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Japanese company MGC sets up unit to enter advanced composites market

25 Jun '21

2 min read

Pic: Shutterstock

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC) has established Nexx Technologies Advanced Materials Business Unit, marking its entry into the advanced composites market. Nexx is to function within MGC America (MGCA), a subsidiary in the United States. MGC has developed a unique portfolio of advanced composite materials for all kinds of customers and market segments.

"This is a very exciting time for us," expressed MGCA vice president Shoji Matsukawa. "For many years, we have wanted to participate in the advanced composites market space. In mid-2019, we realised this goal with the opportunity to move our business into the advanced composites arena while staying in line with our strategy focused on the mobility and transportation market sectors."

Nexx Technologies will also be introducing a range of thermoset and thermoplastic platforms covering the majority of the performance range. "The focus will be on high-performance segments covering many aerospace, space and urban air mobility applications for both structural and Radome performance," Matsukawa continued.

MGC's new line of composite materials includes modified epoxy platforms that don't require frozen storage. Customers will see immediate cost savings by not needing refrigerated transit, freezer storage, and onerous out-time tracking. "In addition to eliminating out-time restrictions and frozen storage requirements, our prepreg materials utilise a unique architecture allowing for Z-directional breathing, dramatically reducing the need for complicated debulk steps and, in many cases, autoclave processing," shared Joseph Kidd, GM - NEXX Technologies.

"As we've entered the market with NT-350, customer feedback has been very positive. We've seen examples of very thick laminates being produced with as many as 34 plies, and achieving less than one per cent void content without complicated debulk or autoclave processing. It's an exciting time and we look forward to the future and the success of our customers," Kidd said.

Nexx Technologies Advanced Materials is located in southern California with administrative headquarters within Mitsubishi Gas Chemical America located in NYC.

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