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 (Bristol, U.K.) is introducing Quantum-ESC, a carbon fiber sheet molding compound (SMC) material produced by LyondellBasell (LYB) in Germany.

Matrix has been a supplier to the U.K. composites industry since 1997, and is known for stocking Sicomin epoxies, Armacell PET and Hexcel reinforcements. Taking on a prepreg product such as carbon fiber SMC is a major development for the company, and has involved building a freezer in its Bristol warehouse. As with all Matrix’s products, the company intends to have the Quantum-ESC material available from stock in small and large quantities.

Quantum-ESC is based on a vinyl ester hybrid, zero-styrene resin. The product features very high flow, enabling complex shapes not possible in traditional prepreg fabrics. Tool loading is reported to be a matter of seconds, and cure times can be as little as 5-10 min.

Although most effective when processed in a hot press, the SMC can also be processed in an autoclave. The material can be co-molded with epoxy prepreg, offering a cost-effective heavyweight backing to carbon fiber tooling.