Products > High Temperature Composites > Direct Z-pin Insertion

Direct Z-pin Insertion

Z-directional reinforcement of laminated composites without loss of properties in x-y plane

Capability Description:

Direct Z-Pin insertion (DZI) increases shear strength properties in C/SiC’s at a fraction of the cost compared to existing alternatives such as 3D weaving. Pins are inserted where desired to an organic laminate prior to curing. The preform is cured & processed with the pins, fully integrating them to the structure of the composite.

Key Features:

Significant increase in inter-laminar properties
Negligible effect on in-plane properties
Minimizes delaminations
Direct Insertion allows for reinforcement in only areas of need

Benefit to Customer

Only locally reinforce areas that need higher 3D property performance
Local reinforcement is extremely cost effective compared to other existing 3D composite options
Negligible effect on in-plane strength
Minimal time/cost added to component fabrication

Carbon Fiber pins inserted Normal to laminate surface

PSI Products

High Temperature Composites

PSC-10

Baseline C/SiC CMCs with service temps up to 3000°F

UHT-21

Refractory-modified C/SiC CMCs with service temps up to 5000°F

Hybrid Composite Systems

Co-fabrication of PSC-10 and UHT-21 to save weight and cost without loss of performance.

Castable, Chopped Fiber Composites

Low-cost, castable C/SiC alternative to our laminated composites

Pre-preg Braiding of Organic Composites

Rapid fabrication of organic preforms via braiding of woven pre-preg tapes

Direct Z-pin Insertion

Z-directional reinforcement of laminated composites without loss of properties in x-y plane

Flexible Thermal Protection Systems

Thin, stackable CMC sheets with bend radii as small as 3.5”

Chemical Vapor Deposition

Coating application to fibers and fabrics