New applications for composites in under-the-hood closure systems such as engine valve covers, transmission side covers, oil pans, and timing chain covers are developing rapidly. The primary driving forces are lighter weight of finished components, integrated designs, improved isolation of engine noise, improved materials systems, and matured manufacturing processes for composite materials. Thermoset-based composite materials, especially those based on high-temperature resistant epoxy vinylester matrices, offer improved elevatedtemperature performance with respect to thermoplastic composites.
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