North Thin Ply Technology (NTPT) says that it can now produce unidirectional prepreg tapes (UD Tapes) of only 15 grams per square meter (gsm), compared to the standard for light prepregs of around 100 gsm.
NTPT reportedly makes the world’s thinnest prepregs, materials from 300 gsm down to 30 gsm from any type of fiber. The company’s UD Tapes and multi-axial prepregs can be produced in any configuration.
The new 15 gsm UD Tape can provide over 20% of weight saving. NTPT says that it achieved this result by selecting an innovative intermediate modulus carbon fiber which was recently launched on the market. NTPT changed this fiber into the unique UD Tape of 15 gsm by using its spread tow technology and adding the high Tg epoxy resin ThinPreg120EPHTg – 402.
The 15 gsm UD Tape can be used to create lightweight sandwich panels to be used for ultralight aircrafts, UAVs, aerospace applications, and rigid wings for racing yachts.
This story is reprinted from material from the NTPT, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
