Europe – The epoxy resin has been specified by the vehicle-maker for the manufacture of structural composite parts for its all-electric vehicle in volume production.
Huntsman materials will be used for the side frame as well as other composite components which are assembled to form the ‘life module’ or passenger cell of the i3. The structural components are manufactured using high-pressure resin transfer moulding (HP-RTM).
The process involves making 3D dry carbon stack preforms using Araldite LT 3366 as a binder powered on the surface of the reinforcements. Huntsman’s Araldite LY 3585/Hardener XB 3458 is then injected at high pressure into the mould. The product cures quickly, enabling rapid and cost-effective parts manufacture.
Huntsman materials will also be used on BMW’s upcoming i8 model, which will enter production later this year.