Hexcel Composites Limited

Hexcel Corporation

Hexcel Reinforcements

Dana Blair

Maureen Boyle

Paul Mackenzie

David Allan Tilbrook

Yen-Seine Wang

Yi-Jui Wu

Bryce Floryancic

Martin Richard Simmons

Philip Hadley

Steve Mortimer

Ben Tipler

Paul Conroy

Paul MacKenzie

Martin Simmons

Dave Tilbrook

Formulations comprising from 10 to 80% by weight of the formulation of a halogenated epoxy resin; from 1 to 15% by weight of the formulation of an antimony based fire retardant; from 1 to 10% by weight of the formulation of an inorganic or non-polymeric organic phosphorous containing fire retardant; and from 1 to 30% by weight of the formulation of a curative system are provided. The formulations are particularly suitable for producing aircraft interior composite components having good fire retarding properties, low smoke emission, low smoke toxicity and low heat release properties. The formulations also have excellent processing and mechanical properties. Further components may be included in the compositions to improve various properties, including the fire retarding, low smoke emission, low smoke toxicity and low heat release properties and to also further improve the processing and mechanical properties, including toughness. Compositions produced from the formulations have excellent processing and mechanical properties, and may also have good surface finishes.

Epoxy resin formulations

This invention relates to an additive for a thermoset resin matrix having a core and a reactive cross-linked thermoset coating. The reactive cross-linked thermoset coating is the reaction product of a thermoset resin and a curative in a dispersant.

Improvements to matrix additives

One or more layers of structured thermoplastic polymer, such as a light weight veil of thermoplastic polymer fibers, are located within the interleaf zone of laminates that are composed of fibrous layers and thermosetting resin. The thermoplastic veils are used in the interleaf zones as a replacement for thermoplastic toughening particles. The structured thermoplastic polymer may be coated with a conductive material to improve electrical conductivity through the laminate.

Structured thermoplastic in composite interleaves

Composite material that contain epoxy resin which is toughened and strengthened with thermoplastic materials and a blend of insoluble particles. The uncured matrix resins include an epoxy resin component, a soluble thermoplastic component, a curing agent and an insoluble particulate component composed of elastic particles and rigid particles. The uncured resin matrix is combined with a fibrous reinforcement and cured/molded to form composite materials that may be used for structural applications, such as primary structures in aircraft.

Composite material for structural applications

Composite material that contain epoxy resin which is toughened and strengthened with thermoplastic materials and a blend insoluble particles. The uncured matrix resins include an epoxy resin component, a soluble thermoplastic component, a curing agent and an insoluble particulate component composed of elastic particles and rigid particles. The uncured resin matrix is combined with a fibrous reinforcement and cured/molded to form composite materials that may be used for structural applications, such as primary structures in aircraft.

Pre-impregnated composite material (prepreg) is provided that can be cured to form composite parts that have high levels of damage tolerance. The matrix resin includes a thermoplastic particle component that is a blend of particles that have a melting point above the curing temperature and particles that have a melting point at or below the curing temperature.

Composite materials with blend of thermoplastic particles

A composite material comprising at least one polymeric resin and optionally at least one fibrous reinforcement, where the polymeric resin comprises; at least one difunctional epoxy resin; and at least one epoxy resin with a functionality greater than two having at least one meta-substituted phenyl ring in its backbone.

Composite materials with improved performance

Pre-impregnated composite material (prepreg) is provided that can be molded to form composite parts that have high levels of both strength and damage tolerance without causing any substantial negative impact upon the physical or chemical characteristics of the uncured prepreg or cured part. This is achieved by including in the matrix resin a substantial amount of a multifunctional aromatic epoxy resin that has at least one phenyl group that is meta-substituted.

Pre-impregnated composite materials with improved performance

A method for making a pre-impregnated composite material (prepreg) is provided. The prepreg can be cured to form composite parts that have high levels of damage tolerance. The matrix resin includes a thermoplastic particle component that is a blend of particles that have a melting point above the curing temperature and particles that have a melting point at or below the curing temperature.

Method for making composite material with blend of thermoplastic particles

Panel assemblies that include a core sandwiched between face sheets made from composite material. A pigmented topcoat layer is applied directly to the composite material without the need for a separate adhesive. The pigmented topcoat layer includes a thermoplastic binder resin/pigment mixture that can be cured with the composite material in a single step. The topcoat may include permanent and/or temporary substrates for carrying the binder resin/pigment mixture and for providing a surface finish to the panel assembly.

Growing community of inventors

Hardwick, United Kingdom

Dana Blair