Curable prepregs possessing enhanced ability for the removal of gases from within prepregs and between prepreg plies in a prepreg layup prior to and/or during consolidation and curing. Each curable prepreg is a resin-impregnated, woven fabric that has been subjected to a treatment to create an array of openings in at least one major surface. Furthermore, the location of the openings is specific to the weave pattern of the fabric.

The invention relates to a new binder composition which is particularly suitable for the manufacture of composite materials utilizing such new binder composition in the required nonwoven materials. Composite materials using such new binder composition in their nonwoven part are suitable, in particular, for composites materials for interior construction, for linings, floor coverings, and for the manufacture of furniture and similar products.

Novel composite materials are provided consisting of a substrate based on fibers of natural, mineral or vegetable origin, and of a mixture formed from a matrix of water-based resin and an expanding agent. The nature and the proportions of the various elements constituting these novel composite materials is also provided. A method of manufacture for making these novel composite materials starting from the constituent elements and the characteristics of the different steps of said method is also provided.