Kenneth Earl Atkins

SMC: Thinner - Smoother - Tougher A New Generation of Low Profile Additives

The automotive industrys need for thinner, smoother and tougher low profile sheet molding compound (SMC) composites for the evolving body panel parts of the 1980s has prompted the development of Union Carbide Low Profile Additives XLP-4514 and XLP-8521. Composites utiliz ing these aditives have provided Class A surface characteristics at 80 mils thickness and above on developmental deck lid tools. Also improved surfaces on commercial parts such as a variety of models of grill opening panels, truck hoods, etc. have been observed. These studies were conducted using computer assisted experimental designs and results-analysis to ensure valid conclusions.