PRF Composite Materials RP542-4

Properties

Physical Form

Fabric

Product families

Other characteristics

Functions

Prepreg

Polymer Name

Epoxy Resins & Compounds

Processing Methods

Compression Molding, Prepreg Processing, Rolling, Vacuum Bagging; • Vacuum bag • Autoclave • Press molding • Tube rolling • Pressure bag

Reinforcement Material

Carbon Fibers

Markets

• Automotive & Transportation
• Industrial

Storage

This product should be stored in refrigerated conditions. Shelf life is 6 months at below -5°C or 12 months at below -18°C.

Cure Cycle

Laminates with honeycomb core Elevate temperatures at 2 - 5°C per minute up to 120°C. Hold the final temperature for 1 hour then allow the component to cool naturally inside the oven/autoclave before demoulding. Vacuum bagged monolythic laminates Elevate temperature at 3 - 5°C per minute up to 120°C, hold for 1 hour then allow the component to cool naturally inside the oven/autoclave before demoulding. Press molded monolythic laminates RP-542-4 system may be applied directly to hot press molds at temperatures up to 130°C. The cure time at the highest temperature will be approximately 45 minutes. The mold and component temperatures should be cooled to below 80°C before demouding. It is important, when manufacturing honeycomb sandwich panels without the use of adhesive films, to increase the resin content on the fabric plies being used as the first layers against the honeycomb. This ensures enough resin is available for the formation of the resin filet between the honeycomb and the skins.. Post cure cycle A post cure can be carried out if the maximum Tg is required. The recommended post cure cycle is to ramp the temperature to 120°C at 1-2°C/minute and hold for 1 hour. Tg after this time will be 120-125°C (measured by DSC).

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Processing

RP542-4 prepreg resin system may be processed at room temperature using established prepreg molding techniques on properly prepared molds. The cure cycle depends on the construction of the component and processing method. If honeycomb core is used in the part, the temperature ramp should be increased at a slower rate to enable a controlled flow of the resin to form a filet between the core and skin. Recommended cure cycle is to ramp from ambient to 120°C at 1-2°C/minute and then dwell for 1 hour. Part should then be allowed to cool naturally before demoulding. Alternative cure temperatures are in testing.

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Technology

Composite Materials

Main Features

• Excellent surface finish • Core bondable • Standard Cure 80°C - 120°C • Service Temperature up to 120°C • Peak Tg 138°C : 1 hour 120°C : DMA • Controlled flow system • Out life 60 days at 20°C • Available on most of PRF's reinforcement fabrics

Material Features

• Excellent Toughness
• Good Impact Strength
• Good Surface Finish

Reinforcement Form

• Unidirectional Fabric
• Woven Fabric

Composite Materials Functions

Prepreg

Composites Processing Methods

• Compression Molding
• Prepreg Processing
• Rolling
• Vacuum Bagging