Sep 19, 2017   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Hexion Inc. To Exhibit Technologically Advanced Catamaran Composite Roof Component at Composites Europe

The roof section of the world’s first catamaran with a totally carbon exterior, produced with advanced vacuum infusion technology and epoxy resin systems from Hexion Inc. (“Hexion” or “the Company”), will be on display at the company’s stand at Composites Europe, Sept. 19-22 in Stuttgart.

The catamaran, which is currently being built in the U.S., might not have been developed without the advanced Hexion resin system, according to DD-Compound, the Ibbenbüren, Germany-based manufacturer.

“We needed a resin system that both meets the mechanical requirements of the vessel and can be used in exothermic terms, since the core of the process is temperature sensitive. Hexion’s technological leadership and expertise ensured that the goals we set could be achieved,” said Daniel Driemeier, Head of Marketing, DD-Compound.

“The process is absolutely revolutionary for the marine composites market, as both the hull and the deck of the catamaran, including two new, extremely light core materials (3D|Core™ and DD-Compound Beams), are each infused in one shot,” said Driemeier.

The resin plays a structural role in the process. A fiber-reinforced core material from DD-Compound is also used in the running surface. DD-Compound, together with Hexion, developed a new approach that enabled the transition from classical hand laminating to vacuum infusion.

During construction of the hull and deck of the full-carbon catamaran, a Hexion resin system consisting of EPIKOTE™ MGS™ Resin RIMR 426 and EPIKURE™ MGS™ Curing Agent RIMH 037 was used for infusion. Another system was used for adhesion: EPIKOTE™ MGS™ Resin BPR535 and EPIKURE™ MGS™ Curing Agent BPH 538.

Using MTI® vacuum infusion, including the MTI® hose and the resin feed line Boat Runner®, it was possible to ensure that all fibers and core materials were impregnated without problems in a variety of layers. The new core material and the Hexion resin system, in combination with the infusion process, will enable DD-Compound to achieve weight reduction of up to 30% with better strength in the finished vessel.

For more information and to see the catamaran roof component, consult Hexion - Hall C2, Booth B06 - during the Composites Europe Event in Stuttgart, September 19-21, or visit hexion.com/epoxyphenoliccomposites.

About Hexion

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Hexion Inc. is a global leader in thermoset resins. Hexion Inc. serves the global wood and industrial markets through a broad range of thermoset technologies, specialty products and technical support for customers in a diverse range of applications and industries. Hexion Inc. is controlled by investment funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management, LLC. Additional information about Hexion Inc. and its products is available at www.hexion.com.

About DD-Compound

Based in Ibbenbüren, Germany, DD-Compound GmbH has specialized in the vacuum infusion approach for processing fiber-reinforced composites. DD-Compound GmbH not only offers innovative products for the vacuum-infusion process, but also provides comprehensive technical support for vacuum infusion to its customers throughout the world. For more information about DD-Compound GmbH and its products, please visit www.dd-compound.com.