Matrix Characterization and Development for the Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding Proc.pdfVIP

Matrix Characterization and Development for the Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding Process B. W. Grimsley, P. Hubert, T. H. Hou, R. J. Cano, A. C. Loos, R. B. Pipes ABSTRACT The curing kinetics and viscosity of an epoxy resin system, SI-ZG-5A, have been characterized for application in the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. Impregnation of a typical carbon fiber perform provided the test bed for the characterization. Process simulations were carried out using the process model, COMPRO [8], to examine heat transfer and curing kinetics for a fully impregnated panel, neglecting resin flow. The predicted viscosity profile and final degree of cure were found to be in good agreement with experimental observations. INTRODUCTION The VARTM process has been developed over the last ten years for application in both commercial and military, ground-based and marine composite structures [1-3]. The process has advantages over conventional RTM by eliminating the costs associated with matched-metal mold making, volatiles emission, and allowing high injection pressures [4]. VARTM is typically a three-step process including lay-up of a fiber preform, impregnation of the preform with resin, and cure of the impregnated panel. The reinforcement, in the form of woven carbon or glass fabric, is laid onto a rigid tool surface. The matched metal top commonly found in RTM is replaced in the VARTM process by a formable vacuum bag material. The resin is injected through a single or multiple inlet ports depending upon part size and shape. A vacuum port allows the fiber preform to be evacuated prior to in