Lantor introduces flexible, flame retardant core material

Soric-FR keeps its thickness, but is still flexible and drapable.
Soric-FR keeps its thickness, but is still flexible and drapable.

Soric-FR is suited for use with the vacuum infusion and resin transfer moulding (RTM) Light composite processes. It is based on Lantor’s Soric core material/infusion medium, a polyester nonwoven material with a compression-resistant hexangonal or random dot-printed cell structure. The cells, which are separated by channels, contain synthetic microspheres.

A flame retardant additive is incorporated into the Soric-FR product. The loading of this flame retardant is tailored to the application.

According to Lantor, Soric-FR offers the composites manufacturer all the advantages of Soric – design freedom (flexibility), weight reduction and flow support – combined with FST properties. It is expected to have applications in both the mass transit and building and construction sectors in, for example, complex shaped thin walled panels.

Soric-FR has a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of over 32% (self extinguishing), and passes the RFA 25.853 vertical burning test. According to Lantor, in a GRP laminate (DIN 54837: 2007), it results in less burn time, less destroyed area, and FR classification is more easily reached.