Aerontec conducted a  Vacuum Infusion Training Workshop with Sicomin Epoxy Systems at PlasticsSA’s premises in the Western Cape on 19 November 2020.

Aerontec, a main supplier to the Southern African composites industry, always looks for ways to be more efficient and environmentally conscious.

Vacuum Infusion presents a solution to many common problems. Although vacuum infusion is not new, there are numerous recently developed technologies that can enhance the manufacturing process as well as the end products in the marine, automotive, aerospace and renewable energy markets.

Essentially, Vacuum Infusion is a process that uses the negative pressure, or vacuum, to draw resin into a fibre pack of Glass and or Carbon. Dry materials are laid into the mould and the vacuum is applied before the resin is introduced.

This process has many benefits for both the manufacturer and the industry as a whole. Some advantages include: improved fibre-resin ratio (large reductions in resin usage), stronger & lighter products, reduction of chemical emissions (well below 50ppm), improvement in the health and safety of staff in the workplace, unlimited size of infusion part, cleaner overall process, faster mould turn-around time and the ability to save on both costs and time.

Aerontec is constantly working towards becoming a more environmentally conscious composites supplier, specifically with providing the ‘GreenPoxy’ Sicomin range of bio-based epoxy resin systems. The popular infusion Epoxy resin ‘Sicomin SR InfuGreen 810’ is produced with around 38% of carbon from plant origins and has a lower environmental impact than standard epoxy systems available on the market today. The bio-based Carbon content of our resin is certified by an independent laboratory using Carbon 14 measurements (ASTM D6866 or XP CEN/TS 16640). This percentage is a function of the carbon origin contained in the epoxy molecule. SR InfuGreen 810 is DNV-GL Maritime approved.

The promotion of upcycling and recycling of composite products for renewable energy is their drive.