Prepreg materials are widely used in
composites in aero-structure manufacturing.
They have made a large impact in numerous
industries requiring application- specific,
advanced composites. The aerospace industry
benefits greatly from numerous prepreg
characteristics. With the development of
advanc e d pre - impreg nation pro c e s s e s ,
manufacturers can develop a wide range of
aircraft components such as aircraft flooring,
interiors, cargo liners, fuselage, wing structures
and much more. As Boeing and Airbus continue
experimenting with prepreg materials, we will
begin to see prepregs being utilised in many
more aerospace applications.
Research is also ongoing to improve
composites’ repair methodology, recyclability
and bonding techniques between fibres and
matrices. Moreover, standards are being set up
for testing and computerisation of mechanical
and corrosion properties. Since the development
of new fire-retarding elements and the availability
of polymers with higher temperature ratings,
there is easier fabrication and lower cost. MMC
and CMC parts indicate that important progress
is being made in the reduction of processing
and manufacturing costs. It is important to
realise that the development of composites
requires an integrated approach between
user and designer/manufacturer to ensure
functionality.
New generation large aircraft are designed
with all-composite fuselage, wing structures,
and engines; the material can be found in other
components, such as helicopter blades, too.
Thus, we can say that composite materials are
becoming even more important in the construction
of aerospace structures.
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