High-strength low-heat release composites

A method of making a composite structure, the method comprising:

• disposing a lay-up in a mold, the lay-up including:
• a first thermoset layer having a first plurality of fibers;
• a second thermoset layer disposed below the first thermoset layer, the second thermoset layer having a second plurality of fibers;
• and
• a metal layer disposed on the first thermoset layer, wherein the metal layer is an outermost layer of the lay-up and extends across at least 50% of the first thermoset layer;
• pressing the lay-up in the mold at a pressure of about 10 bar or less;
• and
• at least partially curing the lay-up to form the composite structure.

A composite structure, comprising:

• a first thermoset layer having a first plurality of fibers and a first thermoset resin;
• a second thermoset layer disposed below the first thermoset layer, the second thermoset layer having a second plurality of fibers and a second thermoset resin;
• a core disposed between the first thermoset layer and the second thermoset layer, wherein the core includes a plurality of cells bonded together;
• and
• a metal layer bonded to an outer surface of the first thermoset layer, the metal layer extending across at least 50% of the first thermoset layer.