materials

For decades, high-performance composites meant one thing: autoclave processing. But autoclaves are expensive to buy, costly to run, and limit part size. This created a paradox: high performance required high cost. Out-of-Autoclave (OOA) prepreg shatters that paradox. Through innovative material design, OOA prepreg enables the production of aerospace-quality composite parts using only an oven and a vacuum bag. It is fundamentally changing the cost-performance equation for composites. This article breaks down the three core logics behind OOA prepreg: structural innovation, process革新, and cost optimization.

From the spinning blades of wind turbines to the protective structures of high-speed rail, and the lightweight frameworks of aerospace vehicles, one material is everywhere, yet often overlooked: glass fiber woven fabrics and their prepregs. As a fundamental workhorse of the composites industry, glass fiber fabrics offer an unmatched combination of performance and cost. They are the most widely used reinforcement substrate. Glass fiber prepregs, with their "ready-to-use" convenience, provide an efficient solution for high-end manufacturing. This article breaks down this "golden combination," exploring how glass fiber reinforcements are empowering manufacturing across the board – from basic industry to major national projects.

In a composites lab, one of the most common beginner mistakes is setting the cure cycle incorrectly. Too fast a ramp rate, and the part cracks. Too short a hold time, and the resin doesn't fully cure. Too slow a cool-down, and internal stresses build up. The result? A failed experiment even though the material and process were otherwise fine. The good news is that designing a proper cure cycle (temperature vs. time) is not complicated. The key is understanding your resin's characteristics and matching the process to your part. This guide breaks down the 4 critical parameters of a cure cycle, the design logic behind them, and provides generic templates beginners can use directly.

In aerospace composite design, the choice between Unidirectional (UD) prepreg and Fabric prepreg is a critical decision. UD prepreg is the "performance king" for directional loading, while fabric prepreg is the "versatile all-rounder" for multi-directional stress and complex shapes. The core difference comes down to fiber architecture, which directly impacts mechanical properties, formability, and application fit. A common mistake is assuming "higher performance is always better." In reality, the key is matching material properties to the specific loading and geometric demands of your component. This article breaks down the structural essence, mechanical comparison, and real-world aerospace applications to help you build a rational selection logic.

As high-performance composites become increasingly widespread, thermoset prepreg remains a critical material for lightweight, high-strength structures in aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment. However, unlike metals, thermoset resins are chemically active. This means prepreg has a finite "shelf life" —a key parameter that engineers must manage. But what happens when that shelf life is almost up? Is the material automatically trash? Not necessarily. This article explains what shelf life means, how to assess aged prepreg, and how to store material correctly to maximize its usable life.

Thermoplastic prepregs—composed of resins like PEEK, PA, or PP reinforced with carbon or glass fibers—offer significant advantages: reprocessability, high toughness, and recyclability. They are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment. However, during real-world processing (e.g., hot pressing, AFP, or in-situ consolidation), the material may be heated multiple times. Does this repeated heating degrade performance? The short answer is yes—but the extent of degradation can be controlled. This article explains the mechanisms of performance loss and provides 3 essential lab operation tips to minimize negative effects.

In fields where performance boundaries are constantly being pushed—such as aerospace and high-end equipment manufacturing—the properties of a composite prepreg directly determine the success of the final product. High Modulus Carbon Fiber Prepreg stands out as a critical enabling material. It does more than just save weight; it provides the exceptional rigidity and dimensional stability required for next-generation structures. This article breaks down the source of its "high modulus" character, its performance advantages, and its role in driving technological progress across key industries.

In the evolving landscape of composite materials, a significant shift is underway. While thermoset prepregs have long dominated high-performance applications, Polyethylene (PE) fabric prepreg is emerging as a game-changing alternative. As a core member of the thermoplastic prepreg family, PE fabric prepreg perfectly marries manufacturing efficiency with environmental sustainability. It is fundamentally changing the logic of material selection across industries—from logistics to automotive and electronics. This article breaks down the three core technical breakthroughs that are unlocking the full potential of thermoplastics through PE fabric prepreg.

Introduction As a key intermediate material in composite manufacturing, prepreg quality directly determines the performance of final products. For production and quality management personnel, deeply understanding common prepreg quality issues is not only a technical requirement but also a core guarantee of product reliability. Currently, 70% of advanced composite products are manufactured using prepregs. Once quality problems occur, they can lead to cost increases of 10-50% and even pose safety risks. This article systematically reviews major prepreg quality issues, providing practical identification and prevention guidance for frontline technical personnel.

Don't Let a Bad Batch Ruin Your Data In composite fabrication, prepreg quality directly determines the mechanical properties, environmental resistance, and structural stability of your final part. For beginners, the seemingly simple step of pre-test inspection is often the hidden key between success and failure. If you skip systematic assessment of your prepreg's condition, even perfectly optimized cure parameters won't save you. Initial defects lead to bad data, wasted materials, and potentially damaged equipment. This article provides a clear, three-part checklist to follow before any prepreg experiment. The Beginner's Golden Rule: Never assume your prepreg is good just because it's new. Always inspect first.

A Practical Checklist for Researchers & Startups For university research groups and early-stage composite startups, buying prepreg is very different from industrial-scale procurement. You face unique challenges: fewer supplier options, high minimum order quantities (MOQs), premium pricing, and slow technical responses. A single bad procurement decision can delay your research by months, ruin expensive tooling, or invalidate your test data. This article provides a practical checklist of exactly what to ask your prepreg supplier before you place that small-batch order. The Golden Rule: Never assume anything. Get every critical detail in writing – preferably with supporting data sheets.

One of the most frustrating problems in prepreg R&D and production is mechanical property degradation. A prepreg passes all initial tests, but during storage, processing, or service, you see falling tensile strength, delamination, or reduced fatigue resistance. This slows research, causes costly rework, and can even compromise the safety of high-end structural components. Worse, many respond by blindly changing materials or adjusting process parameters without identifying the real cause. The problem keeps coming back. This article breaks down the 4 core causes of property degradation and provides practical, actionable solutions for each. No more guessing. Key Insight: Over 80% of degradation cases stem from lack of源头管控 (source control) + improper process operations. Proactively addressing these causes can reduce performance loss to less than 5%.