Two New Epoxy Resin Systems from Hexion Inc. Speed Production Rates, Enhance Processing Flexibility of Automotive Structural Composites

March 10, 2015 | By Business Wire News

COLUMBUS, Ohio

As more and more manufacturers consider carbon fiber-based components for new vehicles, Hexion Inc. (“Hexion” or “the Company”) is smoothing the transition with a range of epoxy resin systems for everything from small parts produced at very high speeds to larger, structural components where the processing window needs to be longer. Hexion will introduce two new resin systems at the JEC Europe 2015 Composites Show and Conferences March 10-12 specifically designed to make mass production of large structural components faster and easier.

The new EPIKOTE™ TRAC 06170 epoxy resin/EPIKURE™ TRAC 06170 curing agent system extends Hexion’s current line of high thermal-latency, low viscosity products for Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) and Liquid Compression Molding (LCM) processing. By optimizing the glass transition temperature (T_G) of the new system, Hexion has been able to speed curing and enhance part stiffening at the end of the curing cycle while maintaining an extended resin injection window for customers. Large, complex structural composites can be processed quickly, without cooling jigs or complicated part grippers.

“Producing composite parts is not a one-size-fits-all process” says Francis Defoor, Global Market Segment Leader Transportation, Hexion. “Larger structural components present different challenges than small parts. The new TRAC 06170 system is an excellent example of Hexion working closely with supply chain partners based on their specific injection and molding equipment to fine-tune the processing capabilities of our RTM/LCM resin systems to shorten cycle time, enhance demolding performance and offer the best solution for the specific customer part.”

This system is fully compatible with a new cross-linkable preform binder from Hexion, EPIKOTE TRAC 06270 epoxy resin, also developed to ensure reliable production of complex composites under demanding, fast processing conditions. This binder is applied during the layup of fabric reinforcement to fixate the fibers in the shape of the desired composite part and avoid fiber displacement during resin infusion, even when high injection speeds or pressure methods are used.

For more information about these new epoxy systems or Hexion’s other products designed to respond to the evolving needs of automotive 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.