Lightweight,
Strong and
Corrosion-free

Thermoplastic carbon fiber composite

CABKOMA

© Kawasumi・Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office

KOMATSU MATERE

It is estimated that Japanese industry will suffer from labor shortage due to an aging population combined with the diminishing number of children, and maintenance and renewal costs will increase due to aged infrastructure.
In order to cope with such problems, we have been addressing the development and practical use of carbon fiber composite with the characteristics of "lightweight, strong and non-corrosive".

What is CABKOMA?

CABKOMA is a thermoplastic carbon fiber (CFRTP) composite which we developed.
Since thermoplastic resin is used as the matrix resin, the material can be reformed by heating even after hardened.

Features

  • 01

    Lightweight

    Lightweight
    (specific gravity
    1/5 of iron’s)

  • 02

    High tensile strength

    High tensile
    strength

  • 03

    Rust-free

    Rust-free

  • 04

    Thermal deformation is possible after hardened

    Thermal
    deformation is
    possible afte
    hardened

  • 05

    Excellent durability

    Excellent
    durability

  • 06

    Low dimensional change with temperature

    Low dimensional
    change with
    temperature

CABKOMA

Strand Rod

Features of the CABKOMA Strand Rod

The CABKOMA strand rod is a carbon fiber composite material consisting of a carbon fiber core and outer layer covered with inorganic fiber, into which thermoplastic resin is impregnated.

Comparison of Mechanical Strength

Rolls

Rolls of CABKOMA strand rods are approx. 160m in length and 14kg in weight, which can be easily carried by hand.
Metal wire of the same strength has a weight five times more than the CABKOMA strand rod.

NH2437

The strand rod on the left has almost the same strength as a reinforcing steel rod.

Features of the CABKOMA Strand Rod

Physical Properties

CABKOMA strand rod mechanical strength properties

Revised Sep 2019

Part No. / Name Actual diameter
（mm)		 Effective cross-sectional area*1
(㎟)		 Unit weight
(g/m)		 Breaking force
(kN)		 Tensile elasticity
(kN/㎟)
NH2417 NH2417 7.0 11.6 53 35≦ 160
NH2427 NH2427 8.2 18.3 68 55≦ 160
NH2437 NH2437 9.3 27.5 88 80≦ 160
D22 reinforcing steel D22 reinforcing steel 22.0 387.1 3040 76 206
PC steel wire PC steel wire 9.3 51.61 405 88.8 185

* 1 Effective cross-sectional area: The total cross-sectional area of carbon fiber and composite resin which bear the force. (This may differ from the actual cross-sectional area.)

Komatsu Matere Fabric Laboratory (fa-bo)

The world’s first antiseismic reinforcement structure using carbon fiber, designed by Kengo Kuma, a world-leading architect
- fa-bo fabric laboratory: utilizing new construction materials proposed by a textile compa -

The thermoplastic carbon fiber composite CABKOMA strand rod was used in the antiseismic reinforcement renovation of our head office building. The ecological superfine porous sponge ceramic “greenbiz” and textile construction materials are used for the fabric laboratory “fa-bo”.

Visit the Komatsu Matere
Fabric Laboratory (fa-bo) homepage

Construction examples

Komatsu Matere Fabric Laboratory (fa-bo) (Ishikawa Pref., work performed Nov. 2015)

Komatsu Matere Fabric Laboratory (fa-bo) (Ishikawa Pref., work performed Nov. 2015)

Komatsu Matere Fabric Laboratory (fa-bo) (Ishikawa Pref., work performed Nov. 2015)

Komatsu Matere Fabric Laboratory (fa-bo) (Ishikawa Pref., work performed Nov. 2015)

Zenkoji Temple scripture house repair project (Nagano Pref., work performed Dec. 2016)

Zenkoji Temple scripture house repair project (Nagano Pref., work performed Dec. 2016)

Atami Akao Herb & Rose Garden “COEDA HOUSE” (Shizuoka Pref., work performed Sep. 2017)

Atami Akao Herb & Rose Garden “COEDA HOUSE” (Shizuoka Pref., work performed Sep. 2017)

Tomioka Warehouse No.3 (Gunma Pref., work performed Dec. 2018)

Tomioka Warehouse No.3 (Gunma Pref., work performed Dec. 2018)

Frespo Higashi Nippori (Tokyo, work performed May 2019)

CABKOMA

Sheet

Features of the CABKOMA Sheet

CABKOMA sheet is a carbon fiber composite, comprised of carbon fiber impregnated with thermoplastic resin.
G-BLOCK

Features of the CABKOMA Sheet

Physical Properties

CABKOMA sheet mechanical strength properties

Prepreg Resin Vf
%		 Weight
(g/㎡)		 Thickness
(mm)
3K Plain Thermoplastic
epoxy resin		 45 370 0.4
6K Plain 53 458 0.5
12K Twill 60 940 1.1
Molded product (reference value) Resin Vf
%		 Weight
(g/㎡)		 Thickness
(mm)		 Tensile strength
(MPa)		 Tension elastic modulus
(GPa)		 Bending strength
(MPa)		 Bending elastic modulus
(GPa)
3K Plain 1ply Thermoplastic
epoxy resin		 45 370 0.24 500 85 700 50
3K Plain 3ply 45 1,110 0.72 500 85 700 50
12K Twill 1ply 60 940 0.59 750 100 700 50
12K Twill 3ply 60 2,820 1.77 750 100 700 50

* The above are representative values and not guaranteed.
* Molded product physical properties are subject to change depending on the molding conditions.

YCK Method

The YCK method is a construction method used to reinforce and repair signal posts and beacon posts. It was developed by our company and Yoshimoto Pole Co., Ltd.
The CABKOMA P sheet is applied to the corroded section of a pole. The CABKOMA P sheet (with strength-to-weight ratio10 times that of iron) prevents poles from being deteriorated, prolonging pole life by approximately 10 years.
Due to its thermoplastic property, it can be used for a wide range of steel pole diameters.
Since the installation work for CABKOMA sheets on poles is simple, installation costs can be reduced.

NETIS: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, New Technology Information System, No. KT-170077-A
Ishikawa Prefecture Construction New Technology Authorization Certificate No.18 May 2017