Hexcel Corp., a global leader in advanced composites, has completed qualification of its HexPly M91 carbon fibre-reinforced epoxy prepreg system through the National Center for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP), an initiative of the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University.

The qualification includes both unidirectional tape and plain weave fabric forms, establishing a fully characterised material system for use in primary aerospace structures and other structural applications.

"This qualification marks an important step in expanding access to high-performance composite materials across the aerospace industry," said Imad Atallah, vice president of commercial aerospace growth programs and product management for fibres, reinforcements and matrix at Hexcel. "M91 builds on proven platforms while delivering the increased performance required for future aircraft and propulsion systems."

Material allowables and supporting data have been published in the NCAMP database, where they are available to aerospace manufacturers to support design and certification.

The M91 system is designed for demanding primary structure aerospace applications. It combines an intermediate modulus carbon fibre with a toughened epoxy resin system engineered for improved structural performance. Compared with established baseline materials, the system offers enhanced tensile and compressive properties along with improved impact resistance for load-bearing structures.

NCAMP qualification provides a standardised set of material property data that can be used across the aerospace industry, from large commercial aircraft to advanced air mobility platforms. The availability of shared data enables manufacturers to reduce the time and cost associated with qualification and certification, while supporting faster development of new aircraft and propulsion programs. This approach is particularly relevant for emerging aerospace companies seeking access to proven materials without the need to generate proprietary datasets.

Hexcel has supplied M91 for use in advanced aerospace applications, such as carbon-fibre reinforced composite engine fan blades, over several years. The NCAMP qualification extends that foundation by making validated material data broadly available for use across multiple platforms and by expanding access to a higher-performance composite system for structural design.

"This achievement reflects the investment required to generate comprehensive materials data and our commitment to supporting customers with ready-to-use solutions," said Royal Lovingfoss, NIAR Director of Materials & Processes. "With NCAMP data available, M91 is positioned for broader adoption in advanced aerospace structures."

The qualification also reflects Hexcel's ongoing collaboration with NIAR and its efforts to develop, scale, validate, and expand access to advanced composite materials for the aerospace industry.