Composite Materials
What are Fibre Reinforced Composite materials?
Fibre reinforced composites are a combination of at least two materials brought together to give material properties that enhance the properties of each individual material. The majority of composites consist of a matrix with a fibre reinforcement. This reinforcement is added to improve the strength and stiffness of the matrix.
Composite materials utilising carbon, glass, kevlar and natural fibres are now being more widely acceptable as replacement materials and production for more traditional materials. Composite materials are strong, lightweight and offer design freedom enabling almost any shape to be manufactured whist also providing tailored properties, relatively low tooling costs and quick turnaround from conception to production.
Paxford Composites predominantly work with fibre reinforced thermosetting resin composites. This class of materials fall into two main categories, fibre type and resin type. All combinations of these materials are available dependant on you requirements.
Fibre 
We currently utilise the following selection of fibres at Paxford Composites:
- Glass
- Carbon
- Kevlar
If the type of fibre that you would like to or currently use is not listed please feel free to contact us to discuss your application and requirements where we will be able to advise whether we can accommodate your needs.
Matrix
We use a whole range of thermosetting composite matrix materials ensuring that you get the best properties for you composite component. These include:
- Polyester
- Vinylester
- Epoxy
- Phenolic
- Bismaleimides (BMI)
If the resin system that you would like to use is not listed, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Paxford Composites will incorporate various components into the composite structure to provide the customer with solutions such as fire retardancy or provide stiff/lightweight components. These components include:
Core Materials
- Foam
- Nomex Honeycomb
- Aluminium Honeycomb
- Balsa
- Polypropylene Honeycomb
Fillers
- Micro-spheres
- Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
- Alumina Tri-Hydrate (ATH)
For more information on the materials listed above please visit www.netcomposites.com