PE Composites That Weather the Outdoors: Meet StarStran® 642

Outdoor environments are unforgiving. Sun exposure, moisture, freeze–thaw cycles and sustained loads quickly push standard plastics past their limits. That’s why polyethylene (PE) composites reinforced with fiberglass are becoming the go‑to choice for long‑life, high‑durability applications. 

StarStran® 642 is our newest chopped glass fiber engineered specifically for PE - designed to help you create tough, weatherable parts with reliable mechanical performance. 

What Makes StarStran® 642 Different 

PE‑optimized sizing 

StarStran® 642 uses a sizing chemistry tailored for strong interfacial bonding with PE, enabling the polymer and glass to work together to carry load effectively. In application‑level evaluations with development partners, the PE composites made with StarStran® 642 meet/exceed performance targets in demanding railway sleeper/tie applications. 

Purpose‑built for outdoor durability 

PE composites already excel in weatherability. StarStran® 642 is designed to extend that advantage into structural and semi‑structural applications exposed to the elements. 

Process‑friendly chopped strands 

Available in common chopped lengths, StarStran® 642 processes smoothly into standard compounding, extrusion and molding processes. 

Where It Fits (Globally) 

If you’re replacing wood or unreinforced polymers in long‑life outdoor applications, StarStran® 642 is a strong candidate for evaluation: 

• Railway sleepers/ties & turnout components requiring long service life, dimensional stability and consistent load‑bearing strength. 
• Outdoor decking & boardwalks where creep resistance, impact performance and weathering durability matter year after year. 
• Construction surfaces & wood‑replacement boards including landscaping planks, fencing and structural profiles. 
• Furniture skins & outer layers that must retain stiffness and surface quality despite environmental exposure. 

What You Can Expect from JM 

Performance backed by data 

We back claims with application‑level testing, data packages and practical processing guidance to streamline qualification. 

Hands-on technical support 

From formulation recommendations to on‑line troubleshooting, our team provides responsive, multilingual support throughout trials and scale‑up. 

Reliable supply 

StarStran® 642 is produced in North America. We can discuss regional supply options based on demand to reduce lead times and simplify logistics. 

Packaging 

Standard packaging options include standard super sacks / 1‑ton big bags.  

Quick FAQ for Developers 

Is StarStran® 642 compatible with recycled PE? 

Yes. It has been evaluated in recycled PE systems for outdoor structural profiles such as sleepers/ties. We can provide guidance on resin blends, chopped length, and LOI ranges for your line. 

What chopped lengths are available? 

4 mm (~0.16 in) is widely tested. Longer lengths up to 6.4 mm (¼ in) have also been evaluated to balance flow, fiber opening and mechanical performance. We’ll recommend a starting point based on your part geometry and screw design. 

What about fiber diameter and process robustness? 

StarStran® 642 uses 13 µm fibers and is engineered to minimize handling issues while promoting dispersion and bundle opening in standard compounding setups. 

Let’s Help Build Your Trial Plan 

Share your resin system, target properties, and line configuration. We’ll recommend a chopped length/LOI starting point, supply trial material and provide application notes from recent developments - so you can get to data quickly. Interested? Contact our team to schedule your first evaluation. 

Meet us at JEC 2026 

If you’re attending JEC World 2026, let’s connect in Paris. We’d love to discuss your PE composite projects and explore trials with StarStran® 642. Visit us in Hall 5, Booth 5N80 - or contact us in advance to book a dedicated meeting.