KMT nord - Composite Sailing Solutions
| GLOSSARY OF COMPOSITE TECHNOLOGY |
| KEYWORD | DESCRIPTION |
| Carbon Fiber | Reinforcing fiber known for its high strength and high stiffness. Fibers are produced by high temperature treatment of an organic precursor fiber based on PAN (polyacrylonitrile), rayon or pitch in an inert atmosphere at temperatures above 1,800 ° F |
| Composite | A material that combines fiber reinforcements and a binding matrix to maximize specific performance properties. The final part can achieve mechanical properties of great strength and stiffness along the designed load axi. |
| Core | In sandwich construction, the central component to which inner and outer lamiante skins are attached. Foam, honeycomb, paper and wood and aluminium are all commonly used as a core material. A core is the web in an "I" beam. |
| Cross Lamination | Layers oriented at various to other layers with respect to the laminate grain. A cross-ply laminate usually has plies oriented only at 0°/ 90°. (see Fiber Architechture) |
| Cure | To irreversibly change the molecular structure and physical properties of a thermosetting resin by chemical reaction via heat and catalysts alone or in combination, with or without pressure. |
| Delamination | The seperation of ply layers due to adhesive failure. A delamination may be associated with bridging, drilling and trimming, thermal failure or mechanical stress. |
| E-Glass | Borosilicate glass fibers most often used in conventional polymer matrix composites. This is the most common reinforcement used in the marine industry. |
| Epoxy Plastics | Thermoset resins made by reaction of epoxides with other materials such as amines and alcohols; used as a matrix resin in reinforced composites and structural adhesives. |
| Epoxy Resin | A common thermoset material used as a bonding matrix to hold fibers together when mixed with a hardener. Epoxies are very stable and resistant to cyclic fatigue. |
| Exotherm | Heat released during a chemical reaction for example the curing of a matrix. |
| Fiber Architecture | The design of a composite part in which the fibers are arranged in a particular way as to achieve the desired mechanical charasteristics. This may include braided, stitched or wowen fabrics, mats, rovings or carbon tows. |
| Fiber Content | The amount of fiber in a composite expressed as a ratio to the matrix. (The most desirable fiber content is 60:40 ratio, or 60% fiber and 40% matrix resin) |
| Fiberglass | Reinforcing fiber made by drawing molten glass through bushings. The predominant reinforcement for polymer matrix composites, it is known for its good strength, processability and low cost. |
| Hybrid Composite | A composite made with two or more types of reinforcing fibers. |
| Kevlar | A strong, lightweight aramid fiber trademarked by DuPont and used as a reinforcement fiber. |
| Laminate | To unite layers with a bonding material, usally via pressure and heat. |
| Matrix | The material in which the fiber reinforcements of a composite system are embedded. Thermoplastic and thermoset resin systems, as well as metal and ceramic, can be used. |
| Microcracking | Cracking in composites at points where thermal stresses exceed the strength of the matrix. |
| Modulus | The physical measurement of stiffness in a material, equalling the ratio of applied load (stress) to the resultant derformation of the material, such as elasticity or shear. (A high modulus indicates a stiff material) |
| Mold | The cavity or matrix into or on which the resin/ fiber material is placed and from which it takes form. |
| Molding | The forming of a resin/ fiber material into a solid mass of prescribed shape and size. |
| One-Off | A single part that is individually fabricated |
| Outgassing | The release of solvents and moisture from composite parts under a vacuum. |
| Peel Ply | Layer of material applied to a lay up surface that is removed from the cured laminate prior to bonding operations, leaving a clean, resin-rich surface ready for bonding. |
| Pin Holes | Small holes caused by the mold used. ? or other undescribing things! |
| Postcure | Additional elevated temperature cure, usually without pressure, to improve final properties and/ or complete cure the cure. In certain resins, complete cure and ultimate mechanical properties are attained only by exposure of the cured resin to higher temperatures than those of curing. |
| Prepreg | Resin-impregnated fibers, fabric or mat in flat form that is preimpregnated with resin before being stored for later use in molds and in hand layup. |
| Reinforcement | The key element added to matrix to provide required properties (primarily, strength and stiffness); ranges from short fibers and continuous fibers through complex textile forms. |
| Resin | A solid or pseudosolid material with indefinite and often high molecular weight and a softening or melting range that exhibits a tendency to flow when subjected to stress. (As composite matrices, resins bind together reinforcement fibers) |
| Resin System | A mixture of resin and ingredients required for an intended processing method and final product. |
| S-Glass | Magnesia/ alumina/ silicate glass reinforcement designed to provide very high tensile strength. (Commonly used in high-performance parts) |
| Sandwich Structure | A composite composed of lightweight core material to which two relatively thin, dense, high-strength, funtional or decorative laminate skins are adhered. |
| Stress | Internal resistance to change in size or shape, expressed in force per unit area. |
| Thermoplastic | A composite matrix capable of being repeatedly softened by an increase in temperature and hardened by a decrease in temperature. |
| Thermoset | Composite matrix cured by heat and pressure or with a catalyst into an infusible and insoluble material. Once cured, a thermoset cannot be returned to the uncured state. |
| Unidirectional (UD) | Orientation of fibers in the same direction, as in unidirectional fabric, tape or laminate. |
| Vacuum Bag Molding | A molding technique wherein the part is cured inside a layer of film from which entrapped air is removed by vacuum. |