The new FR grade, GMS EP-540 is a non–halogenated epoxy resin matrix prepreg, replacing EP-530, a previously developed FR grade which had an average 16 minute gel time at a 120Cº mould temperature; the new EP-540 grade has a significantly faster gel time down to only 6 minutes at 120Cº for thinner laminates, with parts fully cured within 2 hours.
Having a faster cycle time was a critical objective to appeal to Motorsport OEMs as well other sectors needing high FR rated prepregged composite parts, such as powerboat racing, aerospace, defence, rail and hazardous goods vehicles.
Having a fast cure epoxy prepreg which meets UL94 V0 has opened the door for GMS Composites to trial its new FR epoxy prepreg for carbon fibre (CF) composites parts in GT3, GTE, rally cross and similar racing car classes, as UL94 V0 is one of the critical fire standards required by FIA (Federation International de L’automobile).
