Consumables

Momentive Showcases a New Reactive Powder Preform Binder at the ACCE 2012 Composites Show

Wednesday 12. September 2012 - New product facilitates short cycle time RTM and rounds out EPIKOTE line of products suitable for Automotive processing

Momentive Specialty Chemicals, a premier global supplier of epoxy resins and curing agents for automotive applications, will feature a new preform binder for carbon fiber epoxy composites at the ACCE 2012 Composites Show, September 11-13 in Troy, Michigan.
New EPIKOTE Binder System 620 ensures that a preform retains its dimensional stability even under the high-pressure RTM typical of Automotive processing.
This binder can be conveniently applied to carbon or glass fibers as a powder. At its softening temperature range, 80-90°C, the softened binder will become fixed to the fibers and still allow for good fabric processability and drape-ability.
Once the desired shape of preform is achieved, a short cure cycle around 120°C will initiate internal crosslinking of the binder. This higher-temperature fixation ensures that the preform will retain its shape during the subsequent resin injection process step.
“This new crosslinkable preform binder provides functionality that reduces the risk of fiber distortion during the resin injection step, and is specifically suitable for high-pressure RTM processes,” says Dr. Roman Hillermeier, Global Technology Leader for Transportation. “It is very complementary with the innovative fast-cure EPIKOTE / EPIKURE systems Momentive Specialty Chemicals has introduced for the Automotive Composite market. This system approach is important for the successful development of mass production solutions.”