Prepreg Carbon Fiber Fabric

"Prepreg" is the common term for a reinforcing fabric which has been pre-impregnated with a resin system. This resin system (typically epoxy) already includes the proper curing agent. As a result, the prepreg is ready to lay into the mold without the addition of any more resin. In order for the laminate to cure, it is necessary to use a combination of pressure and heat.

Advantages of Prepregs carbon

There are several advantages to using a prepreg carbon fiber rather than using traditional hand layup:

Maximum strength properties. In a hand layup, it is difficult to achieve 50% resin content. This means that the finished laminate weight is 50% fabric and 50% resin. Typical hand laminates, even when vacuum bagged, end up with a significant amount of excess resin. Excess resin increases brittleness and reduces overall properties. On the other hand, most prepreg carbon fiber contain around 35% resin. This is ideal for maximum cured properties and generally impossible to achieve in normal hand lamination.

Less curing time. After the heat curing cycle is completed, the part is ready for service. You do not have to wait the standard 48 hours to allow a full cure as in a typical hand lamination.

Better cosmetics. Mold preparation and mold release is still required and will directly affect the cosmetics of the part just like a hand laminate. However, prepreg carbon fiber virtually eliminate air bubbles and a smooth, glossy surface is more easily attainable.

Applications: Wind energy, automotive, petroleum production, aviation, marine, industrial, other transportation, medical (including x-ray), sports and recreation