Resin systems, prepreg architecture improve fabrication productivity, part quality

Nexx Technologies (New York City, N.Y., U.S.), the Advanced Materials division of Mitsubishi Gas Chemical America, is focused on providing composite solutions that can improve both fabrication productivity and parts quality. The resin systems and prepreg architecture offered by the company provide the minimization of out-time tracking or fear of material shelf life, as well as the ability to produce, ship and store finished rolls of prepreg without any refrigeration. Combined with distinctive prepreg architecture, Nexx Technologies says it is able to produce autoclave quality parts with a perfect, or near perfect, tool surface finish. These features have helped smaller to medium sized parts producers make parts of the same or better quality as the larger producers using autoclave cure processes.

Nexx Technologies’ family of “no freezer” prepregs includes the NT-300, which is well suited for cosmetic and general purpose applications. It generally produces parts straight from the tool that are paint ready with zero or minimal body shop work required.

For higher demand primary and secondary aerostructure applications, the NT-350HT is a higher strength and higher T_g product intended for these types of applications. The company says the NT-350HT also provides an excellent surface finish and can provide very low void content parts (often less than 1%). It also enables the production of autoclave-quality parts by vacuum bag only. The NT-350HT is also a variable cure material enabling vacuum bag, autoclave and snap cure capabilities (4 minutes at 350°F) with the same material.

In addition to the modified epoxy products, Nexx Technologies also offers the NTC-425 cyanate ester system, which features an extended room temperature out time of 90-120 days, vacuum bag and autoclave processing in the same material and the ability to make thick panels without debulking. The NTB-500 BMI, the latest addition, is a toughened BMI, designed for high-temperature structures or any application requiring a high T_g and high mechanical properties.