Asahi Kasei to present easy-to-process particle foam for composite foam core applications at JEC World 2025
Japanese technology company Asahi Kasei will exhibit its mPPE particle beads foam SunForce™ at the upcoming JEC World 2025, the leading international exhibition for composite applications, from March 4-6, 2025, in Paris. Its combination of high processability and outstanding design flexibility makes it an optimal solution as foam core or sandwich material of composite applications.
Recently, the number of applications of composite materials using foam cores is expanding to reduce weight and increase the stiffness of parts in various industries. However, autoclave methods, such as PCM (Prepreg Compression Moulding) and RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding) used for manufacturing composite materials generally require high heat resistance of over 100°C in the composite process. Therefore, the number of applicable foams is limited, and most of the high-heat-resistant foams are in sheet form, requiring pre-cutting, which leads to high processing costs and poor productivity.
At the JEC World 2025, Asahi Kasei will present SunForce™, a particle beads foam based on the engineering plastic m-PPE (modified polyphenylene ether). This foam features a heat resistance, dimensional stability, low water absorption from the modified PPE, in addition to lightweight, thermal insulation, and formability originating from the bead foam.
SunForce™ beads can be moulded by in-mould foaming, utilising the steam chest mouding process. This process, in combination with the small-sized beads, allows for the medium- to high-volume production of composite core parts with accurate, complex and curved shapes and without the need for additional milling. In addition, m-PPE resin features a low-water absorption.
SunForce™ can be used as foam core or sandwich material for composite applications in the medical, industrial, aeronautical or sports industry.
Asahi Kasei will exhibit at Booth 6U89.
About Asahi Kasei
Since its founding in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fibre businesses, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 49,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to a sustainable society by providing solutions to the world’s challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. Its Material sector, comprised of Environmental Solutions, Mobility & Industrial, and Life Innovation, includes a wide array of products from battery separators and biodegradable textiles to engineering plastics and sound solutions.
Cover photo: Demonstrator of a blade made of Sunforce, moulded core (source: Asahi Kasei)
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