Hexion, a global leader in thermoset resins, is showcasing its newly developed line of Resonance catalysts that enhance flexibility in various composites manufacturing processes and environments at the ongoing JEC World in Paris. Resonance catalysts increase latency of the company’s Cellobond phenolic resin systems extending pot life by 100 per cent or more.

With the new Cellobond resin/Resonance catalyst systems, pot life is adjustable to suit each customer’s specific processing requirements, said Hexion in a press release. Because of their increased stability over longer periods and at higher temperatures, Cellobond resin systems incorporating Resonance catalysts can also be used in pultrusion and sheet moulding compound processes, something that was more difficult to do in the past.

Cellobond ultra-low formaldehyde (ULF) resins are used to manufacture composite parts that meet and exceed the most demanding fire, smoke and toxicity standards in aerospace (FAR 25.852), automotive (GB/T 31467), construction (ASTM E84) and rail (EN45545-2 HL3, BS 6853 Class 1A, and NFPA130) applications.

“Producing large, complex phenolic composites through vacuum infusion or resin transfer moulding can be a challenge if resin systems start polymerising before all of the fibre material is fully impregnated,” said Ramesh Pisipati, global marketing director, Phenolic Specialty Resins, at Hexion. “Also, higher temperatures in the manufacturing environment can cause the resin system to prematurely react. Our new Resonance catalysts were specifically developed to offer delayed action and be ‘tunable’ to address customers’ unique processing requirements.”

“Moulders prefer Cellobond resins systems in part because they don’t require fillers or costly fire retardants or intumescent gelcoats to deliver the highest heat and fire performance,” added Pisipati. “Resonance catalysts add another level of flexibility, convenience and value for parts makers.” (PC)