TenCate Advanced Composites highlights new thermoplastic composite applications at JEC 2011
29 March 2011

At the JEC Exhibition 2011 TenCate will showcase several new prepreg resins for out of autoclave, high temperature and industrial composite applications. TenCate Advanced Composites highlights new thermoplastic applications and new products, on display in the TenCate booth (number R46).

2011 JEC Innovation Award Thermoplastic Composite Aircraft Seat
A seat frame and aircraft seat back fabricated by Cutting Dynamics Inc. will be on display in the TenCate booth. This seat utilizes TenCate TC1100 PPS thermoplastic unitapes in a special braided pre-form developed by A&P Technologies. The PPS thermoplastic resin is provided by Ticona Engineering. 

Newest TenCate TC275 out of autoclave prepreg resin system
On display will be a 100+ ply structural beam cured under vacuum pressure and having less than 0.5% voids. TenCate TC275 is currently completing screening evaluations on the new Cirrus jet program.

Boeing Phantom Eye
Long endurance unmanned vehicle rudder fabricated with TenCate Cetex PPS RTL laminates and induction welded by KVE, the Netherlands. This thermoplastic rudder replaces a thermoset design and achieved weight savings for 25% and cost savings of 5%. Induction welding of TenCate Cetex thermoplastic composites eliminates the cost and weight of fasteners, and was highlighted last year in the 2010 JEC Aeronautics Innovation Award describing the Gulfstream G650 thermoplastic tail elevator made by Fokker Aerostructures from TenCate Cetex PPS RTL.

New products from TenCate Advanced Composites

TenCate TC275 is the newest toughened epoxy system of TenCate, designed specifically for thick structural parts. It features a cure temperature of 275-350°F and has superior hot / wet strength retention. It is inspectable with common NDI methods. 

TenCate Cetex TC900 Nylon 11 is a thermoplastic prepreg system for industrial applications. The Nylon 11 polymer is based upon renewable soy bean oil and is resistant to most solvents. TenCate Cetex TC900 can also be processed and formed at moderate 350–400°F (177–204°C) processing temperatures.

TenCate TC420 is the ultra high temperature cyanate ester resin of TenCate, designed for sustained 500F service with capability for short term 600°F (315°C) service. It is capable of curing with low vacuum pressures in large parts and can be used for heat shields, missile fins and high temperature radome applications. It is a viable alternative to BMI resins. It f features a 3 hour cure at 350°F  / 177°C and has an optional 90 minute 450°F (232°C) posture for maximum service temperature performance. TenCate TC420 is part of a high temperature family of products including a high temperature compatible film adhesive, core splice and syntactic paste.     

TenCate Advanced Composites
Paris, France, Monday 28 March 2011

Read the complete press release in .pdf