BIOpreg PFA is a bio-based intermediate prepreg material that presents a more sustainable alternative to the phenolic systems commonly used to build structural panels in commercial aircrafts.
The Furan resin system is formaldehyde-free and derived from sugar cane waste. The material can be impregnated with a range of reinforcement fibers, including 7781 glass fabric. Switching to BIOpreg PFA requires no retooling, as the material can be processed into components on the same equipment used to make phenolic-based parts.
BIO-BASED FURAN RESIN SYSTEM
Resin derived from sugar cane waste
Where phenolic resin systems are derived from fossil fuels, BIOpreg PFA uses bio-based Furan – a formaldehyde-free furfural resin derived from fibers that are a by-product of sugar cane processing.
Pure Furan is then mixed with various additives, such as flame or smoke retardants, in order to meet application requirements. Depending on the specifications, the resulting resin can consist of up to 95% bio-based ingredients.
Compared to phenolic systems, the organic origins of Furan resin contribute to a significant reduction in the lifetime climate impact of the part.
BENEFITS FOR AEROSPACE OEMS
Sustainability meets performance
BIOpreg PFA is virtually equivalent to phenolic panels in terms of processing, performance specifications, and pricing – making the switch to a more sustainable material a virtually seamless one.
BIOpreg PFA meets all FST requirements for use in commercial aircraft interiors, even producing less smoke and less toxicity in burn tests than phenolic resin. The bio-based Furan resin can also be enhanced with further addivites to achieve even greater flame resistance and flame retardancy properties.
In-depth LCA data can be provided to help OEMs calculate the impact of switching from phenolic to Biopreg on their Scope 3 GHG emissions.
