An epoxy resin system from Hexion Inc used in the production of structural composite parts for the BMW 7-Series has earned the People’s Choice award for most innovative composite part at the recent SPE 16th Annual Automotive Composites Conference & Exhibition. The epoxy resin system enables the manufacturing of lighter parts that enhance the vehicles’ performance. Hexion says that its composite of epoxy and carbon fiber reinforced plastic, aluminum and super high-strength steels helped reduce vehicle weight by up to approximately 287 pounds compared to predecessor models. The lightweight construction helps enable better load distribution and lowers the center of gravity for the vehicle, improving driving dynamics, comfort and fuel efficiency.
‘We are pleased to be recognized for this powerful demonstration of the positive impact of advanced materials in automotive applications,’ said Francis Defoor, Hexion global market segment leader for transportation. ‘Our Epikote epoxy resin system enables high-volume manufacturing while also significantly reducing vehicle weight and improving performance and safety. This award is tremendous validation of our ongoing work with the BMW Group and our shared commitment to automotive innovation.’
In the BMW 7-Series, Hexion resins are used in several carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) applications as part of the BMW Group’s carbon core body structure. The use of CFRP for structural elements of the passenger cell as part of a hybrid construction scheme incorporating ultra-highstrength steels increases both the overall strength and torsional and bending stiffness of the passenger cell.
This story is reprinted from material from Hexion,with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
