Hexion Inc. to Showcase EN45545-2 Compliant Phenolic Resin Systems at JEC 2015

March 10, 2015 | By Business Wire News

COLUMBUS, Ohio

Manufacturers of rail components for use in the European Union are under pressure to find the most practical way to meet new European Fire Safety Standard EN 45545-2, which will become mandatory in all European countries in 2016. Hexion Inc. (“Hexion” or “the Company”) will be showcasing high-performing resin systems that meet the strictest standards under EN 45545-2 at the JEC Europe Composites Show and Conferences March 10-12 in Paris.

Composite parts made with Cellobond™ J2027 and J2042 series Bakelite® phenolic resins have been proven to meet HL3 hazard levels on all R1 interior properties in the new rail fire safety standard EN 45545-2. Such parts exhibit extremely low flame spread and produce minimal levels of smoke and toxicity. In typical fire, smoke, and toxicity (FST) testing, Cellobond^TM grades of Bakelite® phenolic composites outperform composites made with alternate chemistries including intumescent gel coated polyesters and polyesters with flame retardant fillers.

In addition to their superior FST properties, phenolic composites can deliver weight savings compared to steel, aluminum or filled polyester composites, translating into faster acceleration and greater energy efficiency.

“Fiberglass-reinforced phenolic composites have been known for decades as the highest performing option for fire safety in aerospace applications,” says Ramesh Pisipati, Global Marketing Director of Hexion. “We’ve been working closely with our customers for some time to produce materials for rail components such as window linings, seat backs and floors that meet the very high regulatory hurdles set by EN 45545-2.”

Nicholas Maltby, Managing Director at Mtag, a Hexion customer says, “Mtag Composites has based a high percentage of our business on phenolic moldings supplied into several different market sectors. We have found that phenolic resin systems are as easy to mold with as other resin systems on the market today. To meet the rail market classifications EN 45545-2 & BS 6853 / 476 part 6 & 7, I also believe that they have many advantages over other resins as they are much lower in viscosity, lighter, and have very low water absorption. I have worked with Cellobond^TM resins for over 25 years and will continue to promote the use of phenolic moldings.”

Cellobond^TM J2027 Bakelite^® phenolic resins are for infusion processing, which speeds production. The Cellobond^TM J2042 Bakelite^® series are hand lay-up resins.

For more information about these phenolic systems or Hexion’s other products designed to respond to the evolving needs of rail and mass transit manufacturers, please visit our onsite commercial team at JEC Paris Expo, Pavillon 7.3, booth M18 or visit www.hexion.com.

About the Company

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Hexion Inc. (formerly known as Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc.) is a global leader in thermoset resins. Hexion Inc. serves the global wood and industrial markets through a broad range of thermoset technologies, specialty products and technical support for customers in a diverse range of applications and industries. Hexion Inc. is controlled by investment funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management, LLC. Additional information about Hexion Inc. and its products is available at www.hexion.com.