ISSN: 0884-6804
CODEN: JCTRER
Page Count: 4

Characterizing Rheological Cure Behavior of Epoxy Composite Materials
Thuen, JM
Narmco Materials Inc., CA

Hinrichs, RJ
Narmco Materials Inc., CA

Abstract

Composite structures are now being fabricated into primary aircraft components. These laminates are critical to the structural integrity of the aircraft and represent significant material-labor costs to produce. Unfortunately, most fabrication facilities experience random, apparently unexplained, part rejections due to variations in cure ply thickness, porosity, and voids. This study deals with the application of rheological characterization techniques to elucidate the unpredictable process behavior of composite structures. The rheological properties of epoxy polymers are directly related to the reaction cure dynamics, flow, gas-liquid transport, and consolidation of the laminate.

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Paper ID: CTR10705J
DOI: 10.1520/CTR10705J
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