Owens Corning, a leading producer of glass fibre reinforcements for composite systems, has launched new HydroStrand 258 glass-fibre chopped strands for polyamide (PA) resins.

The product is said to provide excellent dry-as-moulded properties in a wide range of PA formulations, as well as outstanding performance in glycol resistant PA 6,6 formulations.

It enables designers to reduce vehicle weight to improve fuel economy without sacrificing performance, according to the manufacturer. Typical applications in automotive include oil and fluid pump housings, oil pans and powertrain parts.

Enhanced performance

HydroStrand 258 product is designed to help grow businesses through enhanced performance and productivity benefits.

Due to its mechanical properties, the product delivers up to 22% increase in impact strength when used in impact modified grades. It also increases the potential to integrate automotive functions and be flexible in designing efficient parts, the company reports.

With excellent hydrolysis resistance in PA applications, HydroStrand 258 product is said to improve critical impact properties in applications exposed to glycol and allow for up to 13% increase in impact after hydrolysis. This enables metal substitution in applications exposed to glycol and other liquids.

Strong processing

The product also shows strong thermal stability, thus less discoloration at higher temperatures. It is said to offer a low yellowness making the product easy to use in natural colour applications, allowing for up to 26% improvement in colour clarity.

In terms of productivity, HydroStrand 258 can replace several specialty grade glass fibres, thereby lowering inventory carrying costs and reducing manufacturing change-overs. The product also enables strong processing with no hassle feeding.

Hydrostrand 258 chopped strands are made with the company’s patented boron-free Advantex glass. It is manufactured and available globally.

Owens Corning

Owens Corning develops, manufactures and markets insulation, roofing, and fibreglass composites. The company’s market-leading businesses use their expertise in materials, manufacturing and building science to develop products and systems that save energy and improve comfort in commercial and residential buildings.

Through its glass reinforcements business, the company aims to make thousands of products lighter, stronger and more durable. Based in Toledo, OH, Owens Corning employs about 14,000 people in 25 countries.

www.owenscorning.com