Carbon fibreCF

A composite of carbon fibre in a polymer matrix, usually epoxy, offering very high stiffness and strength for low weight. CFRP is used for primary aircraft structure, motorsport chassis, wind turbine spar caps and bonded strengthening plates for existing buildings and bridges.

A bundle of thousands of continuous carbon filaments handled as a single unit, the carbon fibre equivalent of a glass roving. Tows are designated by their filament count in thousands, written with a K, and are used directly in filament winding, automated fibre placement and weaving.

Reinforcement fibre pre-impregnated with a controlled quantity of resin, usually a partially cured (B-staged) thermoset, supplied in rolls and stored chilled or frozen until layup. Prepregs give precise fibre and resin content and are the standard material form for high-performance aerospace and motorsport laminates.

A thermosetting resin based on molecules containing epoxide groups, cured by reaction with a hardener such as an amine or anhydride. Valued for strong adhesion, low cure shrinkage, chemical resistance and high mechanical performance, it is widely used in structural adhesives, laminating resins, coatings and composite matrices.

A fabric woven from tows that have been spread into thin, flat tapes before weaving, giving an ultra light reinforcement with very low crimp. The format reduces ply thickness and resin rich zones and is used where minimum weight matters, such as high performance marine, motorsport and aerospace structures.