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HexPly® 8552 is a high performance tough epoxy matrix for use in primary aerospace structures. It exhibits good impact resistance and damage tolerance for a wide range of applications. HexPly® 8552 is an amine cured, toughened epoxy resin system supplied with unidirectional or woven carbon or glass fibers. HexPly® 8552 was developed as a controlled flow system to operate in environments up to 121ºC (250ºF).

Polymer Name: Epoxy Resins & Compounds

Functions: Prepreg

Technical Data Sheet

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Identification & Functionality

Composite Materials Functions

Features & Benefits

Materials Features
Product Highlights
  • Toughened epoxy matrix with excellent mechanical properties
  • Elevated temperature performance
  • Good translation of fiber properties
  • Controlled matrix flow in processing
  • Available on various reinforcements
  • Excellent drape and tack

Applications & Uses

Properties

Physical Form
Mechanical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
In-Plane Shear Strength (93°C, Dry)106MPa-
In-Plane Shear Strength (25°C, Dry)120MPa-
ILSS (Shortbeam shear At 71°C, Wet)80MPa-
ILSS (Shortbeam shear at 25°C, Wet)115MPa-
ILSS (Shortbeam shear at 91°C, Dry)94MPa-
ILSS (Shortbeam shear at 25°C, Dry)137MPa-
Compression Modulus (91°C, Dry)162GPa-
Compression Modulus (25°C, Dry)150GPa-
Compression Strength (91°C, Dry)1483MPa-
Compression Strength (25°C, Dry)1690MPa-
Tensile Modulus (91°C, Dry)10GPa-
Tensile Modulus (91°C, Dry)163GPa-
Tensile Modulus (25°C, Dry)12GPa-
Tensile Modulus (25°C, Dry)164GPa-
Tensile Modulus (55°C, Dry)163GPa-
Tensile Strength (91°C, Dry)92MPa-
Tensile Strength (91°C, Dry)2538MPa-
Tensile Strength (25°C, Dry)64MPa-
Tensile Strength (25°C, Dry)2724MPa-
Tensile Strength (-55°C, Dry)174MPa-
Tensile Strength (-55°C, Dry)2572MPa-
Typical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Nominal Laminate Density (IM7)1.57g/cm³-
Nominal Fibre Volume (IM7)57.7%-
Nominal Cured Ply Thickness (8552 /35%/134, IM7)0.131mm-
Resin Density (IM7)1.3g/cm³-
Filiament Count/Tow (IM7)12K--
Fibre Density (IM7)1.77g/cm³-
Resin Density1.30 (0.047)g/cm³ (lb/in³)-
Nominal Laminate Density1.57 (0.057)g/cm³ (lb/in³)-
Fibre Density1.77 (0.064)g/cm³ (lb/in³)-

Technical Details & Test Data

Curing Conditions


Cure cycle for monolithic components

1. Apply full vacuum (1 bar).
2. Apply 7 bar gage autoclave pressure.
3. Reduce the vacuum to a safety value of 0.2 bar when the autoclave pressure reaches approximately 1 bar gage.
4. Heat at 1- 3°C/min (2-8°F/min) to 110°C ± 5°C (230°F ± 9°F)
5. Hold at 110°C ± 5°C (230°F ± 9°F) for 60 minutes ± 5 minutes.
6. Heat at 1-3°C/min (2-8°F/min) to 180°C ± 5°C (356°F ± 9°F)
7. Hold at 180°C ± 5°C (356°F ± 9°F) for 120 minutes ± 5 minutes.
8. Cool at 2 - 5°C (4-9°F) per minute
9. Vent autoclave pressure when the component reaches 60°C (140°F) or below.

Cure cycle for honeycomb sandwich components

1. Apply full vacuum (1 bar).
2. Apply 3.2 bar gage autoclave pressure.
3. Reduce the vacuum to a safety value of 0.2 bar when the autoclave pressure reaches approximately 1 bar gage.
4. Heat at 1- 3°C/min (2-8°F/min) to 110°C ± 5°C (230°F ± 9°F)
5. Hold at 110°C ± 5°C (230°F ± 9°F) for 60 minutes ± 5 minutes.
6. Heat at 1-3°C/min (2-8°F/min) to 180°C ± 5°C (356°F ± 9°F)
7. Hold at 180°C ± 5°C (356°F ± 9°F) for 120 minutes ± 5 minutes.
8. Cool at 2 - 5°C (4-9°F) per minute
9. Vent autoclave pressure when the component reaches 60°C (140°F) or below.

HexPly® 8552 - Curing Conditions

Storage & Handling

Storage Life
  • Tack Life: 10 days at RT (23°C/73°F)
  • Out Life: 30 days at RT (23°C/73°F)
  • Shelf Life: 12 months at -18°C(0°F) (maximum, from date of manufacture)