New Huntsman Thermoset Mimics Elastomers

A new thermoset system from Huntsman Advanced Materials provides elastomeric qualities, while retaining the benefits of epoxy infusion. One of the key attributes is the ability to use the material with carbon fiber systems and textiles due its low viscosity.

In addition to flexibility and excellent impact strength, the unique system also provides high transparency, brightness and UV resistance.  It’s called Araldite Highly Flexible Composite, and is now available in the United States, says Klaus Ritter, a Huntsman marketing manager based in The Woodlands, TX.

Standard direct composite production processes such as wet-layup and infusion can produce parts from a single shell mold. The parts can then be cured for 24 hours at room temperature or in an oven for one hour at 60C.

Ritter told Design News that specific formulation information is proprietary. He said it uses an enhanced epoxy system coupled with a special amine hardener. Costs are at the high end of the epoxy system range.

So far applications have been limited. The material has been tested as a bumper on a European racing car and in a commercial seat developed in Europe.

Huntsman says the new material is aimed at a wide range of applications, including non-structural composite parts in industries such as marine, wind energy, sport & leisure or general industry. Cosmetic and car parts are also potential markets.