Toray has succeeded to produce a prepreg increasing its strength and shock resistance by about 30% compared with the conventional one. In the conventional technique, it is considered that strength and shock resistance are difficult to increase in parallel with each other. However, it is now possible by using a newly developed resin which has a fine molecular structure. Some other new components are also added to the prepreg. When impregnated to a carbon fiber, the new resin can help the carbon fiber to perform well. When stretched, the prepreg is about 30% stronger at -60 degree, and about 20% stronger at 80 degree, compared with the conventional one. Its shock resistance is improved by 30%. Toray aims to gain more opportunities in aerospace application requiring high performance.

JCFA News Letter (No.14) June, 2017/Japan Chemical Fibers Association