Japan“s Sakai Sangyo has concluded a domestic sole agent agreement with US glass fiber manufacturer AGY to commercialize high-performance glass fiber S-2 Glass (TM) and will start developing applicat…
Japan“s Sakai Sangyo has concluded a domestic sole agent agreement with US glass fiber manufacturer AGY to commercialize high-performance glass fiber S-2 Glass (TM) and will start developing applications for the product. It hopes to grow the business to JPY 1 billion (USD 8.9 million) in three years. Sakai Sangyo will capitalize on the strength, shock resistance and cost performance of S-2 Glass, which are on a par with aramid fiber, to develop general industrial applications for the glass fiber, such as for pressurized containers and building reinforcement, and applications for sporting goods. S-2 Glass is already used for motor-vehicle-muffler sound-deadening materials and aerospace applications. Sakai Sangyo has commercialized high-performance fiber textiles and fiber-reinforce plastics for heat-resistant materials, building materials and aerospace applications. Because of a more restricted supply of aramid, S-2 Glass is attracting attention as a substitute material, prompting Sakai Sangyo to conclude the contract with AGY. AGY developed S-2 Glass for military use in the 1960s. It is over 30% stronger and more than 25% more rigid than general glass fibers, while also possessing excellent heat and chemical resistance, as well as radar permeability.