COMPOSITES
BIOBASED SOLUTIONS
J
EC World also saw Wessex Resins and Adhesives launch its new BIOinfusion epoxy resin system specifically engineered
for composite manufacturing. The firm hails the launch as a significant advancement in sustainable materials that offers manufacturers a “compelling” alternative to traditional petroleum-based resins. BIOinfusion resin is 32% bio-
based and formulated with renewable resources, lowering the material’s environmental impact while maintaining the strength and durability the company’s Entropy Resin products are known for. The resin is suitable for use within a wide range of industries, from lightweight components in automotive vehicles to wind energy turbine blades and marine applications. “We are very pleased to introduce
BIOinfusion to the market,” says Sam Oliver, operations director at Wessex Resins and Adhesives. “This bio- based epoxy resin system represents a significant milestone for the composite manufacturing industry. By providing a high-performance,
The BIOinfusion epoxy resin system
sustainable solution, BIOinfusion enables manufacturers to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining the exceptional quality they require.”
FORTIFIED FOAM The use of foam cores within composite material applications has been increasing recently as a means to reduce weight and increase the stiffness of parts in a range of industries. Autoclave methods for manufacturing composites such as prepeg compression moulding (PCM) and resin transfer moulding (RTM), however, generally require high heat resistance of over 100°C during the process. This has traditionally meant that the number of applicable foams is limited, with most of the high heat-resistant foams in sheet form. This requires pre-cutting, which leads to high processing costs and can impact productivity. At JEC World, Asahi Kasei
showcased its new SunForce particle beads foam based on the engineering plastic modified polyphenylene ether (m-PPE). The foam combines the desirable aspects of m-PPE such as
The cross section of a demonstrator spoiler made of CFRP and SunForce
heat resistance, dimensional stability and low water absorption, with the lightweight, thermal insulation and formability benefits of bead foam. SunForce beads can be moulded
by in-mould forming leveraging the steam chest moulding process. In combination with the small- sized beads, the process allows for medium to high-volume production of composite core parts with accurate, complex and curved shapes, without the need for additional milling. Thanks to these properties, SunForce can be used as a foam core or sandwich material for a variety of applications in the medical, industrial, aeronautical and sports industries.
This bio-
based epoxy resin system represents a significant milestone for the composite manufacturing industry
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