CROISSET THERMOPLASTICS ENGINEERING, S.L. develops composite materials because the different fields of engineering could not find the physical, chemical, or mechanical properties needed to meet new challenges in traditional materials. For this reason, the role of composite materials both in current and future applications is decisive in advancing in the achievement of the cost-benefit ratio.
Composite materials, also known as composites, are the result of combining materials with different properties from which a result impossible to achieve by other methods is obtained and are characterized by low weight and their very high mechanical strength.
They have two main elements: fiber and matrix. By properly combining different fibers and matrices we obtain materials with better properties than the parts that compose them.
CTE develops compounds with a polymeric matrix (CMP), ceramic (CMC) and metallic matrix (CMM) and we work on the investigation of smart materials and different nanocomposites.
MATRICES | ||
---|---|---|
THERMOPLASTIC | THERMOSTABLE | ELASTOMERS |
Polypropylene PP Polyamides PA Polycarbonates PC |
UNSATURATED POLYESTER UP Epoxy Resins Vinyl Ester Resins Phenols |
Polyurethanes PU Silicones SI |
As reinforcement Fibers are used: glass, carbon, boron, ceramics, metal, aramid, etc. Also, natural fibers such as: sisal, hemp, flax, corn, oats, kenaf, etc.
The technologies applied are the following:
HLU (Hand Lay Up). – It is characterized by the manual placement of pre-preg material on an air mold and cured in an autoclave under certain pressure and temperature conditions. Commonly used to produce monolithic and sandwich components.
RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding).- It has dry fibers that are manually placed on double opening molds which, when closed, are injected with a resin form that is then cured in an oven. The fact that intermediate parts are used significantly improves the mechanical properties of the material.
VARTM (Vacuun Assisted Resin Transfer Moulding).- As the name suggests, it is a technology that has some similarities with RTM. The process involves placing a dry fiber blank on an open mold. Once the perimeter and hole are closed and sealed while the resin is injected, we create a vacuum to facilitate the penetration of the injected resin. The vacuum effect significantly reduces the viscosity of the resin, promoting its even distribution. It is then cured in an autoclave. It is relatively inexpensive, with high-quality glass and carbon fiber components used primarily in the aerospace industry.
HVARTM (Heated Vacuun Assisted Resin Transfer Moulding).- The process is similar to the previous one in that it includes temperature and drying without the use of an autoclave.