CONTEMPORARY BUILDING

MATERIALS
EASILY AVAILABLE MATERIAL

CABKOMA
Strand Rod
BY:
SHANMUGA PRIYA. S

SOURCE:
https://www.komatsumatere.co.jp/cabkoma/en/
https://www.archdaily.com/785175/komatsu-seiren-fabric-laboratory-creates-cabkoma-strand-rod-t
o-protect-building-from-earthquakes
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
 The CABKOMA strand rod is a carbon fiber composite
material consisting of a
 carbon fiber core
 outer layer covered with inorganic fiber, into which
thermoplastic resin is impregnated.
 COMPARISON OF
MACHANICAL STRENGTH
 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.
 The strand rod on the left has almost the same strength
as a reinforcing steel rod.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
 AVAILABILITY
 Asia-Pacific is to remain an apple of the eye for the market
participants as the region is likely to remain the largest demand
generator of high-performance thermoplastics in the foreseen
future
 India, Japan, and South Korea are the other sizeable demand
generators in the region. 
 Reforming government policies coupled with several initiatives
including Make in India with an aim to boost the manufacturing
sector is alluring the market players to increasingly participate in the
market.
 Huge customer base, low-cost manufacturing, ease in availability of
necessary inputs, and growing disposable income assure a colossal
indigenous demand for high-performance thermoplastic composites
in the country.
 CASE STUDY

Komatsu Matere Fabric Laboratory (fa-bo) (Ishikawa Pref., work performed Nov. 2015)
 The Strand Rod is a carbon fiber composite which is covered in both
synthetic and inorganic fibers and finished with a thermoplastic resin. The
material has been used on the exterior of Komatsu Seiten’s head office.
 The carbon fiber strands have many advantageous features. Not only is it
aesthetically pleasing, but it also is the lightest seismic reinforcement in
the world. It has high tensile strength with a “delicate but strong structural
body.”
 World renowned architect, Kengo Kuma was the first to use this
reinforcement material with his design of Komatsu Seiren’s head office.
The use of textiles, along with the carbon fiber composites was also
considered, including the “greenbiz’ ultrafine porous spongy ceramic
base, which is an eco-friendly building material.” The completed
building is not known as the “fa-bo” fabric laboratory.
 A 160 meter-long roll of CABKOMA Strand Rod weighs only 12kg, and
is easily transportable. For comparison, metal wire of the same strength
is approximately five times heavier.
THANK YOU