Hexion Fast-Cure Epoxy Resin Systems Help Reduce Production Cycle Times On JEC Award-Winning CFRP Decklid Concept

Hexion Inc. (“Hexion” or “the Company”) contributed materials and processing expertise that helped speed production and reduce weight in a 2016 JEC Innovation Award winning automotive decklid concept. The decklid was designed by Continental Structural Plastics (CSP) and consisted of a sheet molding compound (SMC) outer and a Hexion epoxy resin-based carbon fiber resin transfer molded (RTM) inner.

The carbon fiber structural inner component made of preformed carbon fiber mats infused with Hexion’s latest fast-cure, epoxy-based resin system in an RTM process was key in helping reduce the component’s overall part-to-part cycle time to less than 3 minutes. It also contributed to the decklid’s weight reduction of 13% compared with aluminum.

The new decklid concept was developed to compare the weight of steel or aluminum decklids with those made from composite materials, and to try to reduce the production time for the carbon fiber composite components.

This JEC Innovation Award was in the Automotive Exterior Parts category. The goals of such awards are to identify, promote, and reward the most innovative composite solutions worldwide to help advance the composites industry. Selection criteria include technical excellence, exemplariness of partners, market potential and originality.

Visitors to the JEC World 2016 composites show & conferences in Paris, March 8-10 are invited to visit with Hexion representatives in Hall 6 Booth F54 and learn more about the Company’s latest developments. The CFRP decklid is on display at the CSP Booth M28 and JEC Autoplanet area N75 sponsored by Hexion, also in Hall 6.