Composite Materials >
Ceramic Matrix Composites |
Quartz & Carbon Phenolic Heatshields
Specialty Prepregs |
Thermal Protection Systems > FlexFram
Fiber Materials, Inc. has the technology and experience to incorporate fibrous reinforcements into polymeric matrices. High strength and high stiffness fibers in the form of yarns, tows, fabrics and braids are used to impart exceptional mechanical performance in structural applications. Epoxy, polyester, polyimide, and FMI's fire resistant resin are used for a wide variety of structural applications. Ablative composites are produced by combining matrices, such as phenolic, Teflon® or epoxies with appropriate fiber forms.
Composites utilizing high temperature or structural resins can be combined with specialty fibers such as carbon, Kevlar®, Spectra®, High Purity Quartz Yarn (HPQY), or hybrids thereof to produce desired thermal, structural and environmentally tolerant characteristics. Phenolic resin is commonly combined with quartz, silica or carbon fibers to produce high temperature thermal protection systems. BMI, cyanate ester and epoxy resins are often utilized to yield high strength composite products. Ceramic matrices are used to provide high temperature oxidation and erosion resistant ceramic matrix composites.
Manufacturing techniques available at FMI® include high pressure processing (up to 15000 psi), vacuum impregnated structures, compression molding, filament winding, tape wrapping, involute construction, and often specialty processes.
More than 25,000 square feet of space is devoted to the impregnation of a variety of sizes, shapes and constructions of 2-D fabrics and multi-directional woven preforms as well as densification and impregnation of carbon and ceramic composites and resin matrix products. Fabrication, engineering and development services pertaining to high performance materials are also available, including high pressure processing (up to 15000 psi), impregnation, heat treatment (up to 3000°C) and hot pressing. Composites are manufactured for use as nosetips, heatshields, nozzle inserts, leading edges, thermal protection systems, antenna windows, hot pressing molds, furnace fixturing/heating elements, punches and numerous other applications for government and industry. Matrix precursors and processing techniques are selected to best meet the cost, material and performance requirements for a particular application.
Structural applications for resin matrix composites include heatshields, nosetips, shrouds, leading edges/fins, and numerous commercial applications (bridge structural members, racquets, fishing poles and golf clubs). Manufacturing techniques include autoclave molding, pressure impregnation and resin transfer molding.
Fiber Materials, Inc. combines over 30 years of experience with the abilities of American craftsmen and women to design, engineer, fabricate and test specialty products and advanced materials for our customers.
