Resin formulations, prepreg development modifiable to customer specifications

TCR Composites Inc. (Ogden, Utah, U.S.) highlights its various TCR prepreg offerings. Formulated with distinctive thermoset epoxy resin systems, they feature a range of shelf lives — from 1 month to 1 year — storable at room temperature (~24°C/75°F) and without the need for refrigerated shipping. These resins are currently used to manufacture prepreg in the following forms: Tow/roving, unidirectional (UD) tape and woven fabrics. They can be customized to meet design and processing requirements for many different industries.

TCR prepreg tow (towpreg) is the material of choice for clean filament winding, from high-performance rocket motor cases to quality commercial pressure cylinders. TCR towpregs are designed  for high throughput (up to 900'/275 m per min) to simplify and provide additional process efficiencies.

Tow/roving use 3-60K standard modulus to high-modulus fibers, as well as glass, basalt and aramid with equivalent cross-sections. TCR resins and fiber are matched to provide optimal performance. According to the company, each fiber has distinctive properties and therefore may require a specific resin system to achieve maximum performance.

TCR prepreg fabrics are available in many styles, weights and widths (up to 1,270 mm/50"). Common fabrics are often stocked on-site, while specialty fabrics are obtained from suppliers and manufacturers worldwide. Fabrics, also referred to as “broad goods,” are used in a wide variety of markets including medical, industrial, infrastructure, aerospace, automotive and recreation. Available fabric forms include carbon fiber, glass, aramid and quartz.

The company also specializes in the manufacture of UD prepreg tapes, made in a range of weights (180-600 gsm) and thicknesses to meet customer requirements. TCR UD tapes are ideal for fabricating composite products that require long layup times and thick laminate construction. 

TCR Composites also highlights prepreg braid offerings, such as tubular sleevings. These braids may be used for aerospace, medical, recreational and industrial applications. TCR prepreg braids have low “tack” to facilitate the opening of a tubular sleeve, to apply to a molding or tool. They are available in carbon, glass and aramid fibers.