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THRIVE
 

Benefits Over Alternative Materials

Weyerhaeuser has invented an efficient, practical method for incorporating cellulose fiber into thermoplastic composites. This revolutionary breakthrough addresses an emerging global interest in using natural fibers as thermoplastic reinforcing additives and offers several benefits over currently available materials.

Compared to short glass-filled composites Compared to other natural fibers (sisal, hemp and kenaf)
  • Faster molding cycle time (up to 42% faster)
  • Reduced mass (cellulose fiber is 40% less dense)
  • Less abrasive, reducing wear and tear on equipment
  • Comparable mechanical properties
  • Lower energy requirements during the injection molding process
  • Lower finished composite density per part (up to 8 percent weight savings)
  • Better surface bonding
  • Uniform quality from batch to batch
  • Low odor
  • Low fiber/composite color
  • Consistent and reliable supply
  • Clean, hygienic fiber
  • Enhanced performance characteristics
  • Enhanced global supply channels
 

Save Time, Increase Efficiency, Reduce Weight

THRIVE composites offer a variety of benefits at every stage of the supply chain. As these benefits accumulate, they create value and savings at each step of the production process. For example, THRIVE composites require less pack-hold and cooling times than comparable glass-filled composites, significantly reducing manufacturing cycle time. Because cellulose fibers are significantly lighter than glass, part weight may be reduced. And THRIVE composites require less energy to produce than composites containing glass. Below are details using our currently available THRIVE DXseries200, which combine cellulose with polypropylene (PP).

Cellulose Fiber Composite
Type Material Compared To Range of Cycle-Time Savings Average Cycle Time Savings Potential Weight Savings
Ready-to-Mold Grades 20DX235A1 10% glass-filled PP 26-42% 35% ~8%
30DX235A2 20% glass-filled PP 20-42% 32% ~9%
40DX235A3 30% glass-filled PP 20-42% 32% ~10%
Masterbatch Grade 70DX235A4 Custom compounders take our masterbatch grade and combine with additives specific to the application to create custom compounded composites.
  1. 20DX235A is 20 percent cellulose, approximately 80 percent 35 MFI polypropylene.
  2. 30DX235A is 30 percent cellulose, approximately 70 percent 35 MFI polypropylene.
  3. 40DX235A is 40 percent cellulose, approximately 60 percent 35 MFI polypropylene.
  4. 70DX235A is 70 percent cellulose, approximately 30 percent 35 MFI polypropylene.