CAMX 2021: Cimbar Performance Materials
Cimbar Performance Materials’ halogen-free ATH solution for thermoset applications reduces resin costs in formulation, provides better wetout and faster line speeds and improves mold flow.
Cimbar Performance Minerals’ (Chatsworth, Ga., U.S.) OptiLoad “Optimum Loading” alumina trihydrate (ATH) series includes specially designed products suitable for a variety of demanding thermoset composite applications. According to the company, there is a growing need for specialty ATH products that provide low viscosity behavior at higher loadings. OptiLoad is reportedly free of halogenated flame retardants, meets or exceeds ASTM E84-Class A, UL 94 VO & 5VA, reduces resin costs in formulation, provides better wetout and faster line speeds and improves mold flow.
As Cimbar claims, the higher loading potential of OptiLoad products in comparison to standard and competitive ATH grades provides lower flame spread and reduces smoke properties, as well as resin cost savings in a variety of thermoset composite components.
The OptiLoad ATH lineup includes:
- OptiLoad LV-21: Suitable for SMC, BMC applications, this solutions offers high loading up to 400 phr, UL 723/ASTM E84 0-50 Smoke and maintains good mold flow.
- OptiLoad LV-45: Can be applied to SMC, BMC, hand layup, spray layup and urethane applications, and has a high loading/smoother surface, is low smoke (exceed E84 - Class A) and reportedly saves on resin costs.
- OptiLoad LV-110: Offered for pultrusion, RTM and vacuum bag molding. Is low smoke (exceed E84 - Class A), has excellent wetout in resin and low settling
- OptiLoad LV-410 XP: Suitable for pultrusion, RTM, vacuum infusion and resin pre-blends, this solution is said to have good flow in 60+% fiberglass systems and optimized resin stability, is low smoke (exceed E84 - Class A) and offers faster line speeds.
Cimbar says that OptiLoad is more stable than standard ATH solutions; it exhibits 100 phr ATH in low viscosity resin stored at 250ºC after 96 hours, as well as little to no settling.
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