Lonza has introduced Primasetâ„¢ CE resins for fast-curing composite (FCC) processes.
According to Lonza, the new resin system addresses the need for short cycle times in high-volume parts manufacturing, such as in the automotive industry, by significantly reducing curing times of high-temperature resistant resin systems. Lonza specially developed this liquid resin system to allow for moulding cycle times within minutes and to achieve a Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) of up to 320°C after a post cure.
Lonza markets thesecCyanate ester resins worldwide under the Primaset™ trade name. The initial product of the fast-curing range, Primaset™ CE-320, was developed specifically for processes like Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) and resin infusion. Lonza is working with selected customers to qualify this product for various leading-edge applications that require short cycle times along with high-temperature resistance. These include high-temperature resistant composite tooling and parts manufacturing.
Lonza adds that it has fine-tuned the processing parameters of Primaset™ CE for FCC manufacturing processes in particular for the RTM process in collaboration with the Institut für Verbundwerkstoffe (IVW) in Kaiserslautern, Germany. IVW is licensed to use the RocTool equipment, which is one of the fastest technologies for running the RTM process.
Primaset
Primaset™ is the name of the Cyanate Esters thermoset resins used in composite materials for lightweight constructions and high-temperature resistance. They are characterized by Tg of up to 400 °C, excellent dielectric and mechanical properties, and epoxy-like processing. Generally, the Primaset™ product range provides some excellent flame, smoke and toxicity properties. Primaset™ resins are well established in many advanced composite manufacturing industries like aerospace, motorsports and transportation.
The latest developments provide an adjusted viscosity profile to support fast curing in liquid composite molding processes, while still achieving high-temperature resistance. Primaset™ CE-320 is applied in composite tool manufacturing as well as in other fiber-reinforced parts requiring low thermal expansion and lightweight design.