Materials

Materials used by C³ Technologies

Composite materials offer great diversity in terms of their nature and applications.
C³ Technologies currently works primarily with carbon fibre, a composite material that provides the highest strength in return for the lowest weight. Many types of carbon are used, falling into two broad categories – dry fabric and pre-impregnated fabric. We also use glass fibre, Kevlar, and indeed any other materials needed for the manufacturing process (Nomex, PVC foam, epoxy resin, etc).

Pre-impregnated carbon fibre

Components made from pre-impregnated carbon fibre

Resin is added to this particular type of reinforcement in the factory, which means the matrix can be accurately distributed and the mass per square metre of the material perfectly controlled. To prevent polymerisation, it is then stored in a cold chamber at a negative temperature prior to being shaped and hardened by thermal processing.

Carbon fibre
carbone

Carbon fibre components

The choice of material from which a component will be manufactured is determined according to the resistance and rigidity qualities and the final mass sought. These parameters will therefore be used to determine the type of fibres and fabric most appropriate for the component to be manufactured.

Honeycomb core
Honeycomb sandwich structure for composit part

Sandwiched structure with a honeycomb core

The honeycomb structure (also known as Nomex®) offers excellent compression-resistance properties. Most of the products we manufacture use a honeycomb paper core or Kevlar. The shape of the cells, their size, and the basic material used can all vary. Shaped like a plate, it can be integrated as a structural core materials in parts that will be housed in flatter areas.

Parts that have a honeycomb structural core and carbon fibre walls on either side are described as having a ‘sandwich’ structure.

Kevlar fibre
piece carbone kevlar

Kevlar components

Kevlar has very good impact resistance and shape retention properties at a high temperature. It can also be directly woven or braided with carbon fibre whereupon it combines the properties of both materials (rigidity, durability).

Polyester and epoxy resins

Polyester and epoxy resin components

Resin is the element (matrix) which enables different kinds of reinforcement (glass, Kevlar, carbon, linen etc.) to be consolidated. There are several families of resins, each with its own characteristics.

Glass fibre

Glass fibre components

An inexpensive material with a range of applications, glass fibre, like carbon fibre, can be pre-impregnated with resin at the time of manufacture. Pre-impregnated fabric must be stored in a cold chamber while so-called “dry” fabric can be stored at room temperature.