Comp10: Composite glass fiber cable for elastomer reinforcement

The rubber and tire industries use reinforcements with high mechanical and thermal resistance which can withstand strong deformation forces. Resistance to compression and high temperatures are even more crucial when applied to non-pneumatic-tire applications which experience powerful bending forces.

The materials used are thus composites or metal reinforcements.

Composites (carbon fiber, glass fiber, etc.) meet a portion of the desired characteristics. But their production cost is incompatible with many industrial applications (low extrusion speed: 0.5 to 3m/min). In addition, most composites on the market do not offer high thermal resistance combined with the ability to stretch significantly.

Metal reinforcements (mainly steel cables) are inexpensive but their mechanical behavior allows for only a small amount of elastic extension, and the construction of the cable means they have low resistance to compression.

There is thus currently no reinforcement product on the market that combines high resistance to traction and compression, high resistance to temperature, and the ability to deform significantly with a low production cost.

We have developed a specific new glass fiber composite (Comp10) with a high Tg of 200°C, high resistance to compression, and the ability to elongate up to 4%, making it suitable for reinforcement in a wide range of applications such as rubber, plastic parts, optical fiber reinforcement, conveyors etc.

Using an innovative process that allows the cord to be extruded in liquid format, then polymerized by UV, it can be produced far more quickly than standard composite reinforcements (100m/min), resulting in a low production cost. It can also be used to replace steel in various applications, allowing the weight to be significantly reduced and with improved flexibility and compression capabilities. It has excellent resistance to corrosion and adheres well with textile-type additives, making it more environmentally friendly (no cobalt salts are needed).

Here are some examples of the applications for the new wheels for which Comp10 was developed:

- Airless tires for green space vehicles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN4AjfoiZPQ

- Airless tires for construction vehicles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYZWL1ngS5E

- Wheels for lunar vehicles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRWQvPEYUlA