Hexcel Corp. (NYSE: HXL) has completed qualification of its HexPly M91 carbon fiber-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 covers both unidirectional tape and plain weave fabric forms. Material allowables and supporting data have been published in the NCAMP database, making them available to aerospace manufacturers for design and certification purposes.

The M91 system combines an intermediate modulus carbon fiber with a toughened epoxy resin. According to the company, it offers enhanced tensile and compressive properties along with improved impact resistance compared with baseline materials.

Hexcel has supplied M91 for use in aerospace applications, including carbon fiber-reinforced composite engine fan blades, for several years. The NCAMP qualification makes validated material data broadly available across multiple platforms.

"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 at Hexcel.

Royal Lovingfoss, NIAR Director of Materials & Processes, said the availability of NCAMP data positions M91 for broader adoption in advanced aerospace structures.

NCAMP qualification provides standardized material property data that aerospace manufacturers can use to reduce time and cost associated with qualification and certification processes.