préimpregnados

Préimpregnados, often shortened to prepregs, are advanced composite materials used in various industries, most notably aerospace, automotive, and sporting goods. They consist of reinforcing fibers, such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, or aramid fiber, that have been pre-impregnated with a resin system. This resin is typically a thermosetting polymer like epoxy, but thermoplastic resins are also used. The fibers are fully encapsulated by the resin, ensuring a precise and consistent fiber-to-resin ratio. This controlled impregnation is a key advantage over traditional hand lay-up methods, leading to improved material properties and reduced manufacturing variability.

The prepregs are usually supplied in a partially cured state, often referred to as "B-stage." This allows them to be handled and shaped before final curing. The material is typically supplied in rolls or sheets, often protected by a release film. During the manufacturing process, the prepreg plies are laid onto a mold in a specific orientation to achieve the desired structural characteristics. Heat and pressure are then applied, usually through an autoclave or vacuum bagging, to cure the resin, solidifying the composite structure. The controlled nature of prepregs allows for the creation of lightweight, high-strength, and dimensionally stable components with excellent performance characteristics.