HexPly® Prepregs

Our product

HexPly® prepregs provide a tougher, lighter and stiffer alternative to conventional materials.

HexPly® prepregs are specially formulated resin matrix systems that are reinforced with man made fibers such as carbon, glass and aramid. Prepreg is the ultimate composite material. The thermoset resin cures at elevated temperatures, undergoing a chemical reaction that transforms the prepreg into a solid structural material that is highly durable, temperature resistant, exceptionally stiff and extremely lightweight.


hexply schema

HexPly® Prepregs

Hexcel pioneered the development of composite materials to meet the requirements of early aircraft manufacturers. Ground-breaking projects included the construction of a full scale wing spar in flax fiber reinforced phenol formaldehyde resin for a Bristol “Blenheim” bomber. Lightweighting was a major driver in the exploration and development of these new materials, alongside the need for higher mechanical properties and greater design flexibility

HexPly® Prepregs for Aerospace

The aerospace industry is the greatest consumer of Hexcel prepregs, for civil aircraft, military jets, helicopters, aero-engines or space satellite and launchers. Hexcel’s range of resin formulations for aerospace prepregs includes a wide range of epoxies for highly loaded parts and supreme toughness; BMI systems for high temperature performance; phenolics for fire, smoke and toxicity performance in aircraft interiors; and cyanate esters for space structures and satellite applications. HexPly® prepregs are available with HexForce® woven and multiaxial reinforcements, or as unidirectional tapes in various forms. 
Hexcel was awarded the contract to supply prepreg for all primary structures on the Airbus A350 XWB, including the fuselage.

HexPly® Prepregs for Industrial Applications

Hexcel provides a range of prepregs under the HexPly® trademark for industrial applications, using specially formulated epoxy resin matrix systems. HexPly® prepregs are reinforced with woven, multiaxial and unidirectional (UD) carbon and glass fibers.

HexPly® prepregs are used in a wide range of industrial markets and tailored to meet the specific performance requirements – whether they are low temperature cure and low exotherm (HexPly® M79) and industry standards for Marine; Very fast cure and excellent adhesion (HexPly® M78); flexible cure, high structural performances and ultra-high TG (HexPly® M81); HexPly® M49 is the best option for structural performance with good visual appeal; ultra-high TG, fast cure and high corrosion resistance (HexPly® M901).

The HexPly® Industrial product range continues to evolve, with surface films, systems with very short cure cycles and higher temperature performance resins being introduced. All industrial markets can benefit from Hexcel’s high performance lightweight composite materials, from traditional markets such as sports equipment to new applications such as industrial machinery and alternative energy.

HexPly® M77 is a fast-curing epoxy prepreg that enables automotive components and sports goods to be press-cured in 2 minutes at 150° C.

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Get expert guidance on the best HexPly® prepregs for certified aerospace or industrial use.

Engineering Starts Here

Technical Resources

Find all the documentation you need to evaluate, specify, and implement Hexcel prepregs.

Phenolic

Products Description Downloads
200 135°C curing phenolic matrix EU Version
260 135°C curing phenolic matrix EU Version
HT93 135°C curing phenolic matrix EU Version

Epoxy

Products Description Downloads
XF3/300+V24 Composite Surface Film EU Version
913 125°C (257°F) curing epoxy matrix EU Version
913 125°C (257°F) curing epoxy matrix US version
914 175°C curing epoxy matrix EU Version
8552 Mid-Toughened, High Strength,Damage-Resistant, Structural Epoxy Matrix EU Version
8552 Mid-Toughened, High Strength,Damage-Resistant, Structural Epoxy Matrix US version
F185 Resin Systems for Advanced Composites US Version
M18 180°C curing epoxy matrix Global Version
M18/1 180°C curing epoxy matrix EU Version
M20 130°C curing epoxy matrix Global Version
M21 180°C curing epoxy matrix Global Version
M26/M26T 120°C (250°F) curing epoxy matrix EU Version
M42 180°C curing epoxy matrix EU Version
M47 140°C curing epoxy matrix EU Version
M49 120°C curing epoxy matrix EU Version
M56 180°C (350°F) Out-Of-Autoclave Curing Matrix EU Version
M56 180°C (350°F) Out-Of-Autoclave Curing Matrix Global version
M51 180°C (350°F) Curing Epoxy Matrix EU Version
M73 350°F (177°C) curing toughened epoxy resin US Version
M74 350°F (177°C) curing epoxy matrix US Version
M76 275°F (135°C) curing epoxy matrix US Version
M81 135 – 180°C/356°F curing matrix EU Version
M90 110°C Fast Curing Low Pressure Epoxy Matrix Global Version
M91 M91 – 180ºC (350ºF) curing epoxy matrix Global Version
M92 125°C versatile curing epoxy matrix for aerospace structures EU Version
M901 High Tg Epoxy Resin Matrix for Prepregs EU Version
M949 Cosmetic High Tg Epoxy Resin for Prepregs EU Version
M98 Surfacing & Lightning Protection Film EU Version

Cyanate

Products Description Downloads
954-2A 350°F (177°C) curing cyanate resin US Version
954-3 350°F (177°C) curing cyanate matrix US Version
954-6 250°F (121°C) curing cyanate matrix US Version
996 350°F (177°C) curing cyanate matrix US Version

BMI

Products Description Downloads
F655 Resin Systems for Advanced Composites US Version
M65 Toughened Bismaleimide Resin for Advanced Composites US Version

Additional Resources

FAQs

Answers That Power Precision

Get clarity on your most pressing questions about prepregs and their applications.

A composite material made from combining high performance reinforcement fibers or fabrics with a thermoset or thermoplastic resin matrix. When cured under high temperature and pressure, exceptional structural properties are achieved.

Prepregs are used for a wide range of applications requiring high strength and stiffness combined with low weight. The use of prepreg was pioneered by the aerospace industry, closely followed by developments for sports goods, performance boats, F1 and Indy cars. Recent innovations have included train bogies and wind turbine blades.

Hexcel prepregs are based on four main matrix types: epoxy, phenolic, bismaleimide and cyanate ester. Reinforcements include carbon, glass, aramid and hybrid fibers in both woven and unidirectional form.

Selection is governed by the achievable cure temperature and the maximum service temperature of the component. Consult the prepreg selector guide and Hexcel’s Technical Support department for advice on prepreg selection.

Please note that Hexcel’s lowest temperature curing prepregs are currently HexPly® M34 and HexPly® M79 for industrial applications.

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