Optimat® general information
Optimat® is a range of high performance mats and veils for use in both advanced composite applications and other niche areas which require highly developed material solutions. The products can be employed as composite surfacing materials, advanced substrates and, following impregnation with resin, composite ‘prepreg’. In addition, a selection of the lightweight veils can be used widely as supporting carriers for adhesive films.
The fibre based products are manufactured using a proprietary wet-laid process and offer a highly competitive solution for many of the technically advanced challenges faced by composite manufacturers. Product properties and attributes can be precisely tailored to meet stringent application requirements and use of the Optimat® range has the following advantages, which include:
- Optimat® surfacing veils facilitate a high quality, resin-rich composite surface.
- All Optimat® materials benefit from an exceptionally even fibre distribution.
- Veils are available in a wide range of fibre types including several ‘exotic’ materials.
- Veils can be manufactured from an accurate blend of more than one fibre type.
- Product binders can be selected to suit both specific composite processing conditions and other customer requirements.
- Optimat® veils can be employed to give additional functionality to the finished composite part. For example, the electrical conductivity or electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties of the composite can be enhanced by using carbon or metal coated carbon fibre Optimat® veils.
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Optimat® fibre and binder options
Optimat® mats and veils are manufactured from short-chopped fibres, a small amount of organic binder and, in some cases, additional particulates or fillers. Our most popular fibre types include PAN carbon, E and C glass, aramid, polyester, ceramic, nickel coated carbon and copper-nickel coated carbon. We welcome custom enquiries that involve these fibre types or other ‘special’ options including quartz, silver coated nylon, viscose, metal coated carbon, pure metal and metal alloys. Products can also be manufactured from pre-blended and carefully controlled fibre combinations, which can give a product with very specific properties and attributes.
A selection of our most popular mat and veil types along with some key application benefits are highlighted below. Typical areal weights range from 8g/m² – 200g/m².
Possible binder types include polyvinyl alcohol, polyester, styrene acrylic, bi-component fibres, polyurethane, acrylic, phenoxy and epoxy. Where appropriate, we actively encourage the exploration of new or custom binder options.
Optimat® fibre type |
Key application benefits |
Glass |
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Polyester |
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Aramid |
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Carbon and glass blends |
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PAN carbon |
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Nickel coated carbon |
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Copper-nickel coated carbon |
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Optimat® product dimensions
Our mats and veils are available in rolls with a width between 100mm (4”) and 1625mm (64”). We also have the capability to offer material in the form of sheets or cut shapes.
Composite construction using Optimat®
Optimat® products can be utilised in all major composite fabrication techniques and, in general, Optimat® materials are compatible with most common resin systems including polyesters, epoxies, vinyl esters, urethanes, acrylics and phenolics.
Electrically conductive mats and veils
We offer an extensive range of electrically conductive mats and veils and by careful consideration of the fibre raw material and manufacturing conditions we can design products to meet strict performance criteria. We have been working for a number of years to understand and utilise the full potential of these materials, and we welcome the opportunity to share our expertise in this area. A selection of the main application areas include:
- Static dissipation
- EMI/RFI shielding
- Radar signature management
- Lightning strike protection
- Conductive tapes
Static dissipation
The controlled dissipation of static charge is critical in many industrial applications, and by blending a small amount of carbon fibre with dielectric fibres such as glass, polyester or aramid, we can produce products that prompt the controlled removal of static electricity.
EMI/RFI shielding
Our Research and Technical teams have worked with many key partners to explore fully the use of Optimat® materials for EMI/RFI shielding applications. This work has allowed us to understand the capabilities of the Optimat® range and, as a result, we can tailor veils to meet required attenuation values at certain specified frequencies. This technology offers a competitive light-weight alternative to traditional shielding options, and we would welcome the opportunity to discuss full details of our capability with you.
