SO.F.TER. introduces natural fiber reinforced compounds

Italian compounding specialist SO.F.TER. launches at K 2010 a new line of polyolefin based compounds reinforced with natural fibers, featuring very good mechanical properties. Developed to fulfill the growing demand for sustainable materials, these composites are fully recyclable and contain fibers coming from renewable sources as a replacement of traditional mineral fillers. These fibers originate from long leaves plants such as flax, sisal, hemp, or come from wood flour and working scraps.

The natural fiber reinforced composites are characterised by strength and lightness: tests comparing NF and GF composites having equal properties, prove that the former weighs 10% less than the latter because of a lower density. They also offer better sound-dampening and anti-vibration properties as well as better resistance to shock and high temperatures.

The lightness of the NF composites makes them particularly suitable for the automotive industry. From a functional point of view the NF composites are suitable for the production of internal parts and panels, but their applicative potential also includes visible parts because they can provide good aesthetical effects.