HANKUK CARBON

<p><img alt="" src="https://www.hcarbon.com/upload/ckeditor/8c96d069-9102-4178-8498-17e9a3d5905e.jpg" style="width: 70%;" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Composite materials play a vital role in the high-tech industry, where there is a demand for lighter and stronger materials. What is a prepreg? Prepreg is a high-performance composite used in various applications, ranging from sports and leisure equipment, like tennis rackets, golf clubs, bicycles, and hockey sticks, to advanced components in industries such as future mobility, automobiles, and aircraft.</p> <p><br /> Prepreg is a commonly used composite material, but its concept may be unfamiliar to some. In this episode, we will explore the definition of prepreg, its strengths, and the manufacturing methods with Hankuk Carbon, a leading company in the intermediate material sector.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>What is a Prepreg?</strong></span></p> <p><br /> A prepreg is an intermediate product used in the fabrication of high-tech components. The term &quot;prepreg&quot; comes from &quot;pre-impregnated material,&quot; which refers to <strong>a material created by impregnating resin into reinforcing fibers, such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, or aramid fiber.</strong><br /> The resin used in the composite material remains in a liquid state at room temperature. It changes into a solid state when heat and pressure are applied with a curing agent. Curing refers to the process that hardens the material, allowing the prepreg to be transformed into a lightweight, high-strength component through the curing process of the resin.</p> <p><br /> Prepreg is characterized by its <strong>&quot;semi-hardened&quot;</strong> state. This semi-hardening stage occurs before the material is fully cured, which happens when heat and pressure are applied. Prepreg is a sheet-type material consisting of fibers pre-coated with resin, allowing it to be easily cut into desired shapes and formed before being cured. This process enables convenient and efficient manufacturing of high-tech parts. Unlike traditional manual methods, prepreg maintains a consistent ratio of fiber to resin, which enhances quality and significantly reduces manufacturing time, contributing to the advancement of various industries.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>High-tech Products Completed through Curing of Resin</strong></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.hcarbon.com/upload/ckeditor/e3c9d18b-bb0a-448b-99f0-cea8a91e8e23.jpg" style="width: 70%;" /></p> <p><br /> Resin is essential for prepregs. Although carbon fiber is gaining attention as an advanced material, it is valuable as a composite only if combined with resin.</p> <p><br /> Carbon fibers provide strength and elasticity in carbon fiber prepreg materials, while the resin acts as an adhesive to bond the fibers together, forming the final part. The resins used in composite materials are primarily categorized into two types: thermosetting resins, such as epoxy and phenolic, and thermoplastic resins, like polyester. Once thermosetting resins are cured, they undergo an irreversible process, meaning they cannot be reshaped. In contrast, thermoplastic resins can change their shape even after curing. Most carbon fiber composite materials utilize thermosetting resins.</p> <p><br /> The prepregs are arranged and stacked in a pre-designed mold to shape them. They are then cured into the final product by applying heat and pressure in various ways. After curing, the prepregs are transformed into composite materials, such as CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic), which uses carbon fibers, and GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic), which uses glass fibers.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Hankuk Carbon&#39;s Various Resin Systems</strong></span></p> <p><br /> Hankuk Carbon offers a variety of resin systems tailored for different applications and environments. One of our standout products is the fast-cure resin system, the FC-Series, which cures in approximately four minutes. This rapid curing time makes it ideal for mass production, as more parts can be produced in the same amount of time. The FC 9-Series possesses flame-retardant properties and is specifically designed for battery cases, an essential component of eco-friendly electric vehicles (EVs).</p> <p><br /> Furthermore, Hankuk Carbon developed a biomass-based resin system for eco-friendly industries. Among the FC-Series, FC-1310 has been certified as a bioplastic in Korea, containing over 25% biomass. This resin offers the advantage of reducing carbon emissions without compromising on quality, compared to traditional composite materials that use existing epoxy resins.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><br /> Prepreg, a high-performance composite material, is gaining attention as a future material in various industries. Hankuk Carbon&#39;s advanced resin systems and prepreg manufacturing technology offer innovative solutions for fields that require lightweight yet high-strength materials, contributing to sustainable development. See you in the next story with more valuable insights about composite materials!</p>

<p><img alt="" src="https://www.hcarbon.com/upload/ckeditor/b107a171-58de-4fa5-aafd-679b75c51b71.jpg" style="width: 70%;" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>On September 17, 2024, Hankuk Carbon marked its 40th anniversary. Since its establishment in 1984, Hankuk Carbon has positioned itself as a leader in the composite materials industry, continually driving innovation through technological advancements and unwavering commitment to research and development. This special episode will reflect on Hankuk Carbon&#39;s journey over the past 40 years.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>The Beginning: From Hankuk Fiber to Hankuk Carbon</strong></span></p> <p><br /> Hankuk Carbon, established in 1984 as a subsidiary of the Hankuk Fiber Group, was the first in Korea to commercialize carbon fiber prepreg successfully. In the 1980s, we produced high-quality carbon fiber fishing rods, competing with Japanese products that dominated the global market. With our significant market share, Hankuk Carbon was awarded the 5 Million Dollar Export Tower in 1987. This achievement marked a turning point for the company, establishing its strong position in the composite materials market.</p> <p><br /> The company&#39;s spirit is at the core of its success. At Hankuk Carbon&#39;s headquarters in Miryang stands a monument engraved with the word &#39;Originality.&#39; This value reflects the unique business philosophy of Honorary Chairman Yong-jun Cho, the founder of Hankuk Carbon and Hankuk Fiber. His belief that &quot;one cannot survive without thinking differently&quot; became a key to the company&#39;s competitiveness and remains embedded in Hankuk Carbon&#39;s DNA today, driving continuous innovation and unique achievements.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Crisis and Challenge: Transition to LNG Insulation</strong></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.hcarbon.com/upload/ckeditor/f774562a-798c-4ec1-b8b9-10d356ac17cf.jpg" style="width: 70%;" /></p> <p><br /> In the late 1990s, Hankuk Carbon faced a crisis as low-cost Chinese products began dominating the sports and leisure composite materials market. This prompted the company to search for new opportunities. It expanded the uses of its carbon fiber composite materials and explored new markets through technological advancements. One of its significant initiatives was entering the LNG (liquefied natural gas) cargo containment insulation industry in 2001.</p> <p><br /> LNG insulation must have high strength and excellent thermal insulation to safely store gas at the extremely low temperature of -163&deg;C. This is a challenging task that requires advanced technology. Hankuk Carbon focused on developing polyurethane foam and secondary barrier materials. They produced the secondary barrier material locally, previously imported from Japan. This achievement allowed the company to enter the Japanese market and solidify its technological prowess in the global LNG market. As a result of this success, Hankuk Carbon secured new growth opportunities, ensuring its continued success and expansion.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><br /> <span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Expansion: Diversifying into New Industries</strong></span></p> <p><br /> Building on its success in the LNG sector, Hankuk Carbon expanded into various industries utilizing composite materials. In sectors like aerospace, automotive, and rail, where lightweight materials are essential, Hankuk Carbon&#39;s composites play a crucial role.</p> <p><br /> In the aerospace industry, materials are crucial in improving fuel efficiency by reducing aircraft weight. In 2019, Hankuk Carbon received its first Boeing Material Specification (BMS) certification for its phenolic glass prepreg used in aircraft interiors. In the automotive industry, Hankuk Carbon contributes to producing lighter and more efficient electric vehicles by providing materials that reduce the weight of car bodies and batteries. In 2020, Hankuk Carbon was honored at the &#39;JEC Korea Innovation Awards,&#39; the world&#39;s largest composite materials exhibition, for its fire-retardant glass fiber composite material used in electric vehicle battery cases. In the rail industry, we offer comprehensive solutions, including materials, components, and modules, through independent facilities and technologies.</p> <p><br /> The expansion has elevated Hankuk Carbon to a global materials company, offering innovative composite solutions and component development across various industries.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Hankuk Carbon is gearing up for significant advancements through ongoing technological innovation and expanding its presence in the global market. Leveraging composite materials&#39; lightweight and superior physical properties, Hankuk Carbon is a crucial partner across diverse industries, including LNG, automotive, and aerospace. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary in 2024, the company eagerly anticipates the next 40 years as it progresses toward a lighter future.<br /> Stay tuned for the next episode of Hankuk Carbon&#39;s 40th-anniversary feature!</p>

<p><img alt="" src="https://www.hcarbon.com/upload/ckeditor/e901d641-ff36-4d31-a16d-2d8c76582dc6.jpg" style="width: 70%;" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Self-flying planes, urban air mobility (UAM), and futuristic aircraft are no longer distant dreams. Thanks to the exceptional physical properties of lightweight composite materials, these innovative modes of transportation are becoming a reality. In this episode of &quot;Composite Materials 101,&quot; we will delve into the history of aerospace materials and explore the crucial role that Hankuk Carbon composites will play in shaping the future of aerospace mobility.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>From Wood to Composites: The Power of Materials to Overcome</strong></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright built &quot;the Wright Flyer&quot; and made the first sustained flight as human beings. The Wright Flyer was the first controlled, engine-powered aircraft created with wooden frames and fabric coverings. Until the mid-20th century, most airplanes were made of wood because it was lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to work with. However, wooden airplanes had one major drawback: they are less durable than metal and are vulnerable to bad weather due to their ability to absorb moisture.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As aircraft&#39;s speed increased, metal began to be used for better corrosion resistance. In 1915, German aircraft engineer Hugo Junkers developed &quot;Junkers J 1,&quot; the world&#39;s first experimental all-metal monoplane. All-metal airplanes are now rare, but the breakthrough suggested a direction for the aerospace industry: <strong>exploring new materials to overcome challenges.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Since the 1930s, high-strength metals and aluminum alloys have been widely used as primary materials for aircraft manufacturing. Aluminum alloys have been a popular choice for aerospace materials since the mid-20th century because they are lighter and stronger than metals. However, with the development of supersonic aircraft, a new problem emerged&mdash;aluminum could no longer withstand the extreme surface temperature of the plane during flight at high speeds.</p> <p>Thus, c<strong>omposites emerged as a great alternative</strong>, representing <strong>cutting-edge technology of aerospace material.&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Lightweight Innovation in Aerospace Driven By Composites</strong></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.hcarbon.com/upload/ckeditor/118ae1b4-3e48-496b-a171-6190788085cc.jpg" style="width: 70%;" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) was the first lightweight composite material used in aircraft. GFRP is a plastic reinforced with glass fibers and resin (such as epoxy or polyester). It has excellent heat and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for aerospace materials requiring both lightweight and durable characteristics. Composite materials, including carbon and glass fiber, have become increasingly popular since the 1970s and 1980s. They are now used in advanced aircraft for high performance and weight reduction.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Composite materials offer a significant advantage by <strong>maintaining high strength while being lightweight.</strong> This feature can enhance the fuel efficiency of aircraft, reducing operational costs in the long run. According to a study by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in India in 2005, an aircraft that is 20% lighter can save up to 8,660 kg of fuel over 10,000 km of travel. An excellent example is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the first commercial aircraft with major structural components made of composite materials. With an application ratio of nearly 50%, the Dreamliner is one of the most fuel-efficient aircraft available today.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Aerospace materials are used in launch vehicles and aircraft engines, and they must possess excellent properties to withstand high-temperature and high-pressure environments. Composite materials are <strong>highly resistant to corrosion and fatigue </strong>and offer a lengthy lifespan for parts; thus, they are likely to reduce waste. The molding process of composites also allows the manufacture of various shapes, giving high levels of freedom in the design process.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Hankuk Carbon Reaches for the Spacious Sky</strong></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Hankuk Carbon is focusing on the aerospace parts business as the next growth driver. </strong>In 2017, we acquired aerospace parts manufacturer KCI and are supplying composite material parts to various aircraft, including Boeing Dreamliner B787, Airbus A380, and Gulfstream G280. We established KAT in 2018, a company specializing in UAV and UAM, to develop state-of-the-art UAV and UAM technology. In 2022, we acquired aircraft parts maker c2i to further our presence in the European market.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In June 2019, Hankuk Carbon&#39;s phenolic glass prepreg for aircraft interior was qualified for Boeing Material Specification (BMS). This means Hankuk Carbon can supply its products to Boeing and its suppliers. We are dedicated to growth and are actively working on localizing key components for UAM through national projects. We are optimistic that in the near future, we will see diverse aircraft made of Hankuk Carbon&#39;s composite materials soaring freely in the sky.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Aerospace materials have constantly evolved from wood to different types and shapes to enhance aircraft performance. Hankuk Carbon is dedicated to developing composite materials and solutions to keep up with emerging mobility technologies, leading the aerospace industry toward a safer and more convenient future. That concludes today&#39;s episode of &quot;Composite Materials 101.&quot; We will see you again in our next episode, where we will share another informative story about composite materials!<br /> &nbsp;</p>