Mitsubishi Plastics, Inc.　

Mitsubishi Plastics, Inc. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President Takumi Ubagai) announces the starts of full-scale production of “DIALEAD K13312”, a new grade of “DIALEAD” pitch-based carbon fiber - as of  mid-January. K13312 has been developed with excellent tensile modulus (rigidity), as well as a tensile strength of 3,200 MPa (Mega Pascal), approximately 20% higher than the Company’s conventional products. K13312 also has improved secondary workability (handling capability). With such improvements, K13312 is released as a core grade of the DIALEAD series.

 

There are currently two main classifications of carbon fiber; polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based and pitch-based. Since pitch-based carbon fiber has excellent tensile modulus (rigidity) and heat conductivity, it is possible to produce carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) with the near zero coefficient of thermal expansion. Because of such properties, pitch-based carbon fiber is used for a wide range of purposes inside and outside Japan, including carbon fiber composite rollers for industrial use, various manufacturing equipment parts and materials, automobile parts and materials, carbon fiber sheets for concrete construction reinforcement.  However, pitch-based carbon fiber have traditionally been difficult to handle during secondary processing due to its outstanding rigidity. Such difficulties has presented challenges for carbon fiber manufacturers to expand the market.

 “DIALEAD K13312” initial application has been carbon fiber sheets for reinforcing concrete structures that have increasing demand or need repair due to aging infrastructure. Mitsubishi Plastics’ development of “DIALEAD K13312” focused on optimizing the entire production process and utilizing is 25 years of experience in manufacturing pitch based carbon fiber. As a result, the K13312 has higher tensile strength than previous product while maintaining its high tensile modulus. 
“DIALEAD K13312” is currently employed for the Tokyo metropolitan expressway ,where major reinforcement work is underway.  The application opportunities  are expected to expand  in the future, including the reinforcement of aging bridges and buildings. Process optimization and product property improvements have led to improvements in fiber workability (handling capability) . Such can be measured by tying knots in the fiber and measuring the breaking strength (knot strength) . K13312 knot strength is about five times stronger than previous products.  Improved workability increases processing speed, lowers customers’ costs and opens additional opportunities for “DIALEAD K13312” to applied to not only carbon fiber sheets for reinforcement but also products in the fields of energy and sports.

 

“DIALEAD K13312” has been highly acclaimed by customers and initial sales for carbon fiber sheets for reinforcement are strong during early introductions in autumn 2012. As a result, Mitsubishi Plastics proceeded to start the full-scale sales of  K13312 and  has made defined it as a core grade of “DIALEAD” pitch-based carbon fiber. The Company, through collaboration with its group company Mitsubishi Plastics Infratec Co., Ltd. is promotjng K13312’s excellent properties and handling capability.
 

 

[Physical properties of new grade “DIALEAD K13312”]
 Tensile modulus    : 420 Gpa (Giga Pascal)
 Tensile strength   : 3,200 MPa (Mega Pascal)
 Number of filament: 12,000

 

[Product photo: Deck reinforcement using Carbon Fiber Sheet]

* Note: Carbon Fiber Sheet is manufactured and distributed by Mitsubishi Plastics Infratec Co., Ltd.

[Reference photo: Pitch-based carbon fiber “DIALEAD”]

 

For further information please contact:
Public Relations and Investor Relations office,
Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation.
TEL: +81-3-6748-7140