scholarly journals Preparation of Glass Fabric/Poly(l-lactide) Composites by Thermoplastic Resin Transfer Molding

Polymers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elodie Louisy ◽  
Fabienne Samyn ◽  
Serge Bourbigot ◽  
Gaëlle Fontaine ◽  
Fanny Bonnet
Keyword(s):  
Resin Transfer Molding ◽  
Bulk Polymerization ◽  
Thermoplastic Resin ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Dynamic Vacuum ◽  
Transfer Molding ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Closed Mold ◽  
Process Transfer

This study reports the first example of the production of polylactide composites prepared by Thermoplastic Resin Transfer Molding (T-RTM) via in situ bulk polymerization of l-lactide (l-LA) after injection in a closed mold containing glass fabrics. Tin octoate Sn(Oct)2 was used as the catalyst and first evaluated at the lab-scale in the experimental conditions required in the tank and in the mold of the RTM device. The reactions were then upscaled in the RTM in the absence of reinforcement to ensure the feasibility of the process (transfer and polymerization). Finally, poly-l-lactide (PLLA)-based composites with glass fabrics as the reinforcement were obtained. The resulting PLLA matrices exhibited conversions up to 99% along with high molar masses of up to 78,000 g·mol−1 when the polymerization was carried out under dynamic vacuum (vacuum-assisted RTM, VARTM). Moreover, a good impregnation of the glass fabrics by the matrix was observed by optical microscopy.

scholarly journals A Review of Thermoplastic Resin Transfer Molding: Process Modeling and Simulation

Polymers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ageyeva ◽  
Sibikin ◽  
Kovács
Keyword(s):  
Polymer Composites ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Resin Transfer Molding ◽  
High Viscosity ◽  
Commercial Application ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Thermoplastic Resin ◽  
Molding Process ◽  
Transfer Molding ◽  
The Matrix

The production and consumption of polymer composites has grown continuously through recent decades and has topped 10 Mt/year. Until very recently, polymer composites almost exclusively had non-recyclable thermoset matrices. The growing amount of plastic, however, inevitably raises the issue of recycling and reuse. Therefore, recyclability has become of paramount importance in the composites industry. As a result, thermoplastics are coming to the forefront. Despite all their advantages, thermoplastics are difficult to use as the matrix of high-performance composites because their high viscosity complicates the impregnation process. A solution could be reactive thermoplastics, such as PA-6, which is synthesized from the ε-caprolactam (ε-CL) monomer via anionic ring opening polymerization (AROP). One of the fastest techniques to process PA-6 into advanced composites is thermoplastic resin transfer molding (T-RTM). Although nowadays T-RTM is close to commercial application, its optimization and control need further research and development, mainly assisted by modeling. This review summarizes recent progress in the modeling of the different aspects of the AROP of ε-CL. It covers the mathematical modeling of reaction kinetics, pressure-volume-temperature behavior, as well as simulation tools and approaches. Based on the research results so far, this review presents the current trends and could even plot the course for future research.

scholarly journals Multiscale Composites: Assessment of a Feasible Manufacturing Process

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
R. Volponi ◽  
P. Spena ◽  
F. De Nicola ◽  
L. Guadagno
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Carbon Fiber ◽  
Manufacturing Process ◽  
Resin Transfer Molding ◽  
Fiber Reinforced ◽  
Transfer Molding ◽  
Macro Scale ◽  
Multiscale Composite ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Carbon Fiber Reinforced

A very interesting field of research on advanced composite materials is the possibility to integrate new functionalities and specific improvements acting on the matrix of the composite by means of a nanocharged resin. In this way, the composite becomes a so-called “multiscale composite” in which the different phases change from nano to macro scale. For example, the incorporation of nanoscale conductive fillers with intrinsically high electrical conductivity could allow a tailoring of this property for the final material. The properties of carbon nanotubes (CNT) make them an effective candidate as fillers in polymer composite systems to obtain ultralight structural materials with advanced electrical and thermal characteristics. Nevertheless, several problems are related to the distribution in the matrix and to the processability of the systems filled with CNT. Existing liquid molding processes such as resin transfer molding (RTM) and vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) can be adapted to produce carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) impregnated with CNT nanofilled resins. Unfortunately, the loading of more than 0.3-0.5% of CNT can lead to high resin viscosities that are unacceptable for such kind of processes. In addition to the viscosity issues that are related to the high CNT content, a filtration effect of the nanofillers caused by the fibrous medium may also lead to inadequate final component quality. This work describes the development of an effective manufacturing process of a fiber-reinforced multiscale composite panel, with a tetra-functional epoxy matrix loaded with carbon nanotubes to increase its electrical properties and with GPOSS to increase its resistance to fire. A first approach has been attempted with a traditional liquid infusion process. As already anticipated, this technique has shown considerable difficulties related both to the low level of impregnation achieved, due to the high viscosity of the resin, and to the filtration effects of the dispersed nanocharges. To overcome these problems, an opportunely modified process based on a sort of film infusion has been proposed. This modification has given an acceptable result in terms of impregnation and morphological arrangement of CNTs in nanofilled CFRP. Finally, the developed infiltration technique has been tested for the manufacture of a carbon fiber-reinforced panel with a more complex shape.

Effect of Press Condition on the Mechanical Properties of GFRTP Molded by the Melted Thermoplastic-Resin Transfer Molding

2018 ◽  
Vol 774 ◽  
pp. 367-372
Author(s):  
Kazuto Tanaka ◽  
Akihiro Hirata ◽  
Tsutao Katayama
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Shell Structure ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Resin Transfer Molding ◽  
Outer Shell ◽  
Fiber Reinforced ◽  
Thermoplastic Resin ◽  
Transfer Molding ◽  
Reinforced Thermoplastics ◽  
Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics

The application of Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics (FRTP) is expected to reduce the weight of automobiles. The press and injection hybrid molding method was developed to mold FRTP with high strength and high stiffness by giving complicated shapes such as ribs and bosses to the outer shell structure of FRTP with continuous fiber. However, as this method uses high-cost FRTP laminated sheets, it is necessary to develop a low-cost FRTP manufacturing process. In this study, we aim at the development of Melted Thermoplastic-Resin Transfer Molding (MT-RTM) to mold FRTP with complicated shape at low cost by injecting melted short fiber reinforced thermoplastics into dry fabric. The effects of press condition on the mechanical properties of GFRTP molded by MT-RTM were clarified by bending tests. GFRTP molded at high mold temperature and high closing speed showed high mechanical properties because of good impregnation of injection resin into continuous fabric in the outer shell structure.

scholarly journals In-Situ Void Content Measurements during Resin Transfer Molding

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryosuke MATSUZAKI ◽  
Daigo SETO ◽  
Akira TODOROKI ◽  
Yoshihiro MIZUTANI
Keyword(s):  
Resin Transfer Molding ◽  
Void Content ◽  
Transfer Molding

Process-Oriented Determination of Preform Permeability and Matrix Viscosity during Mold Filling in Resin Transfer Molding

2015 ◽  
Vol 825-826 ◽  
pp. 822-829 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dino Magagnato ◽  
Frank Henning
Keyword(s):  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Resin Transfer Molding ◽  
Matrix Material ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Test Fluid ◽  
Transfer Molding ◽  
Reinforced Plastics ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Reactive Matrix

The resin transfer molding (RTM) offers great conditions for mass production of fiber reinforced plastics. In this process, preformed fiber textiles are infiltrated with matrix material (for example: epoxy resin). During the infiltration, the matrix material starts a curing process until the complete consolidation. After the de-molding and a short post-processing step, the final part is ready to use. To reduce the cycle time for the RTM manufacturing, it is necessary to model and predict the flow behavior of the matrix material in a realistic way. An important parameter is the preform permeability, which characterizes the flow resistance of fibers against the flowing matrix material.In this study a new measurement setup is presented, which is able to determine the permeability directly during the manufacturing process, with integrated pressure and temperature sensors. This approach has many advantages against conventional measurement setups, that try to recreate the RTM process with a simple replication. With these replicas, it is only possible to simulate low flow velocities and pressures. Dynamic effects that occur at higher velocities cannot be regarded. Furthermore, the new setup has the advantage that measurement artifacts, like capillarity, have a lower impact. In addition to that, the infiltration can be done with a constant viscosity test fluid as well as with reactive matrix material. Thus, it allows further determination of the time depending viscosity.

Assessment of Flow and Cure Monitoring Using Direct Current and Alternating Current Sensing in Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding

1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nitesh C. Jadhav ◽  
Uday K. Vaidya ◽  
Mahesh V. Hosur ◽  
John W. Gillespie ◽  
Bruce K. Fink
Keyword(s):  
Direct Current ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Resin Transfer Molding ◽  
Alternating Current ◽  
Composite Panel ◽  
Current Sensing ◽  
Transfer Molding ◽  
Cure Monitoring ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Automated Fiber Placement

Abstract Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) is an emerging manufacturing technique that holds promise as an affordable alternative to traditional autoclave molding and automated fiber placement for producing large scale structural parts. In VARTM, the fibrous preform is laid on a single sided tool, which is then bagged along with the infusion and vacuum lines. The resin is then infused through the preform, which causes simultaneous wetting in its in-plane and transverse directions. An effective sensing technique is essential so that comprehensive information pertaining to the wetting of the preform, arrival of resin at various locations, cure gradients associated with thickness and presence of dry spots may be monitored. In the current work, direct current and alternating current sensing/monitoring techniques were adopted for developing a systematic understanding of resin position and cure on plain weave S2-Glass preforms with Dow Derakane vinyl ester VE 411-350, Shell EPON RSL 2704/2705 and Si-AN epoxy as the matrix systems. The SMARTweave DC sensing system was utilized to conduct parametric studies a) to compare the flow and cure of resin through the stitched and non-stitched preforms, b) influence of sensor positioning, i.e., top, middle and bottom layers, c) influence of positioning of the process accessories, i.e., resin infusion point and vacuum point on the composite panel. The SMARTweave system was found to be sensitive to all the parametric variations introduced in the study. Furthermore, the results obtained from the SMARTweave system were compared to the cure monitored from embedded IDEX dielectric sensors. The results indicate that SMARTweave sensing was a viable alternative to obtaining resin position and cure, and more superior in terms of obtaining global information in contrast to the localized dielectric sensing approach.

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