CYCOM 977-3 composite material product

CYCOM 977-3 is a toughened epoxy prepreg system from Syensqo (formerly Solvay) for aerospace composite structures, available as unidirectional tape and woven fabric. It supplies the resin matrix that is combined with carbon fibre in the production of laminates and sandwich panels for aircraft, eVTOL and large unmanned airframes.

The resin is a toughened epoxy that uses a co-continuous morphology to raise damage tolerance. This addresses impact resistance, which is a central requirement for primary structure. The system is formulated for hot and wet performance, so that mechanical properties are retained at elevated temperature after moisture uptake.

The key processing figure is the cure temperature of 177 °C (350 °F), held for six hours. The material form is prepreg and it is processed in an autoclave or in a press moulding operation. The service temperature is 177 °C in the dry condition and 132 °C wet (350 °F and 270 °F), which sets the thermal envelope for parts near engines, power electronics or other heat sources. Reported studies on carbon fibre laminates made with this resin note an out-time limit of 30 days given by the manufacturer, which is relevant to freezer storage and the time the prepreg can be handled at room temperature.

For procurement and qualification, the maker states that the buyer must select the related OEM specification when ordering, that a standard OEM certification is not available for the product, and that an end user statement is required before an order is accepted. Laminate allowables and qualification data must be obtained through the supplier.

Typical applications are primary and secondary aircraft structures, parts with critical impact resistance requirements and components in hot and wet environments, in laminate and sandwich panel constructions.