GS Caltex sees bright future for light LFT material

LFT material combined with carbon fiber.

GS Caltex, Korea’s second-largest refiner, aims to expand its supply of long-fiber reinforced thermoplastic (LFT) materials to global automakers, in line with the trend toward lighter vehicles.

The affiliate of GS Group developed LFT at the end of 2012 and finally saw it used in the sunroof frame of Kia Motors’ third-generation Sorento midsize sport utility vehicle that will be released Aug. 28.

It is the first time for LFT material to be used in the mass production of at least 100,000 units. GS Caltex said it has applied for a co-patent with Hyundai Motor Group to use the material.

Previously, carbon-fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) were used in Formula One cars as well as the BMW i3 electric vehicle.

However, GS Caltex said LFT was different.

“CFRP combines carbon fiber with thermosetting resin like epoxy, so it took a long time to manufacture,” said GS Caltex spokesman.

LFT uses polymer composite materials that reinforce the thermoplastic polymers into the continuous long fiber.

“Our twisted LFT production technology maximizes polymer impregnation into the glass filaments, which provides superior thermal and mechanical properties,” the company said in a statement. “Moreover, almost all kinds of fibers could be utilized for LFT production based on this technology, so we are able to provide various products for the customers.”

GS Caltex said it had found the best combination of materials to suppress post deformation, while simultaneously enhancing strength and impact resistance.

The company claims its material is 50 percent lighter than other materials used in automobiles and enhances both fuel efficiency and body stability.

The company said it produced 12,000 tons of LFT material a year, but plans to expand to 20,000 tons by next year.

GS Caltex said the product had a promising future as automakers move to lighter vehicles to boost fuel efficiency and meet government standards.

The Korean government in 2009 set standards that require automakers to have a passenger car fleet average of 17 kilometers per liter (39 miles per gallon) by 2015. If they fail to meet the standard, they will be fined.

The United States has a fleet target of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025, while Japan has set a goal of 20.3 kilometers per liter by 2020 and the European Union 26.5 kilometers per liter by 2020.

GS Caltex said it would first knock on the doors of global automakers that are eager to increase the range of their electric vehicles.

“We can apply the LFT material to various auto parts and by adding our chemical combination technology, we expect it will have a big impact on the auto parts market,” the company said in a statement. “The development of this material technology not only boosts our profitability, but also is in step with our vision to become a global chemical company.”

BY joo kyung-don [kjoo@joongang.co.kr]