We are casting a complex part with a lot of sharp and opposing angles, which has proven to be extremely difficult to accomplish with a single sheet layup. While we did close in on the goal, the method proved to be unsound. Changing methods, the best results have come from approaching the layup with multiple carbon fiber pieces. This required a lot of precise cuts and matching of weave, as you might imagine. The problem now is that we get stray, quite noticeable, carbon fiber 'fragments' in our parts. My question is to know if there is a way to apply some type of temporary backing to a section of non-prepreg roll which would keep the weave intact to allow me to cut and lay out the shapes I need and reduce stray fragments, then being able to peel off the backing upon layup.
There is one YouTube video of an Aussie showing how to apply a mix of PVA/H2O and thin 'paper' which dried as a backing which you can then peel off in layup. That didn't work for us. Is prepreg the only answer? I would also think that since we're spraying clear gel coat in the mold before layup, any PVA would ruin the bond between the resin and gel coat. Is there a resin soluble product that we could bond the carbon fiber and paper with? We also use spray adhesive to keep a couple of key parts in place which claims to dissolve in resin but that seems to risky.

The templates in the picture attached are a few of the shapes that we need perfect.
Thanks for any help,
Sr. Nerd Lab Technician 

I have never used this product before but looks really interesting and seems to keep the carbon together not too bad. The link talks more about it.  https://compositeenvisions.com/carbon-fiber-fabric-2x2-twill-3k-203-43gsm-6oz-50-toray-t-300-with-web-lock-stabilization-1960.html . I have also seen carbon that has scrim on the back that helps keep the fibers together. 

Or you could use spray adhesive to bond the second layer on the backside of the first. This stops fraying and keeps the cloth more flexible compared to the fixed commercial cloths.

Exactly what oekmont said.

A stabilised fabric like the one above or our version ProFinish Carbon Fibre will do the job fine, or as okemont suggested. People have even used hairsprays and all sorts of things in the past but probably best stick to stuff that is unlikely to cause any other issues.



Warren Penalver
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant