Xenia® Materials, a global leader in thermoplastic specialties, has announced the introduction of XECARB® ST, a new family of supertough carbon fiber composites custom-engineered to close a performance gap in the market and provide superior impact strength performance.

“There is a growing demand for lightweight composites in various new markets, such as sustainable mobility and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), where we have identified a need for higher impact resistance than previously offered by carbon fiber reinforced composites,” says Cristian Zanchetta, Technical Manager for R&D at Xenia® Materials. “Our new XECARB® ST family meets these challenges while at the same time opening new opportunities for innovative applications in existing market segments, such as sports equipment, appliances, supercars and even additive manufacturing.”

XECARB® ST builds on the proven mechanical strengths of Xenia®’s successful XECARB® range, but shows significantly higher notched impact resistance, low temperature ductility and tensile elongation at break. With slightly lower density, the new carbon fiber composite technology offers these unmatched advantages together with further lightweighting possibilities. Major customers seeking to improve the impact and cold impact performance of carbon fiber composite applications are already evaluating the added potential for weight reductions, lower material and energy consumption, associated cost savings and reduced environmental impact.

XECARB® ST thermoplastic composites are based on selected polyamide matrix materials – PA66, PA6, PA11, PA12, PA6.10, PA6.12 and PA4.10 – addressing different mechanical, thermal and physical requirements. Standard carbon fiber content is 30 percent (CF30). The PA6-based composites are also available as CF20, CF25, CF35 and CF40 grades. In addition, the portfolio includes two high-modulus materials for enhanced flexural strength, and provides a wide engineering window for further customization depending on specific application needs.

“Beyond winter and mountain sports equipment from boots and running shoes to bikes, these new high-impact carbon fiber composites will help us reach into other markets and further expand our customer base in Europe, APAC and North America,” adds Enrico Mancinetti, Sales Manager. “Driving this growth, Xenia® Materials will also increase its European sales force with a strong focus on qualified local customer support and service.”