TPV Thermoplastic Veil The high performance solution for surfacing thermoplastic composites

Problem Fuel efficiency, durability, repairability and aesthetic appearance are critical for transportation applications including trucking, RV/Caravans & trailers Traditional materials are heavy (metal) or degrade (wood) The surface layers scratch easily, and split under impact requiring replacement or repair using specialist equipment Surfacing requires secondary processes such as painting which create volatile emissions issues Replacement materials such as Fiber Reinforced Plastic (composites) contain fibers which can penetrate the surface layer, creating channels for fatigue inducing water/chemicals Surface fibers detract from the visual appearance and may create handling issues

Solution TPV Thermoplastic Veil: A specialty material that blocks the migration of fibers through the surface and creates a pure polymer surface layer Firstly a dense fiber layer creates a physical barrier to fiber migration. This is light weight to minimize part mass Secondly a surface layer made from thermoplastic polymer that can be pigmented, stabilized and carry additives to create high quality aesthetics Scratching on the surface layer can be “healed” simply with limited equipment Is light weight when added to parts, and reduces the need for secondary processing such as painting Contains no volatiles, has extensive shelf life and can be recycled THERMOPLASTIC POLYMER NONWOVEN VEIL FIBER REINFORCING THERMOPLASTIC MATRIX

Innovation Development Story Avintiv developed this material based on two unique technolgies – Reemay flatbond Polyester Nonwoven and Fabrene polymer film deposition