Foamed plastics are well suited for CFRP core applications
CAMX 2025: Sekisui Kasei USA presents ST-Eleveat RNW E foamed plastic and ST-Foamac rigid foam board products designed to support composite core needs.
Share
Source | Sekisui Kasei USA
(Mountain Pleasant, Tenn., U.S.), a subsidiary of Sekisui Kasei Co. Ltd., is presenting some of its finished foam products including ST-Eleveat RNW E and ST-Foamac. Sekisui Kasei develops and manufactures core materials specifically designed for carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) applications. Its operations span the U.S., Japan and Europe, actively engaged in advancing its materials on a global scale.
ST-Eleveat RNW E foamed plastic is made from PET resin and is available in two forms: beads type (contains 30% recycled content) and sheet type (contains 75% recycled content). This product can be molded into the desired shape using tooling, similar to EPS products. Sekisui Kasei explains that this reduces machining processes and enables the company to mass produce the materials for CFRP applications as a core material.
ST-Eleveat RNW E is environmentally friendly, heat-resistant and 80-90% lighter compared to nonfoamed plastic molded products. It is available in densities 150-300 g/L, with low-density grades currently under development. Bead size ranges from 2.3-2.7 mm. Applications include automotive and transportation, aircraft, marine, electronic devices and CFRP/GFRP foam core sandwich structures.
ST-Foamac is a white rigid foam board made by foaming rigid acrylic resin. It can be used as composite core for buildings and construction, panels, vessels/vehicles and more. This range of applications has also been extended to CFRP core materials.
ST-Foamac is available in two grades depending on heat-resistance needs — S grade at 115℃ (239℉) and HR grade at 180℃ (338℉). Compared to rigid foams of the same density, the material has a higher resistance to tension, bending and compression. It also has good workability. Grades include S #1000 (110 kg/m3), S #1500 (80 kg/m3), S #2000 (56 kg/m3) and HR #1000 (110 kg/m3).
Sekisui Kasei’s mission is to go beyond simply meeting customer requirements. Its team works closely with partners to tailor material solutions that address both performance and processing needs.
Related Content
-
Sulapac introduces Sulapac Flow 1.7 to replace PLA, ABS and PP in FDM, FGF
Available as filament and granules for extrusion, new wood composite matches properties yet is compostable, eliminates microplastics and reduces carbon footprint.
-
The potential for thermoplastic composite nacelles
Collins Aerospace draws on global team, decades of experience to demonstrate large, curved AFP and welded structures for the next generation of aircraft.
-
JEC World 2024 highlights: Thermoplastic composites, CMC and novel processes
CW senior technical editor Ginger Gardiner discusses some of the developments and demonstrators shown at the industry’s largest composites exhibition and conference.
Related Content
Sulapac introduces Sulapac Flow 1.7 to replace PLA, ABS and PP in FDM, FGF
Available as filament and granules for extrusion, new wood composite matches properties yet is compostable, eliminates microplastics and reduces carbon footprint.
Read More
The potential for thermoplastic composite nacelles
Collins Aerospace draws on global team, decades of experience to demonstrate large, curved AFP and welded structures for the next generation of aircraft.
Read More
JEC World 2024 highlights: Thermoplastic composites, CMC and novel processes
CW senior technical editor Ginger Gardiner discusses some of the developments and demonstrators shown at the industry’s largest composites exhibition and conference.
Read More
Combining multifunctional thermoplastic composites, additive manufacturing for next-gen airframe structures
The DOMMINIO project combines AFP with 3D printed gyroid cores, embedded SHM sensors and smart materials for induction-driven disassembly of parts at end of life.
Read MoreRead Next
Assembling the Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator: The final welds
Building the all-thermoplastic composite fuselage demonstrator comes to an end with continuous ultrasonic welding of the RH longitudinal fuselage joint and resistance welding for coupling of the fuselage frames across the upper and lower halves.
Read More
Composites end markets: New space (2025)
Composite materials — with their unmatched strength-to-weight ratio, durability in extreme environments and design versatility — are at the heart of innovations in satellites, propulsion systems and lunar exploration vehicles, propelling the space economy toward a $1.8 trillion future.
Read More
All-recycled, needle-punched nonwoven CFRP slashes carbon footprint of Formula 2 seat
Dallara and Tenowo collaborate to produce a race-ready Formula 2 seat using recycled carbon fiber, reducing CO2 emissions by 97.5% compared to virgin materials.
Read More