Ludwigshafen, Germany -- New polyurethane and epoxy systems to produce composite parts by resin transfer moulding (RTM) will be part of BASF's focus at the "JEC Composites Show," being held from 12 to 14 March 2013 in Paris, Hall 1.1, Booth G 17.
New materials include a PET-based (polyethylene terephthalate) foam with the trade name Kerdyn, and BASF experts will present coatings for wind-turbine rotor blades.
On display will be a wind turbine and a blade profile, a fender demonstrator, a spoiler and a roof module -- all to illustrate the wide spectrum of composite materials offered by the chemicals group.
Through its multimaterial Lightweight Composite Team, BASF is intensively investigating composite concepts for the body and chassis of motor vehicles. These are based on three plastic matrix systems based on epoxy resin, PU and polyamide, with continuous-fibre reinforcement, and high-volume processing using resin injection, especially RTM, BASF explains.
Polyurethanes' role will be represented by a spoiler with an RTM insert produced from the new Elastolit R 8800. Both this and a new epoxy thermosetting system employ novel curing mechanisms, allowing them to crosslink quickly. BASF said the custom-formulated polyurethane system is compatible with all established fibre sizings and offers "exceptional fatigue strength." Its tolerance for damage is also very high. Both resin systems have a wide processing window and can be demoulded easily, through incorporated matched processing aids, the company added.
A roof module for a convertible on display demonstrates new concepts as well as BASF's versatile materials for RTM: the sandwich component, developed with EDAG GmbH, consists of a closed-cell polyurethane foam core between two carbon fibre-reinforced skin layers.
With a total weight of 2.9 kg, the roof segment achieves a 40 percent weight savings compared to an aluminium counterpart and more than 60 percent compared to a steel counterpart. Other possible auto applications for such material and processing combinations include doors, trunk lids and roof modules, and also structural vehicle components subjected to high loads.
BASF will also present a wind turbine rotor blade made with glass fibre embedded in a Baxxodur epoxy resin system, Kerdyn structural foam for stability, paint finish based on a RELEST gelcoat system and a semi-structural Elastan polyurethane adhesive.
