IM7/977-3 is a high-performance carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite featuring IM7 intermediate-modulus carbon fibers in a 977-3 toughened epoxy matrix, engineered for unidirectional fiber alignment to maximize strength and stiffness along the fiber direction. This system is widely used in aerospace primary structures, wind turbine blades, and high-performance sporting equipment where the combination of low weight, high fiber-direction strength, and superior matrix toughness (977-3 is Hexcel's damage-resistant formulation) provides advantages over brittle conventional epoxy systems. Engineers select IM7/977-3 when damage tolerance, impact resistance, and hot-wet performance are critical alongside weight savings—particularly in military aircraft, commercial jetliners, and harsh operating environments where intermediate fiber modulus balances stiffness gains with superior fiber toughness compared to high-modulus alternatives.
Compliance & Regulations
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Poisson's Ratio(ν) | 0.3200 | - | 0° | — | |
Young's Modulus(E) | 164.0 | GPa | unidirectional prepreg · 0° (fibre direction) | — |
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thermal Conductivity(k) | 6.830 | W/(m·K) | 0° | — |
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Density(ρ) | 1.570 | kg/m³ | — | — |