Carbon fibre reinforced polymerCFRP

A reinforcement fibre produced by carbonising a precursor, most commonly polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or pitch, to give continuous filaments composed largely of carbon. It offers very high stiffness and strength for its weight and is the principal reinforcement in high performance composites. Grades are commonly described by modulus class, such as standard, intermediate and high modulus.

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.

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.

The umbrella term for composites in which fibres such as glass, carbon, aramid or basalt reinforce a polymer matrix. In construction the abbreviation FRP commonly covers pultruded profiles, reinforcing bar and externally bonded strengthening systems.

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.