Cyanate ester resins feature high-temperature processing capabilities

Arxada AG (Basel, Switzerland) presents its portfolio of Primaset cyanate ester resins, used in composites for commercial, defense and space applications, particularly for radomes. Primaset resins are thermoset resins which can provide high temperature resistance, intrinsic FST properties, optimal dielectric properties and versatility.

Under the name Primaset HTM-100, Arxada has developed a novel cyanate ester-based material combining the high-temperature performance of cyanate ester resins with optimal thermal oxidative stability. It has the potential for use in high-temperature applications, composite tooling and metal parts replacement.

Primaset HTM-100 provides a T_g up to 306°C (tan delta by DMA), average toughness (KIc = 0.51 MPa*m^1/2) and less than 10% mass loss after a continuous 10,000 hours at 250°C on neat resin level. In moisture conditions (EN 2823, RH 80-85% and temperature of 70°C) the water uptake is 2.9% and T_g wet only slightly lower than in dry conditions.

When compared to standard DDM-BMI, which loses more than 25% mass after only 1,000 hours, Primaset HTM-100 is said to provide improved thermal oxidative stability (<1.6% under the same conditions), high temperature resistance and easy processability (epoxy-like).

Moreover, Arxada contends that Primaset HTM-100 is easier to process when compared to high-temperature thermoplastics and high-temperature BMI/polyimides resins. Its viscosity profile enables its use in several manufacturing processes. It can be provided as a neat resin (to meet the needs of RTM and other infusion technologies), hot-melt prepreg and other manufacturing processes. Arxada can provide customer technical support with catalyzed solutions to meet any required specific process conditions.

Arxada is also highlighting Primaset HC-resins, a thermoset system with ultra-low dielectric properties that can be processed with standard methods like infusion, RTM, filament winding, pultrusion and prepregging.