Cytec adds that the first, MTM® 348FR, is a versatile curing epoxy resin prepreg matrix offering fire protection to category HL2.
MTM 348FR, in combination with either glass or carbon fibres, is claimed to offer excellent mechanical performance and is ideal for the manufacture of lightweight composite components for both interior and exterior structural and non-structural applications.
Bio content
The second, XMTM30, is a development product produced from a bio-renewable sustainable source and meets the requirements of category HL3.
This prepreg is particularly suitable for the production of non-structural interior components. It can be used in combination with natural fibres to create a truly bio-sustainable system.
Cytec adds that it is looking for partners and projects to develop this new technology.
“We are very excited about the development of these two new products”, says Dr Richard Horn, Rail Market Manager.
“They complement our existing phenolic and epoxy rail focussed prepregs. The key advantage of prepreg technology is that it enables the manufacture of lightweight complex monolithic sections and sandwich structures thereby offering weight saving and a reduction in running costs to the train operator.”
Interior applications
Typical railway interior applications include wall panels, window frames, partitions, archways, floors, ceilings, standbacks, luggage racks, seats and doors. All of Cytec’s prepreg resin systems are suitable for use with most formats and substrates including woven and unidirectional carbon and glass fibre.
See also:
- Can trains be half plastic? (feature article) Today’s rail vehicles use composites widely in their interiors, but exteriors are still mainly metal. The latest aircraft, however, are 50% composite – including their load-bearing primary structures. This article asks why this is, and looks at the use of composites in rail interiors.
