Composites Evolution to Display Ecopreg Products for Mass Transport
- 3rd March 2015
- Composites Evolution
- Reading time: about 2 minutes
Composites Evolution will display a range of Ecopreg products designed for the mass transport industry at JEC Europe 2015.
Ecopreg Glass/PFA is a sustainable, fire-safe prepreg material that provides a greener alternative to conventional phenolic prepregs. Their key innovation is the use of a 100% bio-based polyfurfuryl alcohol (PFA) resin system. PFA resins have similar mechanical and fire properties to phenolics, but are water-based and are 100%-derived from waste agricultural biomass and therefore doesn’t have the associated health risks of formaldehyde (which is a toxin and known human carcinogen) and VOC emissions.
Prototypes have been manufactured, including an aircraft locker door, industrial enclosure and train cable tray, which highlight the benefits of the material in each application. Whilst offering a combination of light weight, high mechanical properties and low environmental impact, the prepreg also offers excellent fire retardant properties, which is critical in each of the above applications.
Composites Evolution currently offers Ecopreg with two particular grades of glass: a 300g/m2 7781 style woven glass fabric with 40% resin content that is typically used for aircraft interiors, including sandwich panels, and an 840g/m2 8 harness satin woven glass fabric with 40% resin content that is typically used for rail, offshore and industrial applications.
The prepregs can be consolidated by vacuum bagging, autoclave or press moulding. Ecopreg is designed for use by composite component manufacturers for parts which require stringent flame, smoke and/or toxicity performance at a higher temperature. These include:
- Aerospace: galley furniture, trolleys, lockers, decorative panels, sandwich panels
- Offshore/Marine: pipe covers, fire protection, bulkheads
- Construction: interior partitioning and profiles
Composites Evolution will display the prepreg and products in Hall 7.3, stand G70.
About the author
Composites Evolution
Composites Evolution is a dynamic and agile UK-based manufacturer of prepregs for lightweight composite structures. We are dedicated to supporting our customers, and our goal is to be your number one partner for specialist prepregs, through world-leading innovation, sustainability, customer service and responsiveness.
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