Chopped Strand Mat (CSM) Emulsion Bound

Chopped Strand Mat (CSM) – Emulsion Bound

Chopped Strand Mat (CSM) Emulsion Bound is a versatile fibreglass reinforcement made from randomly distributed chopped glass fibres held together with an emulsion binder. Designed for fast wet-out and easy handling, it is widely used in hand layup, spray-up, and general fibreglass manufacturing applications.

The random fibre orientation provides multidirectional strength and excellent conformity over curves and complex mould shapes, making it a staple reinforcement in marine, automotive, and general composite fabrication.


Key Features

  • Random fibre orientation for multidirectional reinforcement
  • Fast wet-out and easy resin absorption
  • Excellent conformability over curves and contours
  • Smooth laminate build-up and good bulk properties
  • Easy to cut, shape, and laminate
  • Suitable for general-purpose fibreglass applications

Typical Applications

  • Boat and marine construction
  • Fibreglass repairs and maintenance
  • Automotive panels and mouldings
  • Tooling and mould manufacture
  • General composite fabrication
  • Laminate bulk build-up layers

Processing Compatibility

Suitable for:

  • Hand laminating
  • Spray-up applications
  • Compression moulding

Compatible with:

  • Polyester resins
  • Vinyl ester resins

Not generally recommended for epoxy resin systems due to emulsion binder compatibility.


Why Use Emulsion Bound CSM

Emulsion-bound CSM provides excellent handling and flexibility, allowing it to easily conform to complex mould surfaces while creating uniform laminate thickness. It is commonly used to:

  • Build laminate thickness quickly
  • Improve interlaminar bonding between woven reinforcements
  • Reduce print-through from heavier fabrics
  • Create strong, economical fibreglass laminates

Available Options

  • Multiple weights available
  • Standard roll widths
  • General-purpose and marine-grade options

Ironbark Tip

For best results:

  • Fully wet out the mat to eliminate dry fibres
  • Consolidate with laminating rollers to remove trapped air
  • Layer with woven fibreglass fabrics for improved structural performance