Polyfurfuryl Alcohol (PFA) is a thermosetting bioresin derived from hemicellulose crop waste such as sugar cane bagasse and is similar in nature to a phenolic resin. Aside from its environmental credentials, PFA has fire retardant properties equivalent to phenolics, as well as excellent chemical resistance. Composites Evolution’s PFA high performance bioresin prepregs are based on aligned fabrics, which can be natural flax, glass or carbon, and are the result of over four years’ extensive research and development. The materials offer a combination of light weight, high mechanical properties, excellent fire retardant properties and low environmental impact. The prepregs can be consolidated by vacuum, autoclave or press and are designed for a range of applications in mass transport, aerospace, furniture and construction. The glass/PFA prepreg systems have been shown to have excellent fire resistance and are able to compete with glass-phenolics. The flax/PFA prepregs are 100% bio-derived, as they are made using Biotex Flax fabrics to provide the levels of performance and processability normally associated with glass reinforced materials. This is the first time that PFA and Biotex have been combined in this way, giving the benefits of Biotex Flax material with a sustainable resin which does not have impact the food supply chain. “We are very excited to be able to offer these prepregs commercially, as customers can now specify bioresin composite components that have mechanical properties, fire performance and cost - all equivalent to existing oil-derived composites,” stated managing director, Dr Brendon Weager. Composites Evolution will launch the new material from its stand, B13. www.compositesevolution.com
