Low Density Structural RIM: Glass Mat Reinforced Structural Foam for Interior Trim Applications

ICI Polyurethanes has developed a series of structural reaction injection molding resins for automotive interior trim applications. These new resin systems are CFC-free polyurethane foams specifically designed for glass mat reinforcement. These light weight composites can be described as low density structural RIM, LD-SRIM. LD-SRIM can offer a weight reduction of 50% over competitive materials with similar physical properties in applications such as door panels. A LD-SRIM composite with 20% glass reinforcement and a specific gravity of 0.55 g/cm³ has a flexural modulus of 2370 MPa. The LD-SRIM process has several benefits such as the consolidation of manufacturing steps achieved through molding in fasteners or decorative materials and the design flexibility inherent to liquid molding technology.