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PRF Composite Materials RP542-3

PRF Composite Materials RP542-3 is a winter version of our popular RP542-1 component prepreg, providing a controlled flow, toughened epoxy prepreg system formulated for the manufacture of high performance structural composite parts requiring very good impact strength properties. The system has been formulated for a medium temperature cure of 90 - 120°C under vacuum or autoclave pressure and is also suitable for press molding. Fully cured, this system has a dry service temperature capability up to 120°C. The component surface finish with this system is excellent. The high tack level of this system is ideal for use in cold weather conditions, where temperatures in workshops drop below 15°C. The out life of the system is up to 40 days at 20°C, making this system suitable for the manufacture of large composite components. RP542-3 can be supplied on most of the vast range of PRF reinforcement materials in widths up to 1350 mm wide.

Polymer Name: Epoxy Resins & Compounds

Functions: Prepreg

Processing Methods: Compression Molding, Prepreg Processing, Rolling, Vacuum Bagging

Technical Data Sheet
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Knowde Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

Reinforcement Form
Composite Materials Functions

Features & Benefits

Main Features

• Toughened system
• Excellent surface finish
• Core bondable
• Standard Cure 90°C - 120°C
• Service Temperature up to 120°C
• Controlled flow system
• Out life 40 days at room temperature
• Available on most of PRF’s reinforcement fabrics

Applications & Uses

Applications

• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Motorsport Components
• Marine
• Defense

Processing Methods

• Vacuum bag
• Autoclave
• Press molding
• Tube rolling
• Pressure bag

Processing

RP542-3 prepreg resin system may be processed at room temperature using established prepreg molding techniques on properly prepared molds. The cure cycle depends on the construction of the component and processing method. If honeycomb core is used in the part, the temperature ramp should be increased at a slower rate to enable a controlled flow of the resin to form a filet between the core and skin. Recommended cure cycle is to ramp from ambient to 110°C at 1-2°C/minute and then dwell for 2 hours. Part should then be allowed to cool naturally before demoulding.

Properties

Physical Form

Technical Details & Test Data

Cure Cyle

Laminates with honeycomb core
Elevate temperatures at 2 - 5°C per minute up to 110°C. Hold the final temperature for 2 hours then allow the component to cool naturally inside the oven/autoclave before demoulding.
Vacuum bagged monolythic laminates
Elevate temperature at 3 - 5°C per minute up to 110°C, hold for 2 hours then allow the component to cool naturally inside the oven/autoclave before demoulding.
Press molded monolythic laminates
RP-542-3 system may be applied directly to hot press molds at temperatures up to 130°C. The cure time at the highest temperature will be approximately 45 minutes. The mold and component temperatures should be cooled to below 80°C before demouding. It is important, when manufacturing honeycomb sandwich panels without the use of adhesive films, to increase the resin content on the fabric plies being used as the first layers against the honeycomb. This ensures enough resin is available for the formation of the resin filet between the honeycomb and the skins.

Post cure cycle

Temperature (°C) 120
Time (hours) 1

 

A post cure can be carried out if the maximum Tg is required. The recommended post cure cycle is to ramp the temperature to 120°C at 1-2°C/minute and hold for 1 hour.

Storage & Handling

Storage Conditions

This product should be stored in refrigerated conditions.
Out life: 40 days at 20°C.
Shelf life is 6 months at below -5°C or 12 months at below -18°C.