This page lists materials for the composites industry which have bio and/or recycled content and are commercially available, supplied by members of Composites UK.
The purpose of listing these products is to support the industry to adopt more sustainable products. Composites UK cannot endorse that each of these products has better environmental impact than what it replaces, and encourages increased understanding of whole life impact. By supporting raw materials with bio and recycled content we will help to validate material properties, increase acceptance and create the economies of scale which will lower both the cost and production impact of these materials.
If you have material to add or content needs to be edited, please contact us. Contact details can be found at the members’ Hub profiles – click on the company name below.
Unsaturated Polyester Resins
INEOS Composites PET Resin
One of the key components of this innovative unsaturated polyester resin is recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate). For every 220kg drum produced, approximately 1,800 plastic bottles are diverted from landfills and oceans. Competitively priced, this plastic waste reducing resin also offers GRP manufacturers better overall performance than standard unsaturated polyester resins. Approx 25% recycled PET.
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TriCure 19B721E
TriCure 19B721E is a constructional, ecological resin with low styrene emission, terephthalic, accelerated. It incorporates recycled PET.
It has colourful curing indicator system. It is recommended for the production of laminates with hand-lay or spray- up and can be used in the manufacturing of bathtubs, shower trays, tanks and floating equipment. Recycled PET content between 27% – 33%.
TriJect 13A351K
TriJect 13A351K is a promoted, non-thixotropic general-purpose polyester resin containing recycled PET.
13A351K is custom formulated for use in liquid moulding process applications for the construction of various composite parts. The product exhibits low exotherm and very good flow for fast fill mould. Recycled PET content between 27% – 33%
Epoxy Resins and Curing Agents
EPILOK BDP 4443 A and B
A 50% bio content Epoxy resin system with very low viscosity allowing efficient impregnation of reinforcement materials. Sustainable source materials include Glycerol – a by-product of bio-diesel production and hardeners derived from Phenalkamine (cashew nut shell) resins.
CARDAMINE epoxy curing agents
High-performance modified speciality Phenalkamine (cashew nut shell) polymers that are >90% bio content and have been developed for use as part of matrix systems utilised in specialist composite applications, generally utilised in conjunction with EPILOK epoxy resins as a curative or in conjunction with CURAPHEN phenolic polymers as an additive.
FURALKAMINE epoxy curing agents
A new class of curing agent for epoxy resins that are >25% bio content and have been developed for composite applications, offering thermal performance and excellent chemical resistance. They are REACH compliant, bio-derived and do not contain phenol and/or alkyl phenols.
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AMPRO BIO™
Industry leading epoxy for coating, bonding, sealing, filling and laminating a variety of materials including wood and GRP. This certified, bio-based system has been developed using safer chemistry and includes >40% bio-based content, sourced from bio-waste products. AMPRO™ BIO reduces reliance on petrochemicals without compromising performance and is TUV certified ‘OK biobased‘.
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Sicomin Greenpoxy
Sicomin GreenPoxy resin systems are class leading using the latest innovations in bio-based chemistry. Ranging from 22% to 52% mixed biomass content, GreenPoxy resins are produced with some of the highest biomass certification available today. GreenPoxy series is certified by an independent laboratory using carbon 14 measurements (ASTM D6866 or XP CEN/TS 16640).
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DF260 / DF439
Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) modified epoxy. DF 439 is a toughened formula. Approximately 30% bio based.
Offered as prepreg systems with carbon, glass, aramid, thermoplastic, flax, etc reinforcements.
MTB350 – Bio-Epoxy Component Prepreg
MTB350 is a unique epoxy resin system with 30% bio content derived from a renewable source. Its mechanical properties show equivalence to standard non-bio epoxy systems and is designed to cure at 120°C – 140°C, allowing flexibility in component manufacture. MTB350 can be stored and transported at ambient temperatures without detriment to the product, potentially removing the requirement for cold storage, therefore further improving the green credentials of this innovative product.
More info
LTB310-1 – Bio-Epoxy Tooling Prepreg
LTB310-1 is an epoxy resin tooling system with 30% bio content derived from a renewable source and is designed to cure at low temperatures whilst giving the potential for high temperature tooling. It can be supplied on a variety of fabrics to meet your cost and manufacturing requirements.
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Entropy Resins
Bio-based epoxy systems, from 25-36% bio content (system dependent).The Raw materials going into our epoxy resin systems and hardeners are co-products or waste products of other industrially important processes.
Custom Formulated PRO-SET® Bio-Based Epoxies
The PRO-SET epoxy range includes custom formulated, modern, high performance bio-based epoxies for composite manufacture. Specifically for composite manufacturers wanting to reduce their carbon footprint our bio based epoxies will produce lightweight, durable structures for the demanding composite industry. Resin Bio content 32-36%.
Polyfurfuryl Alcohol (PFA) Resins
FURACURE
A 96% bio content PFA (Polyfurfuryl Alcohol) resin system sourced from materials including sugar beet. Offered as FURACURE BDP 4438 Part “A” and CURACAT 36-262 Part “B”, with very low viscosity allowing efficient impregnation of reinforcements. Also offered as FURACURE R416 solvent free hot melt PFA system for prepreg. Work to develop sustainable catalysts is ongoing.
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Evopreg PFC Prepregs
A 100% bio-derived alternative to phenolic resin systems, delivering outstanding fire performance (Aerospace: FAR25.853, Rail: EN45545-3 HL3) with low toxicity, low environmental impact, and improved operator safety. Offered as prepreg systems with a range of reinforcement fibres, including carbon, glass and ampliTex™ flax, and can be consolidated by vacuum bagging, autoclave or press moulding.
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PS200 / FR308
PFA based resin systems, >95% bio-based, derived from sugar cane waste. PS200 for high temperature FST compliant applications such as EV battery containment, heat shields and other safety critical applications. FR308 is a phenolic replacement material for aircraft, rail and infrastructure applications. CS25.853, EN45545 and BS476 compliant. Both offered as prepregs with carbon, glass, aramid, thermoplastic, etc reinforcements and also flax which gives almost 100% bio content.
Core Materials
Balsaflex™
Balsaflex™ is an end-grain balsa wood core, featuring very high strength to weight ratio. Available in a range of densities, thicknesses, formats and finishes. Gurit® Balsaflex™ is DNV-GL and Lloyds approved, used for wind turbine blades and nacelles, marine, automotive, truck, rail and aircraft parts. 100% bio-based.
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Amorim CoreCork
CoreCork is a composite core material made from controlled density cork granules and specific binder. The closed, airtight cells have a natural honeycomb structure offering low density, high compressibility and excellent recovery characteristics.
Compatible with polyester, vinyl ester, phenolic, epoxies. 100% bio based, regular extraction of cork, 9 year harvest does not damage trees.
Armacell PET foam core
Armacell PET foam cores offer a unique combination of material and processing properties, such as high strength to weight ratio, durability, superior service temperature stability and excellent compatibility with most common resins and manufacturing methods. Produced from 100% post-consumer recycled PET & fully recyclable. LCA study available upon request.
Recycled Carbon Fibre (rCF) Products
CARBISO C 3-10
Pyrolysed carbon fibres cut to lengths of between 3 and 10mm. 100% rCF from post-industrial waste from aerospace.
CARBISO CT
Precision chopped high grade carbon fibres. Chopped to the desired length to be used in compounding, nonwoven or SMC applications. 100% reclaimed virgin carbon fibre from post-industrial waste from aerospace.
CARBISO M / CARBISO TM
CARBISO M: Nonwoven carbon fibre mats. Used as a reinforcement in composite manufacture. 100% rCF – no binders – no stitching.
CARBISO TM: Blended nonwoven mats of recycled carbon fibre and thermoplastics such as PP, PA6 and PPS. Ideally suited to press moulding.
Typically, 40% rCF and 60% polymer fibre.
Carbon fibre derived from post-industrial waste from aerospace.
More info CARBISO M CARBISO TM
CARBISO MF
Milled fibres produced to a mean length of 80 or 100 microns. 100% rCF from post-industrial waste from aerospace.
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SigmaRF
A non-woven fabric produced from 100% rCF from virgin grade production waste from our textile manufacturing. FAW 100-600gsm (other FAW’s on request); excellent drape and permeability; predictable mechanical performance – data available on request.
Suitable for variety of parts / processes in, e.g. automotive, rail, construction, consumer electronics, etc. Also available as a blend of carbon and thermoplastic fibres for hot press manufacture / overmoulding.
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Optiveil® 20342A Carbon Veil
Technical Fibre Products Ltd (TFP) manufacture a recycled carbon veil which is suitable for use in composite applications including surfacing, improving resin flow or adding functionality. 100% of the carbon fibre used in the veil has been recycled.
Consumables
Recycled Silicone Release Liner
Techlan manufactures a range of 100% recycled silicone release liners for use in many composite applications including hot platten presses and pre-preg manufacturing. It’s feedstock is waste release liner produced from pre-preg manufacturers, which it recycles using its innovative patented cleaning technology.
Fire Retardants
1006 / 1007B Fire retardant
A blend of glasses that are powdered to be used as a fire barrier filler in thermosetting and thermoplastics, paint, adhesives, sealants etc.
1006 for general use, 1007B is less alkaline
More than 50% of the glasses used are from recycled sources.