ÂÌñÏׯÞ

Published

Novel woven UD fabrics are designed for versatility, reliability

CAMX 2024: Zoltek introduces PX35UD0300EPW and PX35UD0600EPW, carbon fiber fabrics providing easy handling that have the potential to meet the evolving needs of composite applications.

Share

Source | Zoltek

Zoltek (Bridgeton, Mo., U.S.) is presenting its latest unidirectional (UD) woven fabric innovations, the PX35UD0300EPW and PX35UD0600EPW, which stand out distinctly from the company’s existing PX35 series, offering a range of features and advantages designed to meet the evolving needs of the composites industry.

Unlike previous offerings, PX35UD0300EPW and PX35UD0600EPW are woven, heat-bonded UD fabrics using a distinctive stabilization technique for easy handling during wet layup. The weft bonding yarn enables custom cutting on-site to minimize scrap. This structure enhances ease of handling and increases the fabric’s strength and stability. The woven nature ensures clean and efficient cutting minus frayed edges.

The fabrics are comprised of Zoltek PX35-1 (multi-compatible with epoxy and vinyl ester) and PX35-7 (compatible with vinyl ester) 50K continuous tow carbon fiber, enhancing performance and durability. 

According to Zoltek, the U.S.-made PX35UD0300EPW and PX35UD0600EPW fabrics offer a strategic advantage in the North American market, particularly in government-supported and defense projects. Previously, Zoltek says it only offered stitched UD types; this advancement, however, enables the company to target infrastructure applications more effectively and provide shorter lead times.

Other potential applications are listed, including reinforcing concrete structures; lining pipes, tanks and silos; and constructing water reservoirs, tunnels, bridges, chimneys and columns.

Zoltek is actively seeking to engage with companies qualified to use fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) systems where its material can seamlessly replace currently used materials. Additionally, Zoltek aims to attract businesses looking to develop their own FRP systems with their own resins.

Related Content

Related Content

Aerospace

Manufacturing the MFFD thermoplastic composite fuselage

Demonstrator’s upper, lower shells and assembly prove materials and new processes for lighter, cheaper and more sustainable high-rate future aircraft.

Read More
Hi-Temp Resins

JEC World 2024 highlights: Thermoplastic composites, CMC and novel processes

CW senior technical editor Ginger Gardiner discusses some of the developments and demonstrators shown at the industry’s largest composites exhibition and conference.

Read More
Marine

The lessons behind OceanGate

Carbon fiber composites faced much criticism in the wake of the OceanGate submersible accident. CW’s publisher Jeff Sloan explains that it’s not that simple.

Read More
Automotive

Jeep all-composite roof receivers achieve steel performance at low mass

Ultrashort carbon fiber/PPA replaces steel on rooftop brackets to hold Jeep soft tops, hardtops.

Read More

Read Next

Carbon Fibers

Zoltek, A + Composites present novel CFRTP UD tape

50K carbon fiber tow impregnated with polypropylene features 50 µm thickness, offers potential for weight savings and increased mechanical performance.  

Read More
Glass Fibers

VIDEO: High-volume processing for fiberglass components

Cannon Ergos, a company specializing in high-ton presses and equipment for composites fabrication and plastics processing, displayed automotive and industrial components at CAMX 2024.

Read More
ATL/AFP

Composites end markets: New space (2025)

Composite materials — with their unmatched strength-to-weight ratio, durability in extreme environments and design versatility — are at the heart of innovations in satellites, propulsion systems and lunar exploration vehicles, propelling the space economy toward a $1.8 trillion future.

Read More