Asahi Kasei will unveil its recently developed PFAS-free polyamide (PA) at the forthcoming K 2025 plastics extrusion show in Düsseldorf, Germany, from October 8-15, in addition to a new technology for recovering continuous carbon fibres from end-of-life composites.

A diverse range of material solutions for improved connectivity and lightweighting, especially in the automotive industry, will also be displayed.

The company’s new PA and SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) compounds exploit a bio-based and biodegradable cellulose nanofibre (CNF) made from cotton linter which has high heat resistance and network-forming ability.

CNF-reinforced PA becomes less viscous when agitated, making it highly suitable for 3D printing applications for easy printing, dimensional accuracy, smooth appearance and mechanical performance. CNF-reinforced SEBS meanwhile havea unique softness which can be adjusted by changing the internal structure of the moulded product. In addition, it shows a very low warpage and shrinkage and good hydrolysis resistance. These properties make this material suitable for a wide range of applications, such as  jigs and tooling or prosthetics and orthotics devices. In response to the increasing demand for PFAS-free materials, Asahi Kasei is developing a PFAS-free low-friction Leona polyamide and will introduce the new grade for the first time in Europe. Based on internal evaluations, the material has the same low-friction properties as fluororesins, making it suitable for sliding applications in various industries, including automotive, robot parts, OA parts and sporting goods.

Composites recycling

Asahi’s new recycling technology enables the recovery of continuous carbon fibre from pressure vessels through the use of electrolyzed sulphuric acid. This process completely decomposes the resin matrix while preserving the carbon fibre’s original strength and continuous structure.

Unlike conventional recycling methods that result in chopped fibres, the technology allows for the perpetual recycling of high-quality, cost-effective continuous carbon fibres from composite pressure vessels and at the K Show (Hall 8a, stand E23), Asahi will display over 200 metres of recycled continuous carbon fibre it has recovered with the process.

www.asahi-kasei.com