RTM CARBON COMPOSITES: INFLUENCE OF PROCESS PARAMETERS ON COMPRESSION STRENGTH AFTER IMPACT

Overview & Synopsis

By using the Taguchi method of experimental design, it has been possible to demonstrate the influence of some processing factors on compression strength after impact of carbon/epoxy composite materials processed by resin transfer molding. The parameters studied were injection and holding pressure, mold temperature, fiber bundle size, tackifier level, injection type and the interaction between injection pressure and mold temperature. Statistical analysis of results leads to the conclusion that temperature and pressure conditions modify the interface properties. Moreover, fiber bundle size, pressure, temperature and most likely tackifier level affect the post impact compressive behavior of the materials. Nevertheless, RTM can be considered as tolerant to process conditions variations.