Arkema at ACMA-show: to Focus on Curing Non-styrene-based Resins

One of todays big challenges in the world of resins is how to use non-styrene-based resins when conventional curing methods are not effective. New regulatory standards are moving the industry into new resin technologies that can enable curing at processing times that are acceptable.

Arkemas Michael Wells has spent most of his career researching free radical initiator systems and thermosetting resins. As a senior applications engineer in the Luperox organic peroxides business group, Wells will discuss his findings regarding alternative resin technologies and the processing challenges they present.

"New resin technology seeks to eliminate styrene emissions through the use of alternative monomers or by eliminating the monomer altogether," Wells explained. "This requires using a resin with a shortened backbone chain that will remain flowable until the cure cycle is executed. Hence, we face some unique challenges in curing such resins."

Wells presentation at this weeks American Composite Manufacturers Association show will review the problems associated with curing resins based on alternative monomers, specifically the need for higher energies to initiate curing. In free radical initiators, this could mean moving away from traditional MEKPs for primary curing. The presentation will also consider more aggressive curing agents when using monomerless resins.

"The presentation will not debate the pros and cons of styrene regulation," Wells noted. "It will cover what alternatives are available and what processing challenges they present as the industry tries to move away from styrenated resins."

Arkemas Luperox organic peroxide business group has long supported the composites market with innovative research and development and applications research in support of making their customers products sustainable and more profitable. Wells presentation will summarize the findings of the industrys latest challenge. The presentation will be held Thursday, Jan. 31 at the Education Sessions.

About Arkema

A global chemical company and Frances leading chemicals producer, Arkema is building the future of the chemical industry every day. Deploying a responsible, innovation-based approach, the company produces state-of-the-art specialty chemicals that provide customers with practical solutions to such challenges as climate change, access to drinking water, the future of energy, fossil fuel preservation and the need for lighter materials. With operations in more than 40 countries, some 14,000 employees and 10 research centers, Arkema generates annual revenue of approximately $8.3 billion, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands.

Source: Arkema