3D spacers enhance flow kinetics in resin transfer molding with woven fabrics
Autor: | Damiano Salvatori, Véronique Michaud, Baris Caglar |
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Předmět: |
Materials science
Transfer molding Composite number Core (manufacturing) 02 engineering and technology 010402 general chemistry 01 natural sciences Permeability chemistry.chemical_compound Preform Phase (matter) Composite material chemistry.chemical_classification 3-D printing Resin transfer moulding (RTM) Flexural modulus Polymer Epoxy 021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology 0104 chemical sciences chemistry Mechanics of Materials visual_art Polycaprolactone Ceramics and Composites visual_art.visual_art_medium 0210 nano-technology |
Popis: | Impregnation time in Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) is directly proportional to resin viscosity and inversely proportional to fabric permeability, limiting the use of high-viscosity resins with conventional reinforcements. In this study, we show how to reduce the impregnation time in RTM by introducing a second solid phase (spacer) in the core of a fabric stack, fabricated by 3D-printing of a polymer phase, which can remain intact or collapse after resin impregnation. An increase of almost two orders of magnitude of the in-plane flow kinetics was obtained, with, however, exacerbated dual-scale flow behavior. The spacers were most effective when an alternative two-step impregnation strategy was adopted, allowing 75% reduction of impregnation time. As proof of concept, two composite plates with spacers made of either poly(lactic acid) (PLA) or polycaprolactone (PCL) were produced via RTM with epoxy resin to demonstrate respectively a stiffening (+20% bending modulus) or collapse of the spacer through melting of the PCL during epoxy cure. |
Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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