3M’s nano-silica filled, 3M™ Powerlux™ resin system improves interlaminar shear & compression strength, the first nano-resin to demonstrate real structural improvements in rigorous carbon fibre coupon testing. We were able to reduce frame weight for the same strength. Compared to more common nano-rubber filled epoxy resins (“toughened” resin systems), which increase toughness at the expense of interlaminar shear strength and compression strength, 3M’s new resin system improves all three properties – but as a premium material, it’s used in the Rca in a few critical areas only.