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Abstract

An investigation into the mechanical behavior of microwave-cured glass–epoxy composites is carried out and the results are compared with those of thermally cured composites. Microwave curing of a glass fiber reinforced bifunctional epoxy resin system (LY556/HY951) is carried out in custom-built, multi-mode, industrial microwave cure equipment operating at a frequency of 2450 MHz. Through tensile, compression, and flexural strength tests, it is demonstrated that while the mechanical properties of microwave-cured composites compare well with those of the thermally cured ones, the microwave curing process, per se, results in a significant reduction in the process cycle time and power consumption.

Keywords

microwave cure thermal cure glass–epoxy composite glass transition temperature (Tg)mechanical properties

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References

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Studies on Mechanical Behavior of Microwave and Thermally Cured Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

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