Cytec launches MTM® 23, a tailored, self-releasing rapid-cure vinyl hybrid resin system that has the capability to be rapid-cured in less than three minutes.General Motors (GM) worked with Continental Structural Plastics (CSP) as the need for a composite electrical vehicle battery enclosure was identified to meet a number of rigorous performance requirements. These included 30° offset-barrier, side-impact, and rear-barrier crash; 50 G impulse shock (X, Y, Z); post-crash package integrity; fire-resistance testing; 3-m drop testing (bottom/end); 1-m water-submersion test; and vibration/shock testing.To satisfy all criteria, new material, production process, post-mould finishing, and non-destructive test methods were needed.CSP therefore turned to Cytec Industrial Materials (Cytec) for a materials solution as well as engineering support. Cytec have a strong focus on innovation and technology and always work very closely with their customers to develop materials that meet the prerequisite processing technique. Cytec studied CSP requirements and developed MTM® 23, a tailored, self-releasing rapid-cure vinyl hybrid resin system. Cytec and CSP also worked together on data generation, ply design and press production technology. That close collaboration enabled CSP to manufacture parts in less than 10 minutes at a 150° cure, but MTM® 23 has the capability to be rapid-cured in less than three minutes.The result is the industry's first application of a volatile-organic compound (VOC)-free thermoset vinyl hybrid resin woven glass reinforced prepreg. This new material enabled CSP to form a complex-shaped enclosure that protects the EV's battery components in the event of a catastrophic event. The tough compression-moulded composite is 40% lighter than metallic solutions, helping the vehicle achieve extended range and enhanced performance. Since it is non-conductive, it protects occupants and first responders to an accident scene. The specially formulated resin is free of styrene emissions, making it safer for workers and the environment. Selective pattern layups allow for localized reinforcement. The application also features a large structural joint of composite to steel. Cytec looks forward to recommending MTM® 23 for other applications in the future. This unique application earned GM an SPE® Automotive Division award (‘Electrical Systems' category) at the recent 43rd SPE Automotive Innovation Awards Gala. The award ceremony gathers the global automotive and plastics industries to honour the year's most innovative use of plastics in ground transportation. Cytec Industrial Materials and CSP are proud to have been part of this new application in the automotive industry. It underpins the companies' focus on developing materials and processes that enable OEMs to affordably design and manufacture carbon fibre composite structures and applications for mass production vehicles, while reducing the vehicle weights.Cytec's Industrial Materials business provides advanced composite and process materials for automotive, aerospace, wind energy, motorsport, marine, mass transportation and other demanding applications. Our focus on technology and application expertise allows customers to adopt more efficient manufacturing approaches. Our product portfolio supports the end-to-end manufacturing of composite parts and includes tooling, fibre, prepregs, resin systems, vacuum bagging, and adhesive, resin and surfacing films.Notes to editorAbout Continental Structural PlasticsFor more than 40 years, Continental Structural Plastics (CSP) has provided leading-edge technologies in light-weight materials and composite solutions for the automotive, heavy truck, HVAC and construction industries. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, CSP holds more than 50 patents covering materials development and manufacturing processes in composite materials formulation, design and manufacturing technologies. For more information, visit www.cspplastics.com.About CytecCytec's vision is to deliver specialty material and chemical technologies beyond our customers' imagination. Our focus on innovation, advanced technology and application expertise enables us to develop, manufacture and sell products that change the way our customers do business. Our pioneering products perform specific and important functions for our customers, enabling them to offer innovative solutions to the industries that they serve. Our products serve a diverse range of end markets including aerospace and industrial materials, mining and plastics.For more information about Cytec please visit www.cytec.com.DISCLAIMER: The data and information provided in this document have been obtained from carefully controlled samples and are considered to be representative of the product described. Cytec does not express or imply any guarantee or warranty of any kind including, but not limited to, the accuracy, the completeness or the relevance of the data and information set out herein. Because the properties of this product can be significantly affected by the fabrication and testing techniques employed, and since Cytec does not control the conditions under which its products are tested and used, Cytec cannot guarantee the properties provided will be obtained with other processes and equipment. No guarantee or warranty is provided that the product is adapted for a specific use or purpose. Cytec declines any liability with respect to the use made by any third party of the data and information contained herein. Cytec has the right to change any data or information when deemed appropriate.TRADEMARK NOTICE: The ® indicates a Registered Trademark in the United States and the ™ indicates a trademark in the United States. The mark may also be registered, subject of an application for registration, or a trademark in other countries.All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.Media Contacts
Claire Michel
Industrial Materials Marketing Communications
Tel: 44.1773.766200
claire.michel@cytec.com
