Carbon fiber prepreg 4550

epoxytooling

Due to 4550’s high Tg and excellent mechanical properties, typical applications for 4550 include primary and secondary aircraft structures and areas where hot/wet performance and impact resistance are important (i.e. fuselage skins, engine nacelles, wing spars and skins, etc.) This material can be used to manufacture high temperature tooling, providing extended tool life when compared to standard epoxy options. 4550 can be supplied with most commercially available fibers (carbon, quartz, aramid, S-glass, E-glass, etc.) in both woven, unidirectional tape, and hot melt tow. Woven fabrics are available in standard commercial widths up to 50 inches (1.2m). Unitape widths up to 50 inches (1.2m) are available in standard fiber weights ranging from 70–300gsm (0.014–0.060psf). Recommended autoclave cure cycle Apply full vacuum and 100psi (690 kPa), ramp with 3°F/min (1.7°C/min), step cure for 45 min at 250°F (121°C), then cure for 6 hours at 375°F (190°C), cool to <140°F (60°C), followed by free-standing post cure at 410-460°F (210-238°C) for 6 hours. Cool to RT before removal. Alternate cure cycles available depending on final Tg requirements. Specific step cures may be necessary where flow management is important.