Sicomin has introduced MaxCore, a sandwich core suitable for infusion processes.
In general, fiber reinforcements are inserted in multiple orientations and are responsible for 100% of the mechanical properties of the core, the company says. Using a new patented manufacturing process, Sicomin can place these reinforcement fibers with more precise fiber angles and positions within the core. As a result, denser and more expensive core material is not required. As the core material is solely a carrier for the fiber reinforcement, cores can also be selected based on other required parameters such as fire and smoke behavior, water resistance, thermoformable ability, low resin absorption or sustainable chemistry.
The new fiber insertion method can be applied to kits in which fiber orientations are engineered within each panel to incorporate openings such as windows and doors, and to provide additional local reinforcement, Sicomin says. MaxCore is also reportedly compatible with a variety of manufacturing processes and can be used with epoxy, polyester and vinylester resin systems. The fiber insertion technique can be applied using aramid, carbon, basalt, natural, thermoplastic and glass fibers.
‘The driving concept behind the MaxCore technology is maximising sandwich panel properties in large thickness formats,’ said Philippe Marcovich, president. ‘The technology is particularly cost effective the thicker the core, for example from 30 mm to 200 mm or more.’
Sicomin will showcase several MaxCore panels at JEC World 2019 from 12 to 14 March.
This story is adapted from material from Sicomin, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
