Coremat is a polyester non-woven material that incorporates microspheres and serves as a thin core (bulker mat) or print blocker (liner) in fiber-reinforced laminates, produced through Hand Lay-Up or Spray-Up techniques. It is essential that Coremat is completely saturated with resin, as the microspheres within it inhibit excessive resin absorption. The primary advantages of utilizing Coremat include: Weight reduction Savings on resin and glass Increased stiffness Rapid thickness accumulation Outstanding surface finish Coremat contributes to weight reduction. As a core material, Coremat is positioned at the center of a laminate, allowing it to substitute for significantly heavier solid glass layers. The density of impregnated Coremat is 610 kg/m3 (38 lb/ft2), in contrast to impregnated Chopped Strand Mat, which has a density of 1,500 kg/m3 (94 lb/ft3). This results in a weight reduction of 60%.
Coremat conserves resin and glass. Coremat requires less resin compared to CSM: 1 mm (0.039 inch) of Coremat utilizes 0.6 kg/m2 (2.0 oz/ft2), whereas 1 mm (0.039 inch) of CSM uses 1 kg/m2 (3.31 oz/ft2). Although Coremat typically replaces glass layers, it is recommended to always position it between glass layers.
Coremat reduces labor costs. A single layer of Coremat quickly increases thickness. Coremat has a thickness range of 1 to 10 mm (0.04-0.39 inch). While multiple layers of glass fiber are necessary to achieve similar thicknesses, one layer of Coremat suffices.
Coremat serves as an effective print blocker. Coremat can effectively prevent the “print-through” of glass reinforcements and cores, particularly when dark gelcoat surface finishes are applied. It is most commonly placed against the “skin coat” to enhance the surface finish on hull sides.
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