Kordsa offers two main types of polymer composite matrix materials: thermoplastics and thermoset resins.

Kordsa produces thermoset prepregs in unidirectional, woven, non-woven, and multiaxial fabric forms. The reinforcement materials used in prepregs include carbon, aramid, UHMWPE, quartz, S-glass, and E-glass fibers. The most common resin matrices are epoxy and cyanate ester for thermoset prepregs.

Using its capabilities, Kordsa formulates, develops, and qualifies its resin systems in the Composites Technologies Center of Excellence. Kordsa prepregs are used in a wide range of industrial markets and tailored to meet specific performance requirements such as low-temperature curing, variable temperature curing, out-of-autoclave curing (oven curing), fatigue resistance, cosmetics (carbon look), low FST (fire, smoke, and toxicity).

Kordsa also offers specially formulated resin systems, including phenolic and bismaleimide.

The BMI matrix formulation is ideal for multilayer laminates requiring excellent strength and thermal resistance. Parts built with BMI prepregs exhibit a combination of high thermal stability and resistance to common industrial fluids. Solvent-free hot melt process provides volatile-free curing and usage. Phenolic resin-impregnated fiber materials or prepregs using carbon, glass, or aramid fiber are utilized in critical advanced composite applications such as cargo liners, ballistic components, and honeycomb/sandwich structures.

Polypropylene (PP) resin systems are specially formulated by Kordsa, which is highly compatible with E-glass fabrics. Kordsa’s woven glass fabric-based PP thermoplastic prepreg exhibits 25% better flexural properties than its counterparts. Thermoplastic prepregs are available as rolls or organo sheet (OS) forms.

UHMWPE composite fabrics make products lighter without compromising strength and durability. In the protective industry, UHMWPE offers more power and flexibility than metal and plays a sufficient role in life protection. Kordsa produces prepregs of UHMWPE in UD forms.

Axiom Materials is the world’s largest producer of Oxide-Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composite pre-preg materials. Ox-Ox CMCs have significant application momentum as high-temperature oxidation-sensitive components, particularly in the aerospace industry. With a lower density and higher use temperature capability than standard high-temperature superalloys, Ox-Ox CMCs allow jet engines to run more efficiently at higher temperatures, leading to fewer emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide, both of which contribute to global warming. In addition, Ox-Ox CMCs resist acoustic fatigue more effectively than standard high-temperature superalloys.

Yet, both the industry transition from metals to Ox-Ox CMCs, as well as the engineering of new Ox-Ox CMC hardware, has been gradual as a result of its higher cost relative to conventional materials, lack of application-specific design data, and minimal process development for large-scale component manufacturing. 

 

Axiom Materials is leading the expansion of CMCs into new industrial applications in oil and gas refinery pipes, refractory ovens, and other high-temperature products requiring a combination of high strength and longer lifecycles. Axiom is developing large scale manufacturing technology for low-cost Ox-Ox CMC unidirectional (UD) tape for use in automated tape layup (ATL) component manufacturing. Axiom’s process improvements, technical leadership, and investments are a real breakthrough for the broader use of CMCs. 

 

Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) may be processed via conventional layup and curing techniques while only requiring a free-standing high-temperature sinter cycle to prepare them for high-temperature use.

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Kordsa’s slit tape products are designed for automated fiber placement (AFP) or machine-supported winding techniques to prepare round, cylindrical, and rectangular 3D vessels and structures. These high-precision narrow-width products are mainly used to improve passenger safety, enhance fuel efficiency, and reduce waste while enabling lower cost, higher performance, and more environmentally benign transportation. Kordsa places sustainability at the core of its activities by offering these products. Compared to traditional composite counterparts, these products are designed to withstand high temperatures, enabling their use in transportation applications, including electric, compressed natural gas (CNG), and hydrogen-powered aircraft and vehicles.

Narrow towprepregs are designed to improve safety, increase strength, reduce waste, and withstand high temperatures in applications such as critical battery containment, high-pressure vessels, and structural components supporting next-generation transportation. They reflect our commitment to advancing the goals of carbon neutrality, clean emissions, and environmental sustainability in advanced materials. Compared to traditional composite counterparts, these products are designed to withstand high temperatures, enabling their use in transportation applications, including electric, compressed natural gas (CNG), and hydrogen-powered aircraft and vehicles.

Kordsa offers a wide range of advanced film solutions designed to enhance the performance and durability of composite materials. Our product lineup includes both surface films and adhesive films, each tailored to meet specific industry needs.

Composite surface films are designed to be lightweight and provide smooth, protective surfaces for composite parts. Kordsa’s newly developed surface film, KY01SF, is an epoxy surface film providing high-quality surface finishes with reduced paint preparation times. It is designed to meet challenging demands for Class-A finishes that protect composite structures. KY01SF is co-curable with a range of Kordsa and most industry other prepregs that can cure at different temperatures. It is available in both 200 & 300 gsm in total.

Kordsa provides superior film adhesive solutions that deliver consistency every time, along with an endless array of customization options. Kordsa’s epoxy adhesives films are high-performance adhesive solutions and designed for applications that require a lot of toughness. They come in a range of choices and product applications, so you can choose the level of toughness, heat resistance, and durability that you need. Epoxy film adhesives are generally supported, but most also come in unsupported variations for those who need them. These adhesives have excellent shear and superior peel properties. They can stand up to the harshest elements, and they are used in several types of bonding.

Kordsa reinforces its position in honeycomb materials by continuing to grow with its new affiliates by integrating Advanced Honeycomb Technologies. Since 2022, Advanced Honeycomb Technologies (AHT) has joined the Axiom Materials family and will be called Axiom Honeycomb. Axiom Honeycomb manufactures a wide range of honeycomb cores used in products as diverse as commercial and military aircraft, communications and transportation equipment, space vehicles, construction materials, and recreational and sporting goods.

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Kordsa is at the forefront of sustainable materials for the future. Sustainable composite products, crafted from bio-based resin systems and natural fibers, deliver exceptional mechanical and fire-resistant qualities while keeping a minimal carbon footprint. Kordsa’s sustainable composite products include:

• Biobased Prepreg
• Natural Fiber Prepregs
• Flame Retardant Prepregs
• Water Based Phenolic Honeycomb and Sandwich Panels