BYK: Coupling Agent

  This company offers BYK-C 8013, a solvent-free, polymeric coupling agent for improving the mechanical strength of carbon-fiber-reinforced, radical-curing systems. It is reportedly the world’s first coupling agent for carbon fibers. The coupling agent is used in vinyl esters and unsaturated polyester resins that are processed to composite parts using carbon fibers

   The coupling agent can increase both the transverse tensile strength and the flexible strength of the composite by means of improved fiber-matrix bonding. The chemical structure of the additive provides simultaneous adhesion to the fiber and to the resin matrix. This property reportedly makes changes in the component design possible, and it enables particularly durable components to be manufactured. Especially in hot-curing processes such as SMC/BMC, pultrusion, prepreg or RTM, BYK-C 8013 brings about increases in strength of up to 70%.