CANZ Glossary of Terms

Gradual programmed increase/decrease in temperature or pressure to control cure or cooling of composite parts.

Compound consisting of a polymer and a reinforcement fibre or filler supplied by raw material producer in the form of ready-to-use materials.

Strong, relatively inert material moulded into plastics to improve strength, stiffness and impact resistance. Usually fibres of glass, carbon, boron mineral, synthetic polymer, ceramic, textile, sisal, cotton, etc., in woven or non-woven form.

a compound used to reduce surface tension or adhesion between a mould and apart. See mould release.

A non-stick film layer that does not bond to the composite during cure.

A liquid polymer that when catalyzed cures to a solid state.

To draw or force resin into dry reinforcement already in mould cavity.

RTM process feature; state of pressure across a part from injection point to vent point; driving force that causes rein to flow through and saturate fibre pack.

Localised area filled with excess resin as compared to consistent resin/fibre ratio.

Localised area lacking sufficient resin for fibre wetout.

Separation of vehicle from pigments/fillers in gel coat film, usually seen as black wavy lines.

moulding process in which catalysed resin is pumped into two-sided, matched mould where fibrous reinforcement has been placed. Mould and/or resin may or may not be heated.

On honeycomb core, direction in which honeycomb can be separated; direction of one continuous ribbon.

Collection of bundles of continuous filaments either as untwisted strands or as twisted yarns. For filament winding, generally wound as bands or tapes with as little twist as possible.