Japanese technology company Asahi Kasei will unveil its recycling technology of continuous carbon fibers and newest innovation in PFAS-free polyamides at K 2025. The company will also showcase its diversified material solutions for automotive applications, improved connectivity and lightweighting.

Recycling of continuous carbon fibers

Asahi Kasei has developed a groundbreaking recycling technology that enables the recovery of continuous carbon fibers from CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastics) pressure vessels used in automobiles.

Utilizing electrolyzed sulfuric acid, the process completely decomposes the resin matrix while preserving the carbon fibers' original strength and continuous structure.

Unlike conventional recycling methods that result in chopped fibers, this technology allows for the perpetual recycling of high-quality, cost-effective continuous carbon fibers from CFRP pressure vessels. At the K Show, Asahi Kasei will showcase over 200 meters of recycled continuous carbon fiber.

Asahi Kasei booth at K 2025.

New grade of PFAS-free low-friction polyamide

In response to the increasing demand for PFAS-free materials, Asahi Kasei is developing a PFAS-free low-friction LEONA polyamide and will introduce the new grade for the first time in Europe.

Based on internal evaluations, the material has the same low-friction properties as fluororesins, making it suitable for sliding applications in various industries, including automotive, robot parts, OA parts, and sporting goods.

CNF-reinforced PA and SEBS compounds

Asahi Kasei will also display PA and SEBS compounds utilizing a bio-based and biodegradable cellulose nano fiber (CNF). This material is made from cotton linter and has high heat resistance and network-forming ability.

CNF-reinforced polyamide becomes less viscous when agitated, making it highly suitable for 3D printing applications for easy printing, dimensional accuracy, smooth appearance, and mechanical performance.

CNF-reinforced SEBS features a unique softness, which can be adjusted by changing the internal structure of the molded product. In addition, it shows a very low warpage and shrinkage, and good hydrolysis resistance. These properties make this material suitable for a wide range of applications, for example, jigs & tooling or prosthetics & orthotics devices.

Materials for a wide range of automotive parts

Asahi Kasei’s transparent polymer, AZP features an almost zero birefringence at a lightweight. It overcomes the challenges of conventional transparent polymers in applications with polarizing light, such as Virtual & Augmented Reality devices and automotive head-up displays (HUD), while maintaining superior processability for large-scale production of injection-molded optical components.

The company will exhibit an interactive automotive demonstration at K 2025 to showcase how AZP contributes to next-generation HUD.

Comparison of optical performance of AZP and conventional optical polymers.

Conventional approaches to automotive instrument panels, door panels, armrests, or center consoles have used different materials and production technologies for skin, foam, and core layers.

Asahi Kasei’s SEBS material is suitable for skin and foam layers, which can be molded in one step by utilizing a core back injection molding process and the strong chemical bonding between all layers eliminates the need for additional adhesive layers.

SEBS for automotive interior surfaces.

Another solution to streamlining the manufacturing process for OEMs from Asahi Kasei is the mPPE (modified polyphenylene ether) particle foam, SunForce. This material is well-suited for mass production of thin-walled, complex-shaped parts that require low tolerances, high heat stability, or UL94 V-0 flame retardancy.

These properties make SunForce a perfect fit for thermal management solutions in electronic devices, transportation trays for Li-Ion battery cells, insulation parts for HVACs, and foam cores for FRP composite parts.