Polinox’s Recommendations When Selecting Peroxide for RTM

November 06 2017

Polinox supported the organization of an event about Fast RTM in Brazil. Indicated for the production of composite parts consumed by automakers, the technology is an evolution of the traditional RTM process – in general, it combines high-pressure RTM with the compression system.

In Brazil, RTM holds a 12% share in the ranking of molding technologies, according to the latest survey of the Latin American Composite Materials Association (ALMACO). It may seem little, but it is the automated process most used in the country, ahead of filament winding (9%), continuous lamination (7%), infusion (6%), pultrusion (5%) and BMC/SMC (5%).

In terms of raw materials, just as resins and reinforcements proper for RTM must be specified, the situation is no different with peroxides. Andrade recommends molders to use an acetyl acetone (AAP) peroxide in the RTM process – in the case of Polinox, Brasnox AAP. “AAP increases geltime, allowing the resin to be injected all over the mold surface. Then, once the resin has gelled, polymerization rapidly occurs, thus allowing for a quick mold release.”

According to Polinox’s industrial manager, another benefit from AAP is that it ensures a much faster mold release time compared to other peroxides. However, if the manufacturer wants to shorten the geltime of the resin, the best alternative is to resort to a blend.