Abstract:
Process for producing a composite material comprising depositing a prepreg containing a radiation initiated curing agent onto a mould using automated apparatus and applying heat and second source radiation to at least partially cure the prepreg at least simultaneously with the deposition of the prepreg. Also epoxy resin formulations of a mixture of a liquid epoxy resin and a solid or semi-solid epoxy resin containing a photoinitiator are used as the matrix in prepregs which are cured or partially cured by radiation to avoid the need for thermal cure in an oven. The formulation is particularly useful in the production of wind turbine blades especially in an automated process. Additionally an automated tape laying apparatus comprising compaction device, a heat source and a second radiation source.
Abstract:
Amino benzoates have been found to be useful curing agents for epoxy resins particularly para amino benzoates containing at least two primary amine groups and at least two carboxyl moieties, the amino benzoates are particularly useful as curatives in prepregs.
Abstract:
A moulding material comprising a fibrous reinforcement layer and a curable resin matrix. The fibrous reinforcement layer comprises a non-woven fabric comprising a single layer of unidirectional tows arranged at an angle greater than 0° in relation to the lengthwise direction of the fabric and a support structure for maintaining the arrangement of the tows.
Abstract:
A composite material, the composite material comprising at least one prepreg, said prepreg comprising at least one polymeric resin and at least one fibrous reinforcement; and conducting particles dispersed in the polymeric resin.
Abstract:
A resin material is provided which comprises at least one thermoset resin, carbon conductive additive material, and at least one thermoplastic polymer resin. The thermoplastic polymer resin dissolves in the thermoset polymer resin and phase separates upon cure. There is also provided a method of making the resin material, and additionally a composite material that comprising said resin material in combination with a fibrous reinforcement. The resin material and composite material may each be used in an uncured or cured form, and may find particular use as a prepreg material.
Abstract:
A structure or laminate comprising a fibrous reinforcement material and a reinforcement resin material are described, wherein the structure or laminate further comprises a tack material, the tack material increasing the surface tack of the structure or laminate over a tack temperature range of from −10° C. to 50° C. in comparison to the original surface tack of the structure or laminate in the absence of the tack material over the same tack temperature range.
Abstract:
Bisorthohydroxy aromatic urones and their use as curatives and cure accelerators in resin systems particularly epoxy resin systems provide formulations with good outlife, low curing temperatures and desirable glass transition temperatures after curing, they are particularly useful in prepregs used in the production of components for the aerospace and wind turbine industries.
Abstract:
The host compound in a clathrate is an amino or hydroxyl containing aromatic phosphorous compound, clathrates containing a resin curative and their use in curable resin compositions to produce moulded articles particularly fibre reinforced articles.
Abstract:
An assembly (113) for composite manufacture is provided. The assembly comprises a cured resin impregnated reinforcement material (112) comprising a fibre component and a resin matrix component, in which the resin matrix component comprises polyurethane, the assembly having a length to width ratio of at least 5:1, and the assembly defining a longitudinal direction (L) along its length; and a peel ply (116) in contact with the cured resin impregnated reinforcement material (112), the peel ply (116) comprising a woven layer having a plurality of longitudinal fibres (118) extending in the longitudinal direction (L); and a plurality of transverse fibres (120) extending in a transverse direction (T) normal to the longitudinal direction (L); in which the areal density of the plurality of transverse fibres (120) is higher than the areal density of the plurality of longitudinal fibres (118).
Abstract:
A moulding material which comprises: (a) a structural reinforcement layer comprising a fibrous reinforcement material optionally in combination with a second resin composition; and (b) a surface enhancing layer, for contacting a surface of a mould or tool, comprising a first non-woven fibre carrier in combination with a first resin composition containing a rheology modifier and a curing agent, wherein the first resin composition provides an external mould or tool-contacting surface of the moulding material. The moulding material can be cured to form a moulded article having a high quality surface finish that requires minimal preparation before painting and/or application in its intended use. The moulded article may be provided with sacrificial discontinuous indicator means to assist in uniform removal of a part of the surface enhancing layer of the moulded article for specific applications.