Ilium Composites chopped strand mat demonstrates compatibility, sustainability and durability

Global fiberglass structural composite reinforcement manufacturer Ilium Composites (Hidd, Bahrain) launches its latest chopped strand mat (CSM) as part of the company’s ULTImat range of reinforcements. The CSM incorporates a lightweight integrated polyester surface veil and is assembled using Ilium’s proprietary technology, without the need for stitching or a chemical binder. It is available in a variety of weights — from 225g/m² to 600g/m² — and offered in rolls of 1,270 mm with non-standard widths available.

Developed as a premium CSM, Ilium says the product is designed for functions that once required numerous processes and larger expenses. These benefits include:

• Optimized surface finish, along with osmosis and chemical protection — as standard with all Ilium reinforcements.
• The chemical binder-free production enables the use of non-styrenated resin systems, and compatibility with a wider choice of matrices.
• 100mm chopped fiber as opposed to 50mm alternatives.
• Quicker production and improved laminate quality.

Without a chemical binder, the user may apply the CSM without waiting to introduce it to deeper geometries of mold cavities, due to its integral cold-formable behavior. A single ULTImat CSM version is compatible with a range of matrices, such as polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy, polyurethane and more. Ilium says this means it can be used as the first protective layer in marine hulls and hard tops, having gained approvals from major boatbuilders globally.

The improvement of lamination quality has reportedly been demonstrated in swimming pool production to greatly resist blistering and osmosis — blister tests up to 26 weeks showed a strong resistance at 55ºC. With the addition of the integrated surface veil, glass fibers are held in place during laminating, resulting in a consistent thickness with no risk of thin, weak patches in corners or overworked areas.

In addition, the option to eliminate styrene, reduces the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOC), making ULTImat CSM more environmentally friendly and versatile to sustainable resin systems.

Ilium’s CMS will be on display at the company booth in hall 5, booth M79.