Enhancing the impact of fiber reinforced materials

Xenia Materials, global player in engineering and manufacturing reinforced thermoplastic composites, introduces the new ST Upgrade, a technology designed to enhance the impact resistance of its fiber reinforced materials.

Fiber-reinforced thermoplastics are well established for their exceptional balance of mechanical strength, stiffness and reduced weight. However, certain applications are subjected to conditions that require performance beyond what standard grades can offer.

The ST Upgrade — where ST stands for Super Tough — delivers a remarkable increase in impact resistance, achieving an average improvement of 60% compared with original formulations and ensuring reliable performance both at room and low temperatures. Simultaneously, it enhances flexibility and elastic behavior, with elongation at break increased by an average of 40% compared with non-upgraded formulations.

The ST Upgrade can be selected and applied across a defined range of Xenia formulations, including: XECARB® – carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites; XEGLASS® – glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites; XEBRID™ – thermoplastic composites engineered by combining carbon and glass fiber reinforcement; XEGREEN® – sustainable thermoplastic composites combining recycled carbon fiber and recycled polymers

The ST Upgrade can be applied to applications that demand advanced performance, from aerospace and motorsport, where lightweight and high-stiffness components are essential, to consumer goods requiring structural reliability, such as ski boots, bindings, mountain boots, hockey skates and shoe soles and plates.

Xenia’s portfolio already includes carbon- and glass fiber-reinforced materials based on PA6, PA66, PA11, PA12, PA6.12, PA4.10, PA6.10, and PA10.10 upgraded with ST technology for enhanced performance. Thanks to its versatility, the ST Upgrade can be applied to any polymer base and reinforcement processed by Xenia, offering maximum design freedom and delivering tailored solutions for the most demanding applications.