HexForce HEXFORCE 7781-38in. VOLAN (1-Yard-LG)

Hexcel® F161 High-Temperature Epoxy Resin System

Overview

Hexcel® F161 is a structural, heat-resistant, and electrical-grade epoxy resin system developed for advanced composite laminates manufactured using autoclave curing processes. Designed as a high-temperature epoxy prepreg system with a 177°C (350°F) cure cycle, F161 provides excellent mechanical performance, thermal stability, and electrical properties for aerospace composite structures. It was the first resin system qualified to meet all types and classes of MIL-R-9300B requirements.

Key Technical Characteristics

• Product Type: High-temperature epoxy prepreg resin system
• Cure Temperature: 177°C (350°F)
• Glass Transition Temperature (Dry): 197°C (386°F)
• Glass Transition Temperature (Wet): 152°C (305°F)
• Specific Gravity: 1.243
• Equilibrium Moisture Absorption: 2.8%
• Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 2.6 � 10?? in/in/°F (4.68 � 10?? cm/cm/°C)
• Tensile Strength (Neat Resin): 60 MPa (8.7 ksi)
• Tensile Modulus (Neat Resin): 3.59 GPa (0.52 msi)
• Gel Time at 177°C (350°F): 1-7 minutes

Core Performance Benefits

• Excellent heat resistance and thermal stability
• High mechanical performance across a broad temperature range
• Electrical-grade epoxy formulation
• Suitable for structural aerospace composite laminates
• Excellent heat-aging characteristics
• Adaptable to multiple reinforcement architectures and weave styles
• Good tack and drape characteristics during lay-up
• Available in non-burning system variants

Typical Applications

• Aerospace structural composite components
• High-temperature composite laminates
• Aircraft interior and electrical-grade composite structures
• Tooling applications requiring elevated-temperature performance
• Military aerospace composite programs
• Autoclave-cured glass and aramid fiber composites
• Advanced composite panels and structural assemblies

Material Engineering & Design Features

F161 is engineered as a high-performance epoxy matrix system optimized for autoclave processing and elevated-temperature service environments. The resin system can be supplied with various reinforcement options including glass fabrics, Kevlar® fabrics, and glass tape constructions, allowing designers to tailor structural performance to specific application requirements.

The system offers compatibility with multiple reinforcement formats including:

• Glass fabric prepregs
• Kevlar® fabric prepregs
• Glass tape prepregs
• Specialized woven reinforcement architectures

F161 complies with:

• MIL-R-9300B
• Type I and Type II classifications
• Grades O and D
• Form B requirements

Installation & Handling

• Designed for autoclave curing processes
• Typical cure cycle:
  • Heat-up rate: 0.5-3°C/min (1-5°F/min)
  • Cure temperature: 177°C (350°F)
  • Hold time: 15-120 minutes
  • Autoclave pressure: 310 � 34 kPa (45 � 5 psi)
  • Vacuum: Minimum 74 kPa (22 in Hg)
• Optional post-cure:
  • 3 hours at 204°C (400°F)
• Allow refrigerated material to reach room temperature before opening packaging
• Use clean protective gloves during handling to avoid contamination

Environmental & Compliance Notes

• Store sealed in polyethylene bags under refrigeration
• Preferred storage temperature: Below 0°C (32°F)
• Shelf Life:
  • 6 months at -18°C (0°F)
  • 3 months at 4°C (40°F)
• Dispose of scrap material according to local and federal regulations
• Material Safety Data Sheets should be reviewed before use
• Airborne composite dust generated during machining may require additional safety precautions

Key Advantages for Aerospace Use

• High-temperature structural epoxy technology
• Excellent thermal and mechanical property retention
• Qualified to MIL-R-9300B requirements
• Suitable for both glass and aramid reinforced composites
• Outstanding autoclave processing characteristics
• Electrical-grade performance for specialized aerospace applications
• Adaptable to a wide range of reinforcement architectures
• Proven aerospace composite material system for demanding structural applications