Effect of material and process variables on the performance of resin-transfer-molded epoxy fabric composites

Abstract

The effects of material and process variables on glass fabric-reinforced epoxy composites by the resin-transfer molding (RTM) process were studied. It was found that the molded aged resin with 55% fiber exhibited twice the mold-filling time and caused a 7-15% deterioration in the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and in the flexural strength of the composites as compared to those of the composites molded with fresh resin. At a 55% fiber volume fraction, composites molded with aged resin resulted in a 35% longer filling time and a 4-12% decreased ILSS and flexural strength as compared to those of the composites at a 44% fiber volume fraction. Moldings with a perimeter inlet exhibited a 65% shorter mold-filling time, 28% reduced void content, and 6% improved flexural strength as compared to those of the composites molded with the center inlet. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.