The company showcased these products, along with its new, large volume Hexi-Bag™ packaging system, at the JEC World international composites exposition recently held in Paris, France.
“For over 40 years, since the first composite wind blades were developed, Hexion has been collaborating with customers to develop innovative materials that result in more robust part designs and greater overall efficiency,” said Ann Frederix, Senior Vice President, Epoxy Specialties. “Our newest products help our customers reduce costs while enhancing blade performance and improving processing.”
Hexion’s new epoxy-based Sticky-Spray system, PR687g, can be used as a replacement for traditional aerosol spray systems in the fixation of fiberglass root plies in blade manufacturing. The sticky spray contains no aerosols or solvents, reducing in-plant air emissions. It also chemically reacts into the epoxy matrix after infusion.
Use of the Sticky-Spray system to securely fix the glass reinforcements in a resin mold avoids weakening the fiber matrix interface through incompatible components which can adversely affect the mechanical properties of the resulting composite. The system can be used with conventional application equipment and comes in various packaging types depending on customer requirements.
The company’s new epoxy resin repair kit for hand lay-up provides superior performance properties while minimizing GHS hazard labeling, according to Hexion. The new laminating resin system, HLU 635 eliminates human toxicity and Health Hazard labeling and does not contain any ingredients on the REACH candidate list of “substances of very high concern.”
The HLU 635 repair system does not become brittle at room temperature, resists crystallization, and the cure rate can be adjusted variably for better workability.
Also at the show, Hexion introduced the Hexi-Bag packaging system, a new large volume resin package designed specifically for the wind energy industry. The new packaging format was developed for Hexion’s epoxy resins and associated hardeners. The Hexi-Bag packaging has a capacity of 900- 1,000 liters, which is approximately five times larger than the standard drum, addressing the large volumes of resin required to produce rotor blades.
“In addition, use of the Hexi-Bag packaging reduces residual material in the packaging to less than one percent, versus the 5-10 percent waste associated with traditional packaging,” stated the company.
Use of the Hexi-Bag system can result in reduced internal shipping costs of up to 80 percent as compared to standard packaging.
