Cure monitoring of CFRP composites by dynamic mechanical analyser. (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kister, Guillaume; Dossi, Eleftheria
• Is Part Of: Polymer testing. Volume 47(2015:Oct.)
• Page Start: 71
• Page End: 78
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Composite -- Curing -- DMA -- Gelation -- Vitrification -- Dynamic mechanical analysis; Polymers -- Testing -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Tests -- Périodiques; 620.1920287
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2015.08.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-9418

Abstract

Abstract: The cure characteristics of carbon/MTM44-1 epoxy composite prepreg and neat MTM44-1 epoxy resin are monitored using a dynamic mechanical analyser (DMA). This study also assesses whether the simple containment device recommended by the DMA manufacturer for powder and gel is suitable for prepregs. The device is a disposable 0.1-mm thick stainless steel pocket. The cure behaviour of the packaged materials is compared with that of the unpackaged prepreg. All the samples are cured following the manufacturer's 180°C-isothermal schedule with heating rates of 2 °C/min and 5 °C/min. The tests highlight that: (i) the cure of composite prepregs and resin can be monitored using a DMA; (ii) the stainless steel pocket does not influence the cure of the prepreg and resin; and (iii) the softening and melting of the uncured resin, the resin low viscosity state and the subsequent gelation-vitrification-solidification of the resin are detected with this method.