PREPREG

Prepregs are fabrics pretreated with a predefined resin system, typically epoxy, and are processed using production techniques such as vacuum, press, or autoclave. The temperature and curing cycle, starting from 80°C, depend on the resin system used. For transportation and storage, these materials must be cooled.

The choice of prepreg should be based on the support matrix, such as a fibrous reinforcement (fabric or other), and the resin system suitable for the manufacturing processes and performance requirements. Prepregs, often in fabric form but also available as tapes, unidirectional or multiaxial fabrics, primarily use epoxy and modified phenolic resins that do not flow at room temperature.

They are placed in the mold at room temperature and then cured under pressure and heat; the resin briefly liquefies when heated to saturate the fibers before beginning to cure.