Who: We evolved from polymer pioneers
The manufacture and sale of reinforced plastic composite materials was first established by the renowned ICI (Imperial Chemical Industries). The production and marketing of these materials was undertaken by Linear Composites Ltd, founded in 1969 as a wholly owned subsidiary company of ICI.
A polymer engineering industry pioneer, ICI was responsible for the development of Terylene™, the world’s first polyester fibre and Alkathene™, the world’s first polyethylene thermoplastic. The first product to be fully developed by Linear Composites was ParaFil™ followed a year later by ParaWeb™, among the world’s earliest soil reinforcement products.
In 2006, Linear Composites Ltd was acquired by Officine Maccaferri SpA to strengthen their geosynthetics global market presence. In 2007, the company invested in further ParaWeb™ and ParaLink™ production in a purpose-built facility in Pune, India.
Today, our technical and manufacturing specialists work daily to respond to the challenges set by our clients. New and bespoke products are constantly being developed as clients discover the benefits of our composites to replace existing ‘low-tech’ metallic solutions such as steel ropes, metallic reinforcements and titanium elements.
What: High performance composites
The fundamental technology of Linear Composites is selecting specific high tenacity yarns, typically polyester or aramids, and sheathing them with a protective polymer coating. The resulting composite products can have a variety of cross-sectional shapes, but principally are either circular in cross section (ParaFil™) or of a flat webbing configuration (ParaWeb™). The polymer and textile core types determine the characteristics of the resulting products in terms of tensile strength, extension, modulus and durability.
The polymeric sheath provides a physical and chemical barrier to external environments which could pose a threat to product performance and durability. Core and sheath materials are chosen to suit specific customer requirements.
On specially designed equipment, ParaFil™ and ParaWeb™ are also converted into two dimensional “mats” for a number of specialist applications.
These products can be engineered to suit individual customer’s particular requirements.
Major trademarks are well known internationally and include ParaFil™, ParaWeb™, ParaGrid™, ParaLink™, ParaDrain™, ParaRib™, ParaLoop™ and ParaFenceTM.
How: Innovation, Partnership, Quality, Reliability
We work with clients to develop products that help them overcome challenges. Our polymer composites replace traditional solutions such as steel ropes, titanium straps, or other polymer strap/rope systems.
We pride ourselves on delivering solutions that are lighter, stronger and longer-lasting than the traditional alternatives. On countless occasions, a speculative phone call from a client has opened that client’s eyes to new ways of doing things, saving them time and money in the process.
Our extensive experience, 3D CAD systems, FEA simulation capability and on-site testing laboratory give us the ability to rapidly develop and refine a bespoke product without delay. Important for our clients in time-critical industries such as oil and gas or communications infrastructure. It also enables us to tailor the specific mechanical, compositional and geometric characteristics of a product to produce tailor made solutions.
Our products are supported by the highest Quality (ISO 9001:2015) and Health and Safety Standards (BS OHSAS 18001:2007).
