High‑Performance Aerospace Materials

MARKET EXPERTISE

Advanced composite solutions for the Aerospace & Defence industries

The SHD group of companies has purposely evolved over the years so that it can continue to support its global customer base with the same range of high performance prepreg materials - from multiple manufacturing sites located in the UK, EU and USA.

SHD's fundamental ethos is one with service, quality and innovation remaining at the core of daily activity, underpinned by all sites being certified to EN9100:2018, a constant focus on short lead times and market leading customer support.

With the emergence of new programmes and sectors, such as Urban Air Mobility, the modern Aerospace and Defence industries present some unique challenges and are rapidly becoming important sectors for SHD. The company is now establishing itself as a key supplier providing a versatile range of application tailored products, with a strong focus on new technologies based on sustainable material sources. Below is a quick guide to product selection across typical application area.

All products available in a variety of formats and with a wide array of reinforcement types to match specific performance needs.

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We offer a wide range of tooling and component prepregs suitable for autoclave, press and oven curing. Using our product selector guide you can browse our products by process, type, resin system and market to find the right product for your needs.

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Application Areas

A versatile fire retardant epoxy component system with a low minimum temperature cure and increased toughness. UL94 V0 certifications on carbon and glass reinforcements.

Sustainable solution, FR308 is highly flame retardant with exceptional Flame, Smoke and Toxicity (FST) and heat release rate (HRR) performance and has been designed and optimised for use in the rail, aerospace, and construction sectors. The PFA system is compliant with CS 25.853 and EN45545-1 to HL3. Depending on application, FR308 offers a cost effective, more environmentally friendly alternative to phenolic and FR epoxy systems.

Advanced composite solutions for aerospace (passenger plane seating)

A versatile fire retardant epoxy component system with a low minimum temperature cure and increased toughness. UL94 V0 certifications on carbon and glass reinforcements.

General purpose flame retardant system

Outstanding thermal and fire protection with non-structural service possible 150-250°C (dry). Ability to cope with rapid but limited time excursions >500°C. Meets ISO 2685 and AC 20-135.

Curing 135°C to 200°C, a toughened epoxy system with max dry Tg of 225°C and wet Tg > 160°C. Excellent property retention temperature up to 180°C, with good chemical resistance and typically used for components around the engine and pressure pipes.

Toughened epoxy system curing 135°C-180°C and providing dry Tgs of 145°C and 205°C respectively. Typically used on monocoque and elevated temperature structures has excellent retention of properties up to 150°C. Supported by extensive database.

Toughened system with max dry Tg of 170°C. Wet Tg of > 105°C. Developed for out of autoclave processing.

A 30% bio-derived epoxy component system with an exceptional outlife at 20°C of 6 months. Excellent all-round properties and particularly suitable for use with natural fibers and recycled fiber mats. Service up to 140-150°C possible.

Toughened epoxy system with an exceptionally high max dry Tg of 263°C and dry service at ~ 200°C.

Toughened epoxy system with versatile curing (65°C-120°C) and max Tg dry of 143°C. Excellent for prototyping and series production, with good OOA processing capability.

Toughened versatile cure (65-180°C) with max (dry) Tg of 190°C. Excellent for prototyping and limited series product, with good OOA processing.

General purpose epoxy system with a max dry Tg of 130°C. High quality, stable product widely used and proven for communications and antenna applications.

Toughened epoxy system with versatile curing (65°C-120°C) and max Tg dry of 143°C. Excellent for prototyping and series production, with good OOA processing capability.

Toughened versatile cure (65-180°C) with max (dry) Tg of 190°C. Excellent for prototyping and limited series product, with good OOA processing.

This 30% bio derived tooling system allows for a cure temperature from 45°C to 70°C with a potential maximum service temperature of 200°C. As expected of a tooling system, low CTE and shrinkage values are combined with exceptional handling characteristics entirely in line with fully oil-based systems.

Cure range of 45°C - 70°C with maximum onset Tg after post cure of 218°C. 7 days out life at 20°C. Epoxy tooling system with extra room temperature out life for larger tools, warmer ambient temperatures. Excellent handling.

Cure range of 65°C - 80°C with maximum onset Tg after post cure of 192°C. 21 days out life at 20°C. A robust tooling system for general applications, with extra-long out life.

Cure range of 65°C - 80°C with maximum onset Tg after post cure of 207°C. 30 days out life at 20°C. A robust tooling system for aerospace and general applications, with an unmatched extra-long out life.

Cure range of 160°C - 180°C with maximum onset Tg after post cure of 350°C. 30 days out life at 20°C (70°F). A Bismaleimide system with very high service temperatures, providing extended tool life.

Cyanate ester system with a maximum (limited) service temperature of 350°C from 250°C initial cure. Short exposures to 400°C possible.

120-135°C initial cure, modified, cyanate ester system with a max dry Tg capability of 275°C, after post-cure. Meets low-outgassing requirements.

MARKET EXPERTISE

Advanced composite solutions for the Aerospace & Defence industries

The SHD group of companies has purposely evolved over the years so that it can continue to support its global customer base with the same range of high performance prepreg materials - from multiple manufacturing sites located in the UK, EU and USA.

FIND A PRODUCT

Application Areas

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