The epoxy resin developed by Hexion applied to the BMW 7 Series structural products won the People's Choice Award for the most innovative composite parts at the 16th Annual Automotive Composites SPE Conference. Epoxy resin products can reduce the weight of parts and improve the performance of automobiles.
Hexion claims that the composite of epoxy and carbon fiber reinforced plastic, aluminum, and high-strength steel can help this generation of cars weigh about 287 pounds less than the previous generation of automotive products. Lightweighting helps to optimize load distribution and lower the vehicle's center of gravity, thereby improving vehicle power, comfort and fuel efficiency.
"Our advanced materials have played an active and powerful role in the automotive industry, and we are glad that we have been recognized for this," said Francis Defoor, Head of Transport, Global Markets Division, Hexion. "Our Epikote epoxy products The ability to mass-produce while significantly reducing vehicle weight and improving vehicle performance and safety. This award is a great affirmation of our work with the BMW Group and our shared vision for automotive innovation. "
In the BMW 7 Series, Hexion resin is used in several carbon fiber reinforced composite materials (CFRP), and this composite material is used in the BMW Group carbon core structural components. The simultaneous use of CFRP and ultra-high-strength steel as a solution was applied to the components of the passenger compartment, thereby improving the overall strength of the vehicle and the torsional and bending stiffness of the passenger compartment.