Prepreg technology

Prepregs based, for example, on Hexcel Composites MIO and SP s SE84 resin system, both of which can be cured in the mid 80C, Hexcel s 75 C curing M34 and other similar products, are making prepreg technology more accessible. 

SPRINT allows heavier weight reinforeement to be used when compared with prepreg technology and conforms readily during proeessing. Resin flow is more easily eontrolled than in the resin infusion process and the resin only has to flow through the thickness of the fiber to achieve full impregnation. 

A recent introduction to prepreg technology is the use of a resin system such as 3M s Scotchply SP 381, which can be used in a one side tacky (OST) form. Processing using a vacuum bag enables an easy path for air to exit between the plies prior to resin saturation and achieve a composite with less than 0.4% voids using only a vacuum cure. 

Hexcel (2005), Prepreg Technology Publication No. FGU 017b, March 2005, Published by Hexcel Corporation. 

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