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August 11, 2024

Moldable Polymer Patch Has Applications in Aviation and Orthopedics 

New Moldable patch made from dynamic polymer networks developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM can fix aircraft components and orthopedics. The patch is thermoformable and once pressed into a damaged area it fully sets in just 30 minutes. What’s more the patch can be removed at the end of its service life and it can be recycled. The versatility of the patch allows it to be used in several industries from aviation to orthopedics. In aviation the fiber reinforced patch could be used to repair lightweight fiber composite components such as those used in fuselage sections, aircraft wings, tail surfaces, and doors. The main advantage of using the fiber reinforced polymer patch to repair aircraft components is that it eliminates the need to use more complex and time-consuming repair methods such as wet lamination, applying fiber-reinforced polymers, or applying aluminum structures known as doublers. These methods would require a long curing time and additional adhesives, whereas the polymer patch would only take 30 minutes to fully set in and does not require adhesives. The innovative material is based on benzoxazines, a new type of thermoset. The material is special because it does not melt or behave like a traditional resin system used in wet lamination. In orthopedics the material has the potential to be used to make orthoses and prostheses. Using thermoformable materials in this case could eliminate the need to completely remake custom orthopedics because of small errors or patient discomforts. Learn more about this topic here. 
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August 27, 2024
Thermally Conductive Thermoplastic Elastomers Enhance Thermal management in EV Batteries 

To address a growing need in the market for materials with enhanced thermal management for EV batteries, Kraiburg TPE recently launched a line of enhanced thermally conductive thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). EV manufacturers are constantly looking to optimize their battery designs and the demand for higher quality battery materials has become evident. Currently, the needs for EV batteries seem to revolve around higher quality materials that can be utilized with existing material combinations and that can enhance thermal management. And this gap is one that Kraiburg TPE is keen on addressing with their new portfolio of thermally conductive thermoplastic elastomers. In the EV industry the faster a car can charge the better, it is a highly sought after attribute by consumers and thus EV manufacturers constantly look for ways to make fast charging more manageable for their EV batteries. Fast charging generates a substantial amount of heat, therefore, the batteries on electronic Vehicles need an efficient thermal management system. Kraiburg TPE says their new TPEs will provide excellent properties for heat dissipation and customers will also have the application advantage of injection molding. Annika Alke, a member of the development team at Kraiburg TPE said, “Apart from securing optimal heat transfer, our customers also benefit from the application advantages of thermoplastic injection molding... “Especially when large quantities are required, two-component hard/soft composites made of TPE and polyamide (PA) can play to their strengths with their high thermal conductivity.” Learn more about this topic here. 

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