According to Horn, carbon fiber prepreg tapes manufactured using 3M’s Matrix Resin have the same processing characteristics as standard prepregs and can be used in a manufacturer’s prepreg lay-up process without modifications.

Next generation resin system makes measurable improvement in performance.

St. Paul, MN– 3M presents its advanced high performance thermosetting resin system for carbon fiber composites: 3M Matrix Resin 3831. New 3M Matrix Resin has been optimized to increase modulus and toughness without compromising key properties. The new technology – used for prepreg applications – makes advanced composite parts stronger, lighter and more durable.

3M Matrix Resin is ideal for sporting goods and other high performance structures that require significantly improved compression strength and reduced crack propagation.

“Our new technology gives composite product designers the flexibility to design with a significantly higher strength-to-weight ratio,” says John Horn, Vice President of Research & Development for 3M Industrial & Transportation Business.

“We’ve invented a breakthrough technology that has the potential to improve the performance and durability of composite products in a variety of industrial and transportation markets.”

3M has conducted extensive testing of its new resin compared to standard epoxy resin technology. The tests showed the following results:

• 76 percent improvement in shear modulus.
• 73 percent improvement in toughness (KIC).
• 68 percent improvement in Barcol hardness.                                                  

In composite structures, 3M Matrix Resin 3831 shows the following improvements: 

• 25 percent improvement in compression strength.
  • Compression Strength = 277 ksi.
• 49 percent improvement in in-plane shear stiffness.
  • G12= 5.7 GPa.

“The fundamental weakness of carbon fiber is a limitation in compression strength. Because our new product is a higher modulus resin, it supports the fiber to reduce or delay micro-buckling, resulting in a stronger, longer lasting product,” says Horn.

“By creating products that are more durable and lighter weight, you are increasing product performance while decreasing the chance for material failures. This means fewer returns and warranty claims, and more satisfied customers.”

According to Horn, carbon fiber prepreg tapes manufactured using 3M’s Matrix Resin have the same processing characteristics as standard prepregs and can be used in a manufacturer’s prepreg lay-up process without modifications. Cure is initiated at the same temperature and the resin has similar flow properties to typical 250๐ F cure prepreg resins. 

For more information visit www.3M.com