ATSP Innovations has developed a family of molding compounds that captures the
properties of a high temperature thermoset with the similar processing of a
thermoplastic. This is accomplished by use of ATSP’s high glass transition
temperatures (up to 310℃ unfilled) and high thermal stability vitrimer resins.
Vitrimers are thermosets that due to possessing exchangeable bonds within their
backbone chain have plasticity and bonding enabled at temperatures above their glass
transition temperatures. This allows fully cured thermosets to be molded and produce
chemically contiguous components that have excellent structural, tribological, and
thermomechanical properties.
This vitrimer molding compound has been developed for both structural applications
using chopped fibers and for tribological purposes with lubricating and reinforcing
fillers. These are sold under ATSP’s Estherm™ and NOWE™ tradenames respectively. The
molding compound needs only a heat and pressure cycle comparable to that of high
performance thermoplastic molding compounds such as those based on PEEK. An example
of processed molding compound with chopped carbon fiber is shown in the
figure bellow.
The combination processability and properties including mechanical strength and high
temperature performance to help improve part functionality, improve part lifetime,
reduce component mass, and reduce total cost of ownership. Components made from
Estherm™ and NOWE™ molding compounds can be used in valves, fittings, bearing,
bushing, seals, aerospace parts and pump components. As well net or near-net shape
components can be directly molded for metal-to-composite replacement, interior
structures, automotive underhood components, gaskets, brackets, and other structures,
and components.