Dynamic thermomechanical analysis of a prepreg— applications to industrial curing

Abstract

The fabrication of a composite structure with a fibre/resin reinforced system simultaneously requires:

• 1.

  (a) a thermal cycle to cure the matrix,

• 2.

  (b) a pressure to compact the system.

The optimisation of composites with high mechanical properties from a curing cycle is a compromise between the effect of the thermal cycle on the resin and that of pressure on the prepreg compacting capabilities.

With dynamic thermomechanical methods of tests, it is possible to follow a given cycle for the progress of resin curing and to determine the starting point in time of gellification. This point is the point appropriate to pressure application on the lay-up so as to obtain the best possible composite material.