Chem-Trend, Howell Mich., is helping the aerospace industry remove mass, lower fuel consumption, and respect the environment with a release agent targeted for use with composite materials. Zyvax TakeOff is a newly developed water-based, semi-permanent release agent specifically formulated for aerospace manufacturers. It is especially effective for vacuum bagged and autoclave molding of epoxy carbon fiber prepreg. This water-based release agent does not require a sealer in most cases when used on high-quality mold surfaces in aerospace and other epoxy prepreg applications.
Zyvax mold release systems from Chem-Trend are developed specifically to address the molding needs of premium aerospace composites materials. A distinct advantage of TakeOff is its ability to be applied to molds at varying temperatures, thus reducing the required downtime to allow the mold to cool, as is sometimes needed when using solvent-based release agents. TakeOff needs only a minimal number of coats to become effective, with short dry times between applications. It also provides multiple release capability, potentially contributing to improved productivity in the manufacturing process.
Zyvax TakeOff is ideal for aircraft application because it is specifically formulated to work on extremely large epoxy molded parts and uses an environmentally conscious water-based carrier. Additionally, there is very low transfer of the release agent to the molded part. That can eliminate or significantly reduce any cleaning process that might be required prior to a post-molding procedure, such as painting and gluing. This saves material, time and money for manufacturers.
For those parts that do require cleaning, only a mild detergent and water are needed to easily remove any transferred release material. TakeOff is virtually solvent-free, exceeds the most demanding environmental requirements and provides employees a more pleasant plant environment.
“Aerospace manufacturers are not alone in their use of lightweighting solutions to increase fuel economy and decrease emissions,” said Barton. “Manufacturers in the marine, rail and automotive sectors are also increasing their use of composite materials to gain the same economic advantages. With as much as 50% of today’s aircraft comprised of composite material, release agents play a major role in production.
