A unit of 3M Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division, 3M Engineered Products and Solutions has unveiled a series of matrix resins to be used in filament winding of carbon fiber composites.
The resin in a fiber-strengthened pressure container resembles a compressed natural gas cylinder. According to 3M, the resins will allow control over the life of pressure vessels, their weight and design.
According to Vic Genco, General Manager at 3M, the technology will be applicable in aerospace, production, fleet, and transportation. It will reduce material count, enhance strength and lengthen the life span of the products. In transportation, pressure containers for hydrogen and natural gas vehicles can significantly gain from long life, lightweight and fuel efficiency.
HyPerComp Engineering in Utah conducted external tests, where pressure containers were developed using the new resin. The containers delivered an enhanced fiber strength of 6%, increased burst pressure of 30% after collision and higher fatigue life of 55%.
Janet Kirkman, commercialization marketing at 3M, said that the nanoparticle fill enhances load-distribution between fibers and help shift the load to the fibers.
Source: http://solutions.3m.com/