Make composites faster & cleaner.

Savings of 18-75% over conventional laminating times are claimed for new ceramic-filled materials systems and for special glass veils that permit "wet-on-wet" lay-up. These were just two of the new materials and equipment entries at the fall Composites '95 show of the Composites Fabricators Association in Anaheim, Calif. Other developments include new low-VOC laminating resins and gelcoats, thermal-shock-resistant marble resins, and new equipment for RTM and spray-up.

CERAMIC-BASED MATERIALS

A new line of ceramic-based composite materials is being offered by the Magnum Ceramic Composites Div. of Magnum Industries, Clearwater, Fla. The materials have low styrene content and are filled with ceramic particles that minimize shrinkage and increase thermal stability. The materials have been used in both spray-up and RTM.

These materials reportedly can produce FRP tooling in 75% less time, with lower weight, and at lower cost than standard tooling methods. One tooling material, Phoenix TOL-1055, can be applied in thick layers without excessive heat and shrinkage. Typical tools can be manufactured in one day, with reinforcement added the second day, Magnum says.

Another material, Phoenix 0770-LF laminating resin, is based on a high-heat isophthalic resin and ceramic filler. Also available are multi-purpose ceramic-filled barrier materials used behind the gelcoat to reduce air voids. Phoenix SHLD-1050 brushable compound is formulated for void prevention in tight radii. It allows the fabricator to apply chopped glass into wet material without glass "spring-back." Sprayable SHLD-1045 provides increased blister protection.

High-HDT, low-shrink Phoenix LCR-5155 resin is a blend of isophthalic and DCPD resins formulated to provide better wet-out and higher strength than typical isophthalic laminating resins. The high HDT is suitable for dark-colored parts that will be exposed to the sun, Magnum says.

Magnum also supplies a rolling-drum mixer to blend the resin and filler, as well as special airless spray-up equipment designed to handle the highly filled, viscous, and abrasive mix.