Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2016-6
Rapid curing vacuum-assisted resin infusion molding using silicone rubber sheet heater and the effect of cooling process on the properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites
Silicone rubber sheet heater-aided vacuum-assisted resin infusion molding was developed in order to shorten curing cycle time. Three kinds of cooling methods, including air cooling, air water cooling, and water cooling, were employed; the effects of cooling process on processing time, residual strains, and mechanical properties were experimentally studied. The residual strains generated in cooling stage were monitored by embedded strain gauges. The results showed that in order to avoid serious residual strains and lower mechanical properties, the cooling rate of the silicone rubber sheet heater-aided vacuum-assisted resin infusion molding process should be designed carefully. Slow cooling rate before glass transition temperature of the composites and rapid cooling rate after it might be a practical method to maintain both high processing efficiency and acceptable mechanical properties.
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