LRI-HiT · Investigations of liquid resin impregnation and out-of-autoclave curing of composites for the high temperature aerospace applications

One of the areas where composite materials are increasingly being used as replacements for conventional materials is in high temperature applications. Ceramic or metal Matrix Composites have become popular in applications that require high-temperature resistance. Their high costs of fabrication have limited their usage. This research, however, focuses on the needs of the aerospace industry in connection with the use of high temperature polymer matrix composites for structural components in the vicinity of power units. In this project, the partners investigates the issues related to processing of high temperature resin system using the resin infusion process, especially vacuum assisted resin infusion (VARI) system a cost effective method for manufacturing composite materials. Various initial trials will help to understand the polymeric resin systems (epoxy, cyanate ester, benzoxazine, bismaleimid, and their blends, etc.), dynamics of the used VARI and Quickstep (an out-of-autoclave, OoA) process and identify critical factors and key parameters. Based on the material selection and process screening, various laminates will be tested for mechanical properties and thermal properties and the results will be compared with the requirements. Processing investigations for the eco friendly manufacturing concepts and optimization of polymeric resins and their cure kinetics leads to demonstration of liquid resin infusion-OoA methodology and manufacture a set component for further analysis. This investigation ends with the recommendation on serial production and automation of the processes.