Toray Develops Recycling Technology that Retains Carbon Fiber Strength and Surface Quality

Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it has developed a recycling technology that can decompose diverse carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) made from thermosetting resins while retaining the strength and surface quality of those fibers. The company drew on this technology to create a nonwoven fabric employing recycled carbon fibers.

Toray has started providing prototype samples to customers with a view to them developing performance and decorative materials for diverse applications, such as automobiles, construction, electricals and electronics, and daily necessities. The company will push ahead with technical assessments matching customer needs.

CFRP applications include aircraft and wind turbines. Chemical recycling as a reducing agent in steel furnaces is gaining traction for recycling CFRP. Technologies are emerging pyrolyzing waste CFRP at high temperatures to recover and reuse fibers, with the market expanding particularly for injection molding applications. To broaden applications, there is a need for technology that can suppress thermal damage (see note 1) to recycled carbon fibers and control resin residue (note 2) and that can be applied to diverse types of waste CFRP.

Toray applied its accumulated expertise in organic synthesis and polymer polymerization to innovate a decomposition agent that breaks down degradation-resistant, three-dimensionally crosslinked (note 3) thermosetting resins at lower temperatures than conventional methods. The company used this agent to decompose CFRP waste from aircraft, wind turbines, automobiles, and other sources. The recycled carbon fiber from this process retains over 95% of the single-fiber tensile strength of petroleum-derived virgin carbon fiber. Toray expects carbon dioxide emissions from this technology to be less than half those from manufacturing virgin carbon fiber.

Recycled carbon fiber from this technology is stronger than conventional counterparts and minimizes fiber breakage in post-processing. Its low resin residue and excellent surface quality enables processing for more diverse applications. In particular, efforts to disperse short fibers and process them into sheet-form nonwoven fabrics have led to success. The recycled carbon fibers produced using this technology exhibits controllable water dispersibility, allowing for the fabrication of uniform nonwoven structures as well as those with distinctive texture reminiscent of washi (traditional Japanese paper). This fabric combines the functionality of carbon fiber, including radio frequency shielding and thermal conductivity, with the aesthetic appeal of washi. Toray aims to expand applications for this new material across many industries.

Reference : Japan Mobility Show 2025

source : Toray

Chroma Color Corporation Continues to Expand West Coast Footprint with Acquisition of Ferco Color

Chroma Color Corporation announced today that it has acquired Ferco Color a custom manufacturer of colorants, additives, and specialty compounds based in Chino, California. The transaction further strengthens Chroma’s West Coast manufacturing footprint and broadens its portfolio of colorant and additive technologies. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1994, #FercoColor has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality products, technical expertise, and reliable turnaround times, enabling customers to achieve strong results in their manufacturing processes. Its on-site analytical laboratory, EINSTEIN, differentiates Ferco Color by providing customers with comprehensive support in colorants, additives, resins, and end-product troubleshooting. The Company currently serves diverse end-markets, including medical, food packaging, irrigation, pool & spa, aerospace, cosmetic packaging, and engineering materials, among others.

Jennifer Thaw, CEO of Ferco Color, said, “We are proud to partner with #ChromaColor®, an organization recognized for their exceptional reputation in color concentrates. Together our shared commitment to quality, technical expertise, and customer success will drive even greater value and performance for all our customers.

“This acquisition of Ferco Color underscores our commitment to expanding our geographic reach and enhancing our product offerings to a wide range of customers,” stated Joe Herres, Chroma Color Corporation, CEO. “The entire team is fully prepared to support Ferco Color’s customers and team members during this transition, and we are confident that this partnership will strengthen our ability to better serve our customers’ evolving needs.

source : Chroma Color Corporation

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : NCF Multiaxials

 Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

💪 NCF Multiaxials — The Smart Evolution of Composite Reinforcements

Over the years, our industry has seen a clear shift in the way we reinforce composite parts.

And for good reason — Non-Crimp Fabrics (NCFs) have proven themselves as the new standard for high-performance, cost-efficient, and sustainable production.

Here’s why:

🔹 Optimized fiber orientation – tailored exactly to the load paths (0°, 90°, ±45°, etc.)

🔹 No crimp = better mechanical performance – fibers stay straight for maximum strength and stiffness

🔹 Excellent drapability – fits complex shapes easily, saving time and material

🔹 Improved resin flow – ideal for infusion and RTM processes

🔹 Lighter parts – better fiber-to-resin ratio and optimized layups

🔹 Reduced waste – precision-engineered formats, less trimming, more efficiency

🔹 Consistent quality – automated production and stable mechanical results

Compared to traditional reinforcements like CSM or woven roving, NCFs offer a clear step forward — not just in performance, but in process control, repeatability, and sustainability.

👉 Whether in marine, transportation, wind energy, or industry applications, NCFs are not only the material of today — they’re the foundation of tomorrow’s composites.

source : Lionel Tourtour

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Shaping the Future of Nylon Bonding

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share 

Shaping the Future of Nylon Bonding :

As industries across the globe accelerate their shift toward more sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices, the expectations placed on materials are evolving. In sectors where thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are over molded onto nylon (PA), manufacturers now seek not only strong adhesion and high performance, but also environmental responsibility and customized functionality. At KRAIBURG TPE, we’re leading the way by delivering innovative material solutions that meet these diverse demands. 

Trends in Nylon Bonding :

Recycled content has emerged as a key driver of innovation in TPS bonding to nylon. In response to evolving customer demands and sustainability goals, KRAIBURG TPE developed the THERMOLAST® R RC/AD/PA —TPE materials with a reduced product carbon footprint that maintain excellent bonding performance.

These sustainable compounds contain high levels of post-consumer and post-industrial recycled content, and support in-process recycling, helping manufacturers reduce their environmental impact without compromising quality.

In addition to sustainability, customization is becoming increasingly essential. KRAIBURG TPE offers material solutions that can be tailored for specific performance characteristics such as: 

Surface quality 

Tackiness 

Electrostatic dissipation

This combination of sustainability, performance, and adaptability ensures that manufacturers remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market—while also meeting rising environmental and regulatory expectations. 

source : Kraiburg TPE

 

European Parliament adopts ban of plastic waste to non-OECD countries

The new rules were approved with 587 votes in favour, eight against, and 33 abstentions

The European Parliament has voted for tougher rules to export waste from the block to countries outside the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a group of mostly rich countries.

Exports of non-hazardous plastic waste to non-OECD countries will be prohibited, whilst those to OECD countries will be subject to stricter conditions. The European Parliament and Council first reached a provisional agreement on the new rules in November 2023. The ban on export of plastics will start two and a half years after the regulation comes into force.

The new rules build on the provisions of the Basel Convention that already bans exports of hazardous waste from the EU to third countries. The European Council said in a statement that since the adoption of the regulation in 2006, exports from the EU to non-OECD countries have ‘increased considerably’. According to the Basel Action Network (BAN), EU plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries rose to 50 million kg/month in May 2023 from 28.1 million kg/month in May 2022, equivalent to 303 shipping containers per day.

Non-OECD countries can apply for exemptions to the ban within five years after the regulation enter into force if they demonstrate ‘strict’ waste management standards. If the European Commission approves the application, it can lift the export ban by means of a delegated act.

The regulation also requires that the exchange of information and data on waste shipments be digitalised within the EU, in order to ‘improve reporting and transparency’. Moreover, shipping waste to another EU country for disposal will only be allowed in ‘exceptional circumstances’. Waste management facilities in third countries, including #OECDcountries, will be subject to audits to ensure they follow ‘environmentally sound management’ of waste.

“The revised law will bring more certainty to Europeans that our waste will be appropriately managed, no matter where it is shipped to,” said Rapporteur Pernille Weiss from the European People’s Party. “The EU will finally assume responsibility for its plastic waste by banning its export to non-OECD countries. Waste is a resource when it is properly managed, but should not in any case be causing harm to the environment or human health.”

Turkey, an OECD country, is the largest destination for #EUplasticwaste exports in recent years. EU exports to Turkey increased from 4.5 million kg/month in June 2021 to 31.7 million kg/month in May 2023, equivalent to 192 truckloads of plastic waste per day.

source : Sustainable Plastics

Hyundai Motor Group and Toray Group Strengthen Ties to Develop Advanced Materials for Future Mobility

The signing ceremony took place on October 24 at #Hyundai Motor Group’s headquarters in Seoul, Korea. Key attendees included Heung-soo Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Strategy Office at Hyundai Motor Group and Miki Terada, General Manager of Advanced Composites Division at #Toray Group.

This agreement marks an important milestone in our partnership, as it represents the first tangible outcome of our strategic collaboration initiated last year," said EVP Kim. “By clearly defining our focus areas and combining our respective strengths, we will work closely together across the entire process—from R&D to production and commercialization in the field of advanced composite materials, enhancing our ability to respond to market demands.”

Building on the strategic cooperation agreement signed in April 2024, the two companies have continued to work together to develop high-performance composite materials, such as #carbonfiberreinforcedplastic (CFRP), to enhance safety and performance in mobility.

Since then, the two companies have identified projects that maximize synergy through close collaboration and have outlined concrete plans for joint development by leveraging their respective strengths.

The newly signed agreement represents a major step forward in their collaboration, accelerating the development of advanced materials and components for future mobility, including high-performance vehicles as well as special-purpose mobility such as lunar exploration rovers and robots.

Hyundai Motor Group aims to accelerate innovation in future mobility and create new market opportunities through close collaboration with Toray Group across the entire value chain—from technology development to production and commercialization in the field of high-performance composite materials.

As part of this effort, Hyundai Motor Group will carry out vehicle-level design, suitability assessments and performance evaluations of advanced materials and components through its Materials Research & Engineering Center, which is responsible for developing and validating new body materials.

The development and production of carbon fiber composites will be carried out by Toray Group’s global subsidiaries: Toray Advanced Materials Korea, Toray Advanced Composites in the Netherlands and Euro Advanced Carbon Fiber Composites in Germany. These entities focus on developing intermediate materials and molded products based on Toray Group’s carbon fiber technology.

source : Hyundai

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Stop Ignoring the B-Side

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Stop Ignoring the B-Side:

In automotive interiors, the A-side sells the car. The B-side sells your brand's reputation for quality. 🎯

That beautiful dashboard or door panel? Its long-term performance, silent operation, and perfect fit are 100% determined by the features you don't see.

The B-side is where engineering excellence meets manufacturing reality.

It’s not just a "back" of plastic part; it's the functional blueprint for:

✅ Squeak and Rattle Prevention

✅ Error-Proof Assembly

✅ Long-Term Durability

✅ Cost-Effective Production

A flawless A-side with a poorly designed B-side is a problem waiting to happen. True quality is designing both sides with equal attention & passion.

To dive deeper into the feasibility and build Molds with complexity & those already working with longer Tool life — Meeting all customer requirements of Automobile Industry needs today ( ie A-Side, B-Side, C- Cost side with Stringent timelines etc ) . .

It's the premier platform to discover advanced solutions in Press Tools, Injection Molds, Die Casting Dies, Jigs & Fixtures, and Automation—the core technologies that deliver precision parts to meet every industry requirement.

source : NTTF Alumni Association Pune Chapter

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : MFI, high shear viscosity and relaxation time spectrum.

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share
MFI, high shear viscosity and relaxation time spectrum.

Let's look at these two Capillary viscosity curves depicting PC (blue) and HDPE (red).
These show very similar MFI (low shear viscosity) and also similar viscosity at processing rates in Injection Molding.

However there's more to it.

The Cox-Merz rule in rheology tells us that Dynamic Rheology (complex viscosity vs. frequency) would produce the same exact curves. But thanks to what we know in Dynamic Rheology we can bring additional critical information now.

The HDPE does not reach a Newtonian plateau within the shear rate testing range, which means there are still long relaxation present in this material that are longer than 1/gammadot at the lowest rate. Possibly 10's or 100's of seconds.

The PC is way more Newtonian and the green vertical line shows that there are no relaxation times longer than about 1/gammadot of that green line.

So this PC relaxes possibly 100 or 1000 times faster than the HDPE (do not forget the graph is a log-log scale).

This has profound consequences on :

- the final level of molecular orientation and related anisotropy in the part

- the ability to quickly re-entangle and create a strong weldline

This is what we refer to as visco-elasticity and relaxation time spectrum.
In coming posts, I will discuss in more details how these aspects will influence anisotropic shrinkage of semi-crystalline materiaks, still poorly predicted by commercial simulation software.

source :Vito leo

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share :Types of Carbon

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Types of Carbon You Should Know

When we talk about climate change, we often hear the word carbon—but did you know it exists in different forms, each playing a unique role in our planet’s climate system? Let’s break it down 👇

🖤 Black Carbon

Produced from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biomass, and forest fires. A major component of soot, it absorbs sunlight and worsens global warming while also polluting air.

💙 Blue Carbon

Carbon stored in coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes. These ecosystems are natural climate heroes, capturing and storing large amounts of CO₂.

🤎 Brown Carbon

Light-absorbing organic carbon from burning biomass (wood, crops, etc.). Unlike black carbon, it can both warm and cool the atmosphere depending on conditions.

❤️ Red Carbon

Carbon released through biological particles on snow and ice—affecting reflectivity and accelerating melting.

💚 Green Carbon

Carbon stored in terrestrial ecosystems—forests, plants, and soils—forming a vital part of the natural carbon cycle.

✨ Understanding these types of carbon helps us see both the threats and the opportunities in the fight against climate change. Protecting ecosystems, reducing emissions, and managing carbon wisely are key to a sustainable future.

👉 source : Greenonoics

👉 Image Credit: Rushalee Gupta