A&P, TenCate test database compares slit-braid and woven fabric

A&P Technology Inc. (Cincinnati, OH, US) introduced at JEC World 2016 a new database of test data, developed with TenCate Advanced Composites (Morgan Hill, CA, US) to compare laminates composed of its trademarked QISO quasi-isotropic (0°, ±60°) fabric, a slit braid material, with laminates composed of conventional woven fabric, both prepregged with TenCate’s highly toughened TC275-1 epoxy resin. Coupon and panel testing reportedy proved QISO superior in mechanical properties and impact performance, says A&P.

Barry Meyers, VP of technical services at TenCate Advanced Composites, comments, “Based on early discussions with A&P, we had a hunch that the combina- tion of TC275-1 and QISO would result in improved perfor- mance, but we did not expect to see such a dramatic improvement in mechanical properties, compared to typical woven laminates. We have seen particularly high improvements in compressive strength and open-hole compression.”

QISO’s quasi-isotropic architecture has the same properties in every direction, so the orientation of the fabric is not a concern, allowing for simple layup and a reduc- tion in scrap. QISO is offered in a variety of widths and weights.