The effect of microwave resin preheating on the quality of laminates produced by resin transfer molding

Cycle times in resin transfer molding (RTM) of an unsaturated polyester have been reduced significantly using an in‐line microwave resin preheating system. Microwave preheating lowers the resin viscosity during injection and modifies the thermal age of the resin, potentially influencing the quality...

Full description

Saved in:

Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Polymer composites 1997-04, Vol.18 (2), p.185-197
Main Authors:	Johnson, M. S., Rudd, C. D., Hill, D. J.
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Applied sciences Exact sciences and technology Injection moulding Machinery and processing Moulding Plastics Polymer industry, paints, wood Technology of polymers
Online Access:	Request full text
Tags:	Add Tag No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!

Description
Summary:	Cycle times in resin transfer molding (RTM) of an unsaturated polyester have been reduced significantly using an in‐line microwave resin preheating system. Microwave preheating lowers the resin viscosity during injection and modifies the thermal age of the resin, potentially influencing the quality of RTM laminates. The tensile properties of RTM laminates have been measured with regard to improved fiber wet‐out by the lower viscosity resin. Degree of cure measurements have been included to establish the effect of microwave preheating on resin conversion within the laminate. Local pressure that develops within the mold during the cure phase can lead to mold deflections. Variations in the laminate thickness associated with these deflections are presented, and the use of microwave resin preheating to reduce these variations is discussed.
ISSN:	0272-8397 1548-0569