Completely hard – thanks to epoxy resin
14 September 2009 | By Angela in Aerospace Industry, Composite production, Exhibitors, Innovation
Epoxy resins are the elixir for numerous composite applications. They consist of polymers, which together with suitable hardeners produce a duroplastic plastic of high strength and chemical stability. When epoxy resin and hardener are mixed, after a specific time, curing of the originally viscose mixture takes place. Depending on the formulation and temperature, this time span can take a few minutes or may last several hours. In some cases, the curing time may also take several months.
The Krempel-Group, from Vaihingen, offers with the BD system, prepregs that are based on modified epoxy resins with high impact resistance and excellent dynamic properties. These can be processed into high strength structural components with all standard processes. The curing range is between 85 and 140 degrees Celsius, the maximum dimensional stability under heat is 125 degrees Celsius.
The BX prepreg system has an extremely wide curing range from 55 to 185 degrees Celsius and thus fulfils the demands for a low pressure/low temperature prepreg. It is suitable for the production of structural components as well as for composite fibre tools with a dimensional stability under heat of up to 180 degrees Celsius. Here again, all current processing methods can be employed. At the Composites Europe (CE) trade fair, which will be held from 27 to 29 October 2009 in Stuttgart, Krempel will present a range of its latest developments.
So that epoxy and polyurethane resins as well as modelling and adhesive pastes are employed in the right blend, two component metering and mixing systems are required, such as those produced by Tartler GmbH from Lützelbach – who is also exhibiting at Composites Europe (CE). The company has developed powerful and flexible two-component mixing systems especially for the economic production of rotor blades for wind power stations.
A new nano-hardened epoxy adhesive paste with excellent mechanical characteristics for joining and repairing aircraft structures of metal and composite material has been developed by Huntsman Advanced Materials GmbH from Basel, Switzerland. Araldite EP1000AB noticeably exceeds the aircraft specifications for low temperatures, room temperature and relatively high temperatures. Due to simple handling and a long shelf life, the material also provides very promising options for additional applications.
According to Huntsman, they are the market leader for resin-hardening systems for the composites industry based on epoxy resins, bismalelmide, cyanide tester, benzoxacine and polyurethane systems. The company is a supplier of adhesive systems and liquid resin systems for the stated processes, including prepreg manufacture, as well as being a supplier for the formulators with a portfolio for the composites industry. Apart from aviation, important markets are in the automobile, wind energy, conventional energies, sports and leisure sectors.
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