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 (TG) 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.