Ashland unveils Arotran 770 TLM Series resins, enabling production of lower-density Class A SMC parts

A recent U.S. Energy Information Administration report confirms what most Americans may already believe ‒ our dependence on gasoline will likely continue to decrease for several reasons. While the recession may have begun the current trend, consumers are also increasing their demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles. And, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recently augmented Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard requirements have already spawned significant innovation in response. Composites research chemists at Ashland Performance Materials, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc., are among those leading the way with the newest, most differentiated technologies.

“One approach automotive producers are taking to meet CAFE standards is to design and produce lighter vehicles,” explains Laura Gigas, product manager, Unsaturated Polyester Resins, Ashland Performance Materials. “In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office, a 10-percent reduction in vehicle weight can result in a 6 percent to 8 percent fuel-economy improvement. To this point, Mike Sumner, our group leader for SMC, Gelcoat, and Marine Resin and I will be making a presentation on Sept.1 at the SPE ACCE entitled “Customer Driven Development of Low Density Class A SMC with Improved Mechanical Properties’.”
 
“Lower-density sheet molding compounds (SMC) introduced in the recent past did not provide sufficient strength and toughness while still maintaining Class A finish required for use in exterior body panels,” Sumner added. “Ashland has developed a 1.2 density Class A SMC material with higher physical properties including up to a 40-percent increase in flex and tensile strength and a 20 percent-increase in modulus and elongation as compared to existing technology. The material also demonstrates increased substrate adhesion and impact resistance. Arotran 770 Tough Low-mass (TLM) Series resins will help engineers working for original equipment manufacturers meet both the regulatory and design parameters.”

“The resins technologies we are providing to the automotive industry present a multitude of advantages versus both previous and alternative materials,” explained Andy Beer, leader, Composites, North America, Ashland Performance Materials. “Ashland very much wants to partner with OEMs to deliver solutions for new applications that will assist them in fulfilling their needs as driven by the CAFE standards.”