2. Reinforcing thermoplastic resins

Among thermoplastic resins, those most often reinforced are polyamides, polypropylene, saturated polyesters (PBT, PET), polystyrenics (ABS, SAN) and, to a lesser extent, polycarbonate (PC) and polyphenylene oxide (PPO).

The rate of reinforcement is generally in the 20-40% range, but in some cases it can be as low as 10%, or as high as 50% or more.

The resins used come in solid, granulated or powder form.

Reinforcements come in the form of rovings, chopped wires 3 or 4.5 m or 6 mm long, ground fibers a few tenths of a millimeter long or mats, which are generally continuous-wire mats.

Parts made from reinforced thermoplastics are produced either by injection from granules, or by compression from sheets (or, to a lesser extent, by pultrusion or filament winding from impregnated rovings)....