Additives and films for manufacturing SMC composites

Additives and films for manufacturing SMC composites

Wednesday, 13 November, 2024

SMC (sheet moulding compound) and BMC (bulk moulding compound) composites are compound materials made from thermostable resins, typically unsaturated polyester (UP) or vinyl ester (VE), combined with mineral fillers, fibreglass reinforcement, and other ingredients such as thickeners, catalysts, release agents and pigments. These pre-impregnated materials are compacted between two plastic films, ensuring complete impregnation and precise thickness control, before being formed into rolls. The rolls are then stored to achieve the desired viscosity and thickness during a maturation process. SMC/BMC composites are typically compression moulded under high pressure.

These composites are used to produce components with excellent mechanical properties, high surface quality, and outstanding durability. Additionally, the resulting parts offer good performance at high temperatures, excellent electrical insulation and sealing properties, and a lower weight compared to alternative materials.

Initially, SMC and BMC composites were developed for applications in the aerospace and aeronautics industries. Today, however, their use has expanded to sectors such as automotive, construction and transportation, as well as precision medical and healthcare equipment, and even domestic and sporting applications.

To support the production of SMC, we offer the following additives and films:

LUVATOL: Magnesium oxide and hydroxide pastes for controlling viscosity during the maturation process of the rolls. These additives help achieve the desired thickness and consistency before pressing to create the final product. Multiple grades of magnesium oxide/hydroxide are available depending on the desired reactivity. Special grades are also available that comply with food contact regulations.
TRENNFILM: A coextruded PE/PA/PE film designed for controlling the thickness of SMC. This film offers high tensile strength, easy release properties and impermeability to styrene monomer.

These products are manufactured by our partner Lehmann & Voss, a chemical company headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, with over 125 years of expertise. The company specialises in the production and sale of chemical and mineral specialities, as well as providing technical advice.

For further information about these products, please contact our team of technical sales advisors.

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