Enhanced TDS
Knowde-enriched technical product data sheet
Identification & Functionality
- Chemical Family
- Polymer Name
- Composite Materials Functions
- Technologies
- Product Families
- Product Type
135°C (275°F) to 180°C (356°F) Cure High Temperature Epoxy Component Prepreg
Features & Benefits
- Materials Features
- Product 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)
Applications & Uses
- Markets
- Applications
- Composites Processing Methods
- Recommended Applications
- Motorsport & Formula 1
- Automotive
- 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.
Properties
- Physical Form
- Thermal Properties
Value Units Test Method / Conditions 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) - Typical Properties
Value Units Test Method / Conditions Density 1.3 (81.2) g/cm³(lbs./ft³) ASTM D792
Technical Details & Test Data
- 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.
Safety & Health
- Product Safety And Shelf Life
Product Safety:
Observe established precautions for handling epoxy resins and fibrous materials—wear gloves.
Shelf Life:
- 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.