When the new Airbus A350 XWB (XWB stands for eXtra Wide Body) takes off on its maiden flight in two years time, this will also represent a milestone for the composites industry. 50% of the fuselage of the wide-bodied aircraft, which is being developed as a competitor to the Boeing 787, is made of composite materials. Last summer, Airbus purchased Read Full Post
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.
Block material is usually used for the manufacture of ultra firm, lighter weight carbon composites. This involves the curing of a combination of epoxy resins, micro glass spheres and a curing agent in an autoclave. When curing the pre-impregnated carbon fibres, a composite laminate is produced in the same shape as the original model. This in turn forms the basis for the pertinent carbon component. Epoxy based composite materials have become the norm especially for high speed use, for example in Formula 1.
Block materials are also becoming the norm not only in high-tech applications, such as those for speedy runabouts, but also in other industries. In addition to the customary automobile industry, examples can also be found in railway and ship building as well as in aviation. In addition, companies in the wind energy sector are increasingly relying on the blocks that are stuck together from slabs in defined standard sizes. At the Composites Europe Trade Fair, which will take place in Stuttgart from 27 to 29 October 2009, high-tech as well as routine applications will be on display.
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