The use of thermoset composites is becoming increasingly popular across various industries – from aerospace to power transmission and nearly every other sector in between.
These materials offer unmatched durability, making them perfect for demanding environments. They are non-corrosive, ensuring longevity and performance even in harsh conditions, and their non-magnetic and non-conductive nature makes them ideal for sensitive electronic and critical electrical applications.
Explore some of the key attributes of thermoset composites, and how their strength, design flexibility, and other advantages make them a superior choice for modern engineering.
Thermoset composites provide a high-level of structural integrity that results in exceptional durability (strong and resistant to deformation). During the curing process, thermoset polymers experience an irreversible chemical crosslinking reaction that results in a rigid, three-dimensional structure. The addition of reinforcing fibers like carbon or glass further enhances the durability of the materials while providing good fatigue strength and resistance to impact or abrasion.
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Thermoset composites are highly resistant to corrosion because they do not contain any metals; as a result, they are not susceptible to galvanic or electrochemical corrosion. The crosslinked polymer matrix in thermoset composites is inert and does not react with most chemicals, solvents, acids, or bases.
Since they do not contain any metals, thermoset composites are non-magnetic. This allows the materials to be used safely around sensitive electronic equipment, magnetic resonance imaging machines, and other applications where magnetic interference needs to be avoided.
Thermoset composites do not allow the flow of electric current (they are non-conductive). A key advantage over metallic materials, thermoset composite’s electrical insulation capability allows it to be used safely in applications involving electrical equipment, electronics, and transmission of radio/microwave signals without any interference.
Thermoset composites are often used in cases when radio transparency is needed. Used in radar, radio signal and GPS reception equipment, thermoset composites are found within industries such as aerospace, defense and automotive. Since they consist of polymers and are reinforced with glass or carbon fibers, radio waves can pass through the materials without significant interference or attenuation.
Product designers and engineers often select thermoset composite for its dimensional stability. By maintain ing its shape and size, thermoset composites can perform predictably under various stresses and environmental conditions.
Designing with Thermoset Composites
Engineers prefer thermoset composite over metallic alternatives (Cast aluminum, iron, steel, zinc) because it is better suited for demanding and extreme applications. Capable of operating at extreme temperatures (depending on the selection of material between -452F to +428F), thermoset composites are ideal for high-intensity electrical applications.
Selecting the Right Material for Operating TemperatureAtlas Fibre is the leading supplier of thermoset composite and has the technology, expertise, and capacity to fabricate and machine complex parts and components. Connect with our team to learn more about the available material options, our expertise in plastics machining, and to request a quote for an upcoming project.
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