Effect of infrared cure parameters on the mechanical properties of polymer composite laminates

Abstract

In this study, an attempt has been made to use infrared radiation curing as an alternative to conventional thermal curing for glass fiber-reinforced epoxy amine matrix composites in order to reduce the curing time without compromising on the properties of composite. Central composite design experimental technique is used to study the influence of infrared cure parameters. Distance from infrared source to composite laminate (A), curing schedule (B), and volume (C) of the composite were the factors considered, tensile and flexural strength were the responses measured to study the effect of process parameters. ANOVA, regression analysis was used to build the models. Contour and overlaid graphs were drawn to understand the relationship between the factors. It is shown that it is possible to achieve tensile strength and flexural strength of around 400 MPa with the IR curing schedule of 70 min. IR curing of polymer composites can be a viable alternative to thermal curing.