A Novel Approach to Fast Net-Shape Manufacturing of Braided Epoxy Composites

Abstract

Braiding is an efficient method of arranging fibers. Fiber orientation and placement can be precisely controlled by the braiding mechanism. Two limitations to the fast manufacturing of braided composites have been the impregnation and thermal curing process of the resin. The resin application process is limited by the nature of braiding mechanism. Thermal curing of resin has a slow heating rate, and is controlled by the heat transfer process. The purpose of this study is to develop a novel process that can be suitable for the braiding process and the fast fabrication of the products. The effect of microwave curing on the kinematics of the glass-epoxy composite system and the relations among the microwave radiation parameters (such as radiation time and power setting) and network structures are addressed. Manufacturing, testing and properties of net-shape, braided epoxy composites are given. How to carefully analyze, balance these important factors and finally find the best solution for the novel processing of braided net-shape composites is explained.

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