Hexion is collaborating with Kangde Composites Co (KDC) to develop high volume carbon fibre production methods for use in the automotive and other appropriate markets. KDC operates the KDX Europe Composites Research and Development Centre in Germany for product and process development, material testing, process simulation, and advanced technology research.

KDC has built a world-leading carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) industrial value chain that includes carbon fibre, textile, stacking, preforming, forming and post-treatment, while using a fully automated production line in Langfang, Hebei, China.

Hexion has introduced many innovations in thermoset composite systems suitable for mass production and covering various application fields and process technologies. Hexion has focused on leveraging its thermoset resin technology for the production of high-strength, weight-saving composite parts in a wide range of automotive applications through its portfolio of advanced epoxy and phenolic resins, curing agents and additives.

“We are pleased to partner with KDC in advancing the industrialisation and mass production of composites,” said Francis Defoor, Hexion's Automotive segment leader. “Hexion has more than 50 years of experience in the composites industry and is committed to making significant investments in support of CFRP development for large production volumes in the automotive sector. Our expertise in epoxy chemistry as well as our application and process know-how make us a leading development partner for lightweight composite technology.”

Hexion is constantly adapting its composite resin portfolio to answer manufacturers’ increasing need for strong yet lightweight alternatives to metal, that can be produced at faster speeds. Hexion’s resin technology can help manufacturers reduce vehicle weight and at the same time, hasten production of high-performance composite components. (SV)