Development of an Epoxy Carbon Fiber Reinforced Roof Frame Using the High Pressure Resin Transfer Molding (HP-RTM) Process

Author(s):  
Cedric A. Ball ◽  
Stephen Greydanus ◽  
Ian Swentek ◽  
Kameswara Rao Nara
2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
R. Volponi ◽  
P. Spena ◽  
F. De Nicola ◽  
L. Guadagno

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.


2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 717-725 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Lopez-Arraiza ◽  
I. Amenabar ◽  
A. Agirregomezkorta ◽  
M. Sarrionandia ◽  
J. Aurrekoetxea

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boris A. Bulgakov ◽  
Artem V. Sulimov ◽  
Alexander V. Babkin ◽  
Dmitry V. Afanasiev ◽  
Alexander V. Solopchenko ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Hong-Ming Lin ◽  
C. H. Liu ◽  
R. F. Lee

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a crystallizable thermoplastic used as composite matrix materials in application which requires high yield stress, high toughness, long term high temperature service, and resistance to solvent and radiation. There have been several reports on the crystallization behavior of neat PEEK and of CF/PEEK composite. Other reports discussed the effects of crystallization on the mechanical properties of PEEK and CF/PEEK composites. However, these reports were all concerned with the crystallization or melting processes at or close to atmospheric pressure. Thus, the effects of high pressure on the crystallization of CF/PEEK will be examined in this study.The continuous carbon fiber reinforced PEEK (CF/PEEK) laminate composite with 68 wt.% of fibers was obtained from Imperial Chemical Industry (ICI). For the high pressure experiments, HIP was used to keep these samples under 1000, 1500 or 2000 atm. Then the samples were slowly cooled from 420 °C to 60 °C in the cooling rate about 1 - 2 degree per minute to induce high pressure crystallization. After the high pressure treatment, the samples were scanned in regular DSC to study the crystallinity and the melting temperature. Following the regular polishing, etching, and gold coating of the sample surface, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to image the microstructure of the crystals. Also the samples about 25mmx5mmx3mm were prepared for the 3-point bending tests.


2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 2143-2152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoping Chen ◽  
Lihua Zhan ◽  
Minghui Huang ◽  
Tengfei Chang ◽  
Shujian Li ◽  
...  

1999 ◽  
Vol 121 (04) ◽  
pp. 58-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gale Morrison

This article reviews the advanced resin transfer molding (RTM) process of GKN Westland Aerospace. This process is refined enough, with customized equipment and a proprietary resin binding material, so that hundreds of different aircraft parts that would otherwise be heavier (made of titanium) are being produced for customers that include GE, Pratt & Whitney, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing. GKN is making five-axis, hollow vein, and integrated attachment nodes. It has produced carbon-fiber and resin components as thick as 3½ inches, and designs can combine what were many parts. Depending on the part and desired strength (in the desired directions), the fiber tow is woven in a variety of ways. For strength in mainly one direction, the engineers specify that 75 percent of the tow runs in one direction and just 25 percent of it is used to weave across it, for example. The next step in GKN’s advanced RTM evolution is a unihybrid composite that takes great loads in just one direction and can be made very thick, up to 3½ inches. A slightly less rigorous process has already been licensed, to a company in Mexico that produces a component for the Dodge Viper sports car.


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