Surface Analysis of Phenolic Composites Obtained By RTM Process

Abstract

Phenolic composites coupled with RTM process are being used more and more on the automation market. One of the major problems encountered is the surface aspect of the fabric produced due to volatile and air entrapment on the surface in contact with the mould. To improve the process is necessary to primarily develop adequate techniques dedicated to surface analysis. Different techniques have been developed: Image analysis and roughness determinations. Image analysis techniques allow to determine surface aspect parameters such as the area fraction or to establish granulometric repartition in sizes of the open pores. This tool seems to be adapted to the surface aspect analysis. Finally, for the process we have noticed an interest using surface veils to improve the surface aspect of the fabrics in order to eliminate the gelcoat phase.

Effects of fibre surface silanisation on silica fibre/phenolics composites produced by resin transfer moulding process

“…Phenolic resin based composites obtained by the resin transfer moulding (RTM) process have been extensively used in the aerospace industry and in commercial applications for their outstanding fire resistance and cost effectiveness. [1][2][3] A typical RTM process involves injecting a liquid resin into a mould cavity containing a dry fibrous assembly and then curing the resin infused preform at varying levels of heat, both external and chemical reaction derived. The advantages of RTM over most traditional polymer composite manufacturing processes include relatively short cycle times with good surface quality, the ability to fabricate large complex structures and low investment costs for equipment and tooling.…”

Simulation of air bubble’s creation, compression, and transport phenomena in resin transfer moulding

“…Air bubbles are formed during the process or by evaporation; they claim to the surface of the part and increase its roughness. Many works [16][17][18] highlighted this problematic, in particular, pinholes created when the resin boiling temperature is reached. Therefore, study of air bubbles generation has gained much attention and interest among the scientists, especially in the case of parts for structural applications.…”

Resin transfer moulded silica fibre/phenolics composites fabricated via solution impregnation route

“…Resin transfer moulding (RTM) may be evaluated as a reliable and attractive technology to demonstrate acceptable cost and sufficient improvements in performances. [1][2][3] A typical RTM process involves injecting a liquid resin into a mould cavity containing a dry fibrous assembly and then curing the resin infused preform at varying levels of heat, both external and chemical reaction derived. The advantages of RTM over most traditional polymer composite manufacturing processes include relatively short cycle times with good surface quality, the ability to fabricate large complex structures and low investment costs for equipment and tooling.…”