MET-OL™- Thermoplastic Composites-making a vital contribution towards circularity and net zero goals.

Metol Ltd have developed a unique low molecular weight thermoplastic polymer, based on PBT, for the production of composite structures such as wind turbine blades, boats pipes and pultrusions etc. This unique thermoplastic oligomer, MET-OL™, melts at 140C into a water-like fluid which aids the impregnation of dense fibre reinforcements. After impregnation the low molecular weight oligomer is polymerised in-situ with the resulting thermoplastic composite exhibiting excellent mechanical properties comparable to conventional epoxy and polyester based composites. The beauty of this thermoplastic oligomer is that at the end of the components life, the polymer and reinforcements can be readily separated, using solvolysis technology, and the materials re-used in other applications. A truly circular approach to use and re-use of thermoplastic composite materials.