TFP's nonwovens provide a high quality, resin rich surface finish to a composite. They are used extensively as surfacing veils; minimising the problem of print through, reducing the amount of further processing required and delivering a high quality finish with the required surface aesthetic.
The product range comprises nonwoven veils (OPTIVEIL®) and mats (OPTIMAT®) which are produced from short chopped engineered fibres using a unique wet-laid manufacturing process. These veils and mats are highly porous and, due to their exceptionally even fibre distribution and consistent basis weight, ensure a very uniform resin uptake. This makes them ideal for use as a surfacing veil, delivering a high quality resin rich surface finish with microcrack suppression and minimum microporosity.
Typically a lightweight veil is incorporated at the surface of the composite on top of the structural component, it minimises print through from the underlying reinforcement (for example, woven patterning) or provides an improved aesthetic appearance. This resin rich surface can then be primed and painted if required.
The type of veil used can be selected to deliver the required aesthetic, for example; black (carbon), transparent (glass and polyester) or a premium metallic finish. The veil can also impart surface functionality if required and this is covered in more detail later.
Typical nonwoven types:
Carbon, Glass, Polyester, Aramid, Nickel Coated Carbon, Copper & Nickel Coated Carbon and blends of these fibres are all available. We also welcome custom requests.
KEY BENEFITS:
- Even surface coverage
- Close control of thickness of resin rich layer
- Even resin wet out with no dry spots
- High resin compatibility
- Good conformability with soluble binders
- High wet tensile strength with insoluble binders
- Reduced incidence of fibre breakout & bleed through