Application of Aliphatic Epoxy in Composite Materials

Based on cycloaliphatic epoxy resin features like low viscosity, good processability, high heat resistance, small curing shrinkage, good electrical properties, excellent UV resistance, and good weatherability, cycloaliphatic epoxy resins can be used in composite materials that require high weather resistance, high heat resistance, and high insulation.

Cycloaliphatic Epoxy Resins Used in High Weather Resistance Composite Materials

Due to the unique synthesis method of cycloaliphatic epoxy resins, no aromatic ether bonds are introduced during the synthesis process, making it very difficult for quinone groups to form during long-term aging. Therefore, the UV resistance is extremely excellent and has been validated by decades of outdoor use.

The photovoltaic frame is an important component of solar photovoltaic modules. It serves to encapsulate materials like battery cells, glass, and back planes, enhances the strength of the module, facilitates transportation, installation, and protection of the photovoltaic module. The product offered by cycloaliphatic epoxy resin manufacturers needs to have strong load-bearing capacity and corrosion resistance. The performance of the photovoltaic frame directly affects the installation and service life of the battery module.

The mainstream photovoltaic frame is an aluminum frame. With the continuous rise in the price of electrolytic aluminum, the global carbon neutrality goals set, and the continuous development of offshore photovoltaics, there is an urgent need for lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and cost-reduction solutions. Therefore, composite material frames have emerged. The mainstream composite material frame system currently introduced is aromatic polyurethane/glass fiber pultrusion profile + weather-resistant coating system, relying on the coating to meet the 25-year weather resistance requirement.

Considering further cost reduction and achieving weather resistance from the substrate material itself, based on the characteristics of cycloaliphatic epoxy resins, a cycloaliphatic epoxy-anhydride system can be used for pultrusion frames without the need for coatings.

The following table shows the performance data of S06E + anhydride + toughening agent after curing. From the data, it can be seen that cycloaliphatic epoxy resins can meet the requirements of weather resistance, 85 double aging resistance, and flame retardance from the matrix material.

Cycloaliphatic Epoxy Resins Used in High Heat Resistance Composite Materials

Due to the high crosslinking density of the cured product of cycloaliphatic epoxy and anhydride or cation, the cured product has excellent heat resistance, and the glass transition temperature can reach above 200°C. It can be used with bisphenol-A type epoxy resin for pultrusion and winding products that require high heat resistance, such as insulating rods, high-temperature sucker rods, resin cable cores, high-temperature gas cylinders, and pipelines.

Cycloaliphatic Epoxy Resins Used in High Insulation Composite Materials

Unlike bisphenol-A type epoxy resin, the epoxy groups in cycloaliphatic epoxy resins are prepared from olefin intermediates through a peroxidation reaction, not from epichlorohydrin. Therefore, the chlorine ion content is low, the dielectric loss is extremely low, and the volume resistivity is high. When exposed to a high-voltage arc, cycloaliphatic epoxy resin decomposes only into small molecule volatiles like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water, and does not produce free carbon that can form conductive pathways, thereby having excellent track resistance and arc resistance. Therefore, in the electrical industry, laminate, or copper-clad laminate sectors, cycloaliphatic epoxy resins can be applied to improve insulation performance. Whether you're sourcing cycloaliphatic epoxy resins or specialty epoxy resins, Tetra offers a variety of styles that cater to diverse tastes.