Available Continuous Carbon Fiber Sizes
Sizings Available with HexTow® Continuous Carbon Fiber Products
| DESIGNATION | SIZE COMPATIBILITY* | RECOMMENDED USES | SIZING LEVEL |
| Unsized | Epoxy, Phenolic, Polycarbonate, Polyurethane, Polyester, Polysulfones, Cyanate Ester, Vinyl Ester, Nylon, BMI, PES, PEEK, PEKK, PES, PVC, Polyimide, Polypropylene | Prepreg Tape | 0 |
| G | Epoxy, Phenolic, Polyurethane |
Weaving
Prepreg Tape
|
0.8 - 1.2
0.2 - 0.4
|
| GP | Epoxy, Phenolic, Vinyl Ester, Polyurethane, Cyanate Ester, BMI |
Weaving & Filament Winding
Prepreg Tape
|
0.8 - 1.2
0.2 - 0.4
|
| H | Epoxy | Weaving | 0.8 - 1.2 |
| R | Epoxy, Polyester | Filament Winding | 1.2 - 1.6 |
| GS | Epoxy, Vinyl Ester, Polyurethane | Prepreg Tape | 0.3 - 0.7 |
* Compatibility with these Matrices is considered theoretically compatible. Hexcel cannot guarantee their results.
Hexcel Recommended Storage and Shelf Life
Below are inherent properties of Hexcel’s unsized carbon fiber which have an undetermined shelf life To enable consumer processing of carbon fiber, proprietary sizing agents are typically applied by Hexcel, such as G, GP, and GS Sizes. It has been found that the original processing characteristics of G Sized carbon fiber will essentially remain constant for at least one year from the date of manufacture while GP and GS Sized carbon fibers will essentially remain constant for at least five years from date of manufacture.
Carbon fiber should be stored indoors, in original containers, under the recommended storage conditions of <95°F (35°C) and < 50% RH. Direct exposure to sunlight or rain should be avoided. Shrink wrap should not be removed until immediately prior to use.
If carbon fiber is stored at high temperatures and/or high humidity conditions, or for timeframes in excess of those recommended above, difficulty in processing may result. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that carbon fiber which has stiffened as a result of extended storage should undergo a thorough evaluation of processing characteristics (i.e. resin wet out, spreadability, etc.) relative to the customer’s operation before use.
Hexcel Recommended Storage and Shelf Life
Below are inherent properties of Hexcel’s unsized carbon fiber which have an undetermined shelf life To enable consumer processing of carbon fiber, proprietary sizing agents are typically applied by Hexcel, such as G, GP, and GS Sizes. It has been found that the original processing characteristics of G Sized carbon fiber will essentially remain constant for at least one year from the date of manufacture while GP and GS Sized carbon fibers will essentially remain constant for at least five years from date of manufacture.
Carbon fiber should be stored indoors, in original containers, under the recommended storage conditions of <95°F (35°C) and < 50% RH. Direct exposure to sunlight or rain should be avoided. Shrink wrap should not be removed until immediately prior to use.
If carbon fiber is stored at high temperatures and/or high humidity conditions, or for timeframes in excess of those recommended above, difficulty in processing may result. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that carbon fiber which has stiffened as a result of extended storage should undergo a thorough evaluation of processing characteristics (i.e. resin wet out, spreadability, etc.) relative to the customer’s operation before use.
