Pultrusion

PULTRUSION

Technology description

This technology offers an optimization of the Thermoplastic Composite (TPC) pultrusion process incorporating ultrasounds heating system for the development a ground-breaking TPC rods for rehabilitations, strengthening and protection of concrete structures. These corrosion-resistant rods will provide high tensile strength to avoid damage and make stronger structures, structural parts, serviceability improvement, or construction defects among other applications. The TPC is composed of high performances thermoplastic matrix such as polyamide (PA), polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) or polyether ether ketone (PEEK) as matrix and carbon fibre (CF) as reinforcement.

Main advantages

The major outputs and results for the PULTROD project are:

• Sustainable material: The TPC is 100% recyclable so after its useful life could be used as raw material in thermoplastic process such as injection molding or extrusion. Also, the thermoplastic composite pultrusion is 100% VOC emission-free.
• Low weigh: The obtained rods will have a similar mechanical properties and even greater than steel with a weight reduction up to 70%.
• Re-shapeable: They can be handled at the construction site with the correct tools to get the desired shape in each case.
• Energy efficient TPC pultrusion process: Ultrasonic heating system will be used in order to reduce the energy contribution that polymer needs to be melt and take the rod shape. This technology will help to reduce or eliminate the pre-heating oven prior to pultrusion die.

Applications
Our MicroPultrusion technology aims at the production and market implementation of a new generation of Thermoplastic Composite (TPC) rods with high mechanical properties and other advantages such as re-shapeability and recyclability. These innovative rods will be designed especially to be used in the repairing, strengthening and protection for concrete structures in bridges, office buildings, residences, factories and warehouses. Also, this rod can be used in other types of constructions where steel is not competitive enough as marine environments or installations electrical or magnetic fields.