Composite materials for automotive
The choice of composite materials for automotive allows you, on the one hand, to reach high vehicle performances and, on the other hand, to drastically reduce the weight, thus consuming less fuel and, as a consequence, reducing CO2 emissions in the atmosphere, thus becoming a more and more sustainable alternative. As a matter of fact, composites for automotive in carbon fibre can be up to 50% lighter than aluminium and even 75% lighter than steel.
Thanks to a decade of experience in this sector, Microtex Composites is the ideal partner for applications including warm parts, tooling and flame retardancy. In particular, we are highly qualified for the manufacture of structural components for interior and exterior design, such as carbon look and body work parts, always adhering to Class A standards.
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Microtex solutions for Automotive
E4-195
E4-195 is a toughened thermosetting epoxy prepreg resin system designed specifically for a wide range of structural components in automotive, aerospace and industrial applications.
| DMA E' onset Tg (°C) | Cure range (°C) | Post-cure | Shelf-life @ -18° | Out-life @ 21° |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 210 | 80-160 | 2h 180°C | 12 months | 6 weeks |
E3-150
E3 MATRIX SERIES is a thermosetting epoxy matrix family with process temperatures ranging from 70°C to 140°C; designed for structural applications and available in several product variants. The viscosity of the system offers processing flexibility and a wide range of handling characteristics.
| DMA E' onset Tg (°C) | Cure range (°C) | Shelf-life @ -18° | Out-life @ 21° | Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 130 | 80-130 | 12 months | 4 weeks | Autoclave |
X1-151
X1-151 is a controlled flow epoxy resin system designed for versatile temperature cure to manufacture composite components requiring a high quality cosmetic finish.
| DMA E' onset Tg (°C) | Cure range (°C) | Shelf-life @ -18° | Out-life @ 21° | Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 151 | 130 | 12 months | 4 weeks | Autoclave |
X1-120
X1 MATRIX series is a thermosetting epoxy matrix series with high cosmetic results and is available in several product variants.
| DMA E' onset Tg (°C) | Cure range (°C) | Shelf-life @ -18° | Out-life @ 21° | Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 115 | 80-140 | 12 months | 4 weeks | Autoclave |
R2-150 for press curing
R2-150 MATRIX is a fast curing thermosetting epoxy prepreg resin, with allows short cure cycles in the process temperature range of 120°C to 150°C. The anticipated processing is by hot press moulding. The cured resin is clear and offers good cosmetic results with selected reinforcements, notably carbon fibre fabrics.
| DMA E' onset Tg (°C) | Cure range (°C) | Shelf-life @ -18° | Out-life @ 21° | Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 140 | 120-150 | 12 months | 4 weeks | Press |
X4-140
X4-140 MATRIX is a 130°C curing epoxy matrix specifically designed for achieving a high quality, resin rich surface finish in composites, to 'Class A' standards. It is a transparent matrix, with non-yellowing properties (excellent UV and Heat resistance), and high Tg.
| DMA E' onset Tg (°C) | Cure range (°C) | Shelf-life @ -18° | Out-life @ 21° | Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 130 | 110-130 | 12 months | 4 weeks | Autoclave |
X4-160
X4-160 MATRIX is a thermosetting epoxy matrix family with process temperatures ranging from 110°C to 160°C with wide curing and processing options. The system has high cosmetic results, high thermal resistance and high Tg.
| DMA E' onset Tg (°C) | Cure range (°C) | Shelf-life -18° | Out-life 21° | Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 140 | 110-140 | 12 months | 4 weeks | Autoclave |
X3-170
X3-170 MATRIX is a thermosetting epoxy matrix family with process temperatures ranging from 100°C to 170°C with wide curing and processing options. The system has high cosmetic results1, high thermal resistance and high Tg.
| DMA E' onset Tg (°C) | Cure range (°C) | Shelf-life @ -18° | Out-life @ 21° | Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 145 | 110-140 | 12 months | 4 weeks | Autoclave |
X1-161
high-performance epoxy resin system developed for the manufacture of composite components requiring an excellent cosmetic surface finish and high glass transition temperature (Tg). The system is particularly suited for high-end automotive applications where both aesthetic quality and thermal performance are critical. A maximum DMA Tg of 160°C can be achieved using the standard 135°C cure cycle, providing excellent thermal stability for demanding service environments. X1-161 exhibits very good resistance to UV exposure and elevated temperatures, ensuring long-term durability and surface appearance retention. The system is available on a range of lightweight surface plies to optimise cosmetic finish, as well as selected heavier reinforcement fabrics to support different structural and manufacturing requirements.
| DMA E' onset Tg (°C) | Cure range (°C) | Post-Cure Range (°C) | Shelf-life @ -18° | Out-life @ 21° | Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 160 | 80-140 | 80-140 | 12 months | 4 weeks | Autoclave |
X1-304
X1-300 is a 130°C curing matrix for FST applications designed to deliver good performances and aesthetic features laminates whilst meeting demanding fire requirements. This resin system complies with the Standard UL94-V03, FAR/ JAR25.8532 for some specific configurations. FST third party lab certifications are available upon request.
| DMA E' onset Tg (°C) | Cure range (°C) | Shelf-life @ -18° | Out-life @ 21° | Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 115 | 100-130 | 12 months | 3 weeks | Autoclave |
X1-304
X1-304 is a 130°C curing matrix for FST applications designed to deliver good performances and aesthetic features laminates whilst meeting demanding fire requirements. This resin system complies with the Standard UL94-V03, FAR/ JAR25.8532 for some specific configurations. FST third party lab certifications are available upon request.
| DMA E' onset Tg (°C) | Cure range (°C) | Shelf-life @ -18° | Out-life @ 21° | Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 115 | 100-130 | 12 months | 3 weeks | Autoclave |
X1-351
High-performance thermoset resin for high-temperature applications, combining excellent thermal resistance, flame retardancy, and surface quality. Suitable for visible or painted components, it offers low emissions during processing, good compatibility with standard reinforcements, and reliable mechanical performance under heat exposure.
| DMA E' onset Tg (°C) | Cure range (°C) | Shelf-life @ -18° | Out-life @ 21° | Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 160 | 130-150 | 12 months | 4 weeks | Autoclave |
