Hexcel Corp./Hirsch Group (Stanford, Connecticut, USA) is working with NaCa Systems, a Tier 1 natural fiber composite automotive interior parts supplier, to develop lightweight carbon fiber prepreg and wood fiber composite sports cars through a rapid stamping process Seat backrest.
What is the goal? ——In order to verify the short cycle process of CFRP and wood fiber composite materials.
As part of the project, Hexcel provided NaCa with an optimized version of its HexPly M77CS epoxy prepreg material. According to the company, HexPly M77CS is a fast-curing hot-melt thermosetting epoxy resin matrix designed specifically for prepreg applications. It has a short curing cycle and a smooth and beautiful surface.
Hexcel's newly developed M77CS prepreg has an increased resin content to optimize the bond strength of CFRP and wood fiber composites, although the natural material component has a slightly higher resin absorption. The carbon fiber prepreg is cured at about 145 ° C for four to five minutes and can be fully integrated into NaCa Systems' existing production lines and metal molds.
It is said that the advantages of hybrid composite components are that they are 40% lighter than typical injection-molded plastic components; the carbon footprint is improved compared to full carbon fiber components. Unlike plastic molded parts, the prepreg and wood fiber structure will not produce sharp edge fragments when damaged, thereby improving passenger safety in a crash situation, and the wood fiber composite material improves the sound absorption rate, thereby improving the vehicle NVH damping.
"For us, it is important to work with prepreg suppliers who can customize materials based on our processes and provide consistent quality as we grow rapidly, in response to original equipment manufacturers’ more sustainable compound solutions The program continues to be promoted, "NaCa Systems CEO Aleš Kopal said when working with Hexcel.