Ilium Composites Launches Premium Chopped Strand Mat

Premium Chopped Strand Mat

Ilium Composites, the global manufacturer of fiberglass structural composite reinforcements, launches their latest Chopped Strand Mat (CSM) as part of their ULTImat range of reinforcements. The CSM incorporates a lightweight integrated polyester surface veil and is assembled using Ilium’s proprietary technology, without the need for stitching or a chemical binder. It is available right now in a variety of weights—from 225g/m2 to 600g/m2—and offered in rolls of 1270mm with non-standard widths available.

Developed as a premium CSM, the product will yield multiple benefits over its competitors; designed for functions that once required numerous processes and larger expenses. These benefits include:

  • Superior surface finish, along with osmosis and chemical protection—as standard with all Ilium reinforcements.
  • The chemical binder-free production allows the use of non-styrenated resin systems, and compatibility with a wider choice of matrices
  • 100mm chopped fibre as opposed to 50mm alternatives from most competitors.
  • Quicker production and improved laminate quality.

Without a chemical binder, the user may apply the CSM without waiting to introduce it to deeper geometries of mould cavities, due to its integral cold-formable behaviour. A single ULTImat CSM version is compatible with a range of matrices, such as polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy, polyurethane, and more. This means Ilium’s premium CSM can be used as the first protective layer in marine hulls and hard tops, having gained approvals from major boat builders globally.

The improvement of lamination quality has been demonstrated in swimming pool production to greatly resist blistering and osmosis—blister tests up to 26 weeks showed a strong resistance at 55oC. With the addition of the integrated surface veil, glass fibres are held in place during laminating, resulting in a consistent thickness with no risk of thin, weak patches in corners or over-worked areas.

In addition, the option to eliminate styrene, reduces the presence of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), making ULTImat CSM more environmentally friendly and versatile to sustainable resin systems.

Colin Leatham-Locke, Business Development Manager at Ilium Composites, says, “Our premium CSM offers unprecedented protection against osmosis and chemical erosion for maritime and other relevant constructions, while delivering smooth surface finishes at a lower cost. Unmatched in this space, Ilium continues to provide the highest quality in innovative reinforcements—the CSM being the latest to join our long line of renowned ULTImat products.”

Ilium’s Chopped Strand Mat will be on display at JEC World in Paris, from 3rd-5th May 2022, in Hall 5, Stand M79. For more information or to make an appointment at the show, please visit www.iliumcomposites.com or email info@iliumcomposites.com.