Ford Motor Company's '98 Explorers are lighter and cost less to produce thanks to a thermoset composite material developed by Quantum Composites. The QPC-1977 structural molding compound, which combines a high-temperature hybrid thermoset resin with 50% glass, was compression molded into a shield to protect the vehicle's muffler and rear exhaust system while reflecting heat away from the fuel system. The shield can endure temperatures up to 700°C, retains its shape, resists underbody impacts, cures quickly, and has low tooling costs.