Toray TC346 New
- Chemical Family
- Epoxy & Epoxy Derivatives
Toray TC346 is a high temperature epoxy component prepreg developed for structural Applicationss within Formula 1 and high performance automotive. Toray TC346 is designed to deliver enhanced compression properties to manufactured parts while maintaining a good fracture toughness. When exposed to elevated temperature environments, TC346 composites demonstrate excellent retention of mechanical performance.
Properties
- Physical Form
- Prepreg
Product families
Applications
- Chassis & Brake
- Exterior & Body
- Interior
- Powertrain & UTH
Product Families
- Thermoset Prepregs
Other characteristics
- Functions
- Prepreg
- Polymer Name
- Epoxy Resins & Compounds
- Processing Methods
- Prepreg Processing
- Markets
- Automotive & Transportation
- Exotherm
In certain circumstances, such as the production of thick section laminates rapid heat-up rates or highly insulating masters, Toray TC346 can undergo exothermic heating leading to rapid temperature rise and component degradation in extreme cases. Where this is likely, a cure incorporating an intermediate dwell is recommended in order to minimize the risk.
- Product Type
135°C (275°F) to 180°C (356°F) Cure High Temperature Epoxy Component Prepreg
- Technology
- Composite Materials
- Processing Method
Following removal from refrigerated storage, allow the prepreg to reach room temperature before opening the polythene bag, to avoid moisture condensation. Typically, the thaw time for a full roll of material will be 4 to 6 hours. Cut patterns to size and lay-up the laminate in line with design instructions taking care not to distort the prepreg. If necessary, the tack of the prepreg may be increased by gentle warming with hot air. The lay-up should be vacuum debulked at regular intervals using a P3 (pin pricked) release film on the prepreg surface; a vacuum of 948 mbar (28 in Hg) is applied for 10 minutes. For autoclave cures, use of a nonperforated release film on the prepreg surface trimmed to within 25–30 mm of the prepreg edge is recommended for the cure cycle and a vacuum bag should be installed using standard techniques.
- Material Features
- Excellent Toughness
- Good Mechanical Properties
- HIGHLIGHTS
Tg 208°C (406°F) after 180°C (356°F) cure cycle; Structural system—mechanical performance optimized for compression, short-beam shear, fracture toughness; Excellent retention of properties at elevated temperatures; Toughened system—good interlaminar fracture toughness energy achieved without significant compromise of compression properties; Controlled tack level to aid laminating; Controlled resin flow during recommended cure cycle; 21-day out life at 20°C (68°F); 12-month storage life at -18°C (0°F)
- Recommended Applications
- Motorsport & Formula 1
- Automotive
- Composite Materials Functions
- Prepreg
- Composites Processing Methods
- Prepreg Processing
- Product Safety and Shelf Life
Observe established precautions for handling epoxy resins and fibrous materials—wear gloves.; Out Life: 21 days at 20°C (68°F); Storage Life: 12 months at -18°C (0°F); Out life is the maximum time allowed at room temperature before cure. To avoid moisture condensation Following removal from cold storage, allow the prepreg to reach room temperature before opening the polythene bag. Typically, the thaw time for a full roll of material will be 4 to 6 hours.
Technical data
Table 1 of 2
6 rows| Characteristic | Value | Unit | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tg (DMA) after 2 hrs at 180°C (356°F) Onset | 208 (406) | °C (°F) | (ASTM D7028) |
| Tg (DMA) after 2 hrs at 180°C (356°F) Peak tan δ | 228 (442) | °C (°F) | (ASTM D7028) |
| Tg (DMA) after 2 hrs at 200°C (392°F) Onset post cure | 221 (430) | °C (°F) | (ASTM D7028) |
| Tg (DMA) after 2 hrs at 200°C (392°F) Peak tan δ post cure | 236 (457) | °C (°F) | (ASTM D7028) |
| Tg (DMA) after 3 hrs at 135°C (275°F) Onset | 156 (313) | °C (°F) | (ASTM D7028) |
| Tg (DMA) after 3 hrs at 135°C (275°F) Peak tan δ | 178 (352) | °C (°F) | (ASTM D7028) |
Table 2 of 2
1 row| Characteristic | Value | Unit | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.3 (81.2) | g/cm³(lbs./ft³) | ASTM D792 |
