The Continuous Cuing Process for Thermoset Polymer Composites. Part 1: Modeling and Demonstration

Abstract
This paper presents a new manufacturing method, continuous curing, that is specifically engineered for extremely thick parts made from thermosetting polymer matrix compounds. In this process, matrix curing takes place continuously as the precursor material is being laid down. The energy for curing is obtained from the exothermic curing reaction through controlled heat release; once started, the process is self-sustaining. Thermal spiking, an unavoidable feature of autoclave curing, can be completely eliminated in continuous curing by manipulating the process parameters. In addition, manufacturing times are reduced by an order of magnitude or more.

This publication has 4 references indexed in Scilit: