Weyerhaeuser Creates Specially Engineered Cellulose Fiber as Reinforcing Additive
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Weyerhaeuser Co., Federal Way, Wash., USA, reports that it has launched a proprietary, patent-pending form of thermoplastic composite that uses sustainably sourced cellulose fiber as a reinforcement additive. Called THRIVE™ composites, the product will initially be used in household goods and automotive parts (also see Ford Motor article in the Weekly Spotlight section above). In addition, THRIVE can be used in a variety of composite plastic applications, including office furniture, kitchenware, small and large consumer appliances, and other industrial goods.
Weyerhaeuser notes that THRIVE composites offer several advantages over materials reinforced with short glass fibers or natural fibers such as sisal, hemp, and kenaf. The product is available in master batch form for custom compounders and ready-to-mold thermoplastic pellets for molders.
"THRIVE composites are economical and widely available, and they are low mass yet demonstrate excellent tensile strength and flexural properties," said Don Atkinson, VP, marketing and new products for Weyerhaeuser's Cellulose Fibers business. "These composites can improve molding cycle times up to 40%. Products made with THRIVE require less energy to produce and can reduce wear and tear on processing equipment when compared with those containing abrasive short glass fibers. These substantial benefits create significant advantages for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprints while enhancing performance and productivity."
THRIVE composites are currently available as cellulose blended with polypropylene with both high and low melt flow indices. Because cellulose fibers are compatible with various "workhorse" polymers, Weyerhaeuser plans to expand the THRIVE line of products beyond polypropylene to a range of hydrocarbon and nonhydrocarbon polymers.
"THRIVE products readily absorb dyes and offer excellent flowability and thin-section fill, providing manufacturers with considerable design flexibility," Atkinson said. "In addition, THRIVE composites are produced using a proprietary process that allows control of the dispersion of cellulose fibers within the polymer matrix. This allows for a smooth surface finish, which opens up new opportunities for the use of natural fibers in composite plastics. Conversely, if manufacturers prefer the fibers to be visible, they have that option as well."
In addition to enhanced design aesthetics, Weyerhaeuser adds that THRIVE products demonstrate consistent performance characteristics from batch to batch, "which isn't always the case with other natural fibers." Also, the cellulose fiber in THRIVE composites is sourced in part from some of the 20 million acres of forestland that Weyerhaeuser manages to third-party sustainability standards, ensuring a readily available global supply from a trustworthy source, the company points out.
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