Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC; Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Masayuki Waga) has established a new pilot facility for carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP). Operations have started, and samples will begin shipping in April 2022.

Against the backdrop of tighter environmental regulations, needs for lighter aircraft and automobile bodies are growing in the mobility sector, and the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is predicted to increase since it is both light and strong. Until now, CFRP using thermosetting resin has been the main product in this segment. There is a need for greater widespread use of CFRTP, which enables shorter component production times and is easier to recycle, in promoting CFPR utilization.

With a wealth of carbon fiber and plastic modification technologies, MCC has recently established technology enabling highly efficient manufacturing of extremely high-quality CFRTP with low void content. Going forward, MCC will offer clients CFRTP manufactured at the pilot facility as Kyron™ ULTRA, a new series in its Kyron™ thermoplastic composite brand lineup. The base resin of this new product matches various super engineering plastics, including DURABIO™, a bio-based engineering plastic developed by MCC using a plant-based material, and, therefore, can be provided based on customer needs. 

MCC possesses world-class technology related to PAN-based and pitch-based carbon fibers and thermoplastics ranging from general-use grades to highly heat-resistant products and the grades using plant-based material. The company will proactively expand its CFRP business by harnessing the power of the entire MCC Group to develop new products capable of fulfilling increasingly diverse and sophisticated customer needs and by providing optimal and timely solutions to the mobility sector, where remarkable technological innovation is taking place.