Japanese technology group Toho Tenax (Tokyo; www.tohotenax.com), of the Teijin Group’s carbon fibres and composites business, has developed a high-intensity and high-tensile modulus grade of carbon fibre for aircraft and automotive applications.

“Tenax” XMS32 is made from a polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based precursor and offers 10% more intensity and 10% greater tensile modulus than “Tenax” IMS65, the existing carbon fibre grade, which has been used mainly for aircraft applications. Toho Tenax said it has also significantly improved the fibre’s resin adherence through new surface-modification technology.

Prepegs using “Tenax” XMS32 are now being developed for airplanes and the company said it expects to develop prepegs for automotive and high-end sports and leisure applications in the foreseeable future. Toho Tenax added that it will continue extending its range of carbon fibre, from yarn to structural parts, to meet wide-ranging needs for customer applications.

The Teijin group comprises some 150 companies in more than 20 countries worldwide. It posted consolidated sales of JPY 786.2 bn (EUR 5.78 bn) in the fiscal year ending 31 March 2015.