fiber architecture design.
Why work with BASF? Here are four important reasons:
Pultrusion - Targeted Applications for Automotive
Pultrusion can be an option for many applications across a variety of industries, not just automotive. So if you have a project you want to talk through or if you want to schedule a visit to our Composites Lab, please reach out via the form below.